It's episode 100! To mark this milestone, Michael sits down with Jordan McBriar and D’mitri Zaprzala, directors of the newly launched Broker Club. The pair reveal their ambitious plan to create a nationwide network of specialist brokers covering all 48 counties across England and Wales—and they're already 42 counties in with 68 applications. This isn't just another networking group; it's a genuine collaboration model designed for established one to three-person brokerages who want to be part of something bigger. They discuss the overwhelming response from the market, unexpected benefits that emerged, lender reactions, and what makes a good broker-lender relationship. Plus, there's some friendly football banter between an Arsenal and a Man City fan. If you're curious about the future of specialist brokering and what happens when you bring the best regional brokers under one roof, this is essential listening.

Guests: Jordan McBriar and D’mitri Zaprzala

Guest Socials:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-mcbriar-19341477/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/d-mitri-zaprzala-70416819/

Sponsored by: Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com

#SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #Recruitment #SpecialistLending #Bridging #Development #Business #Leadership #Hiring #TalentAcquisition #FounderSyndrome #Headhunting #FinancialServices #CareerDevelopment #StartupGrowth #PropertyDevelopment #RealEstateFinance #BusinessStrategy #TeamBuilding #Entrepreneurship

George Ormerod, Relationship Manager at Avamore Capital, takes us through his unconventional journey from COVID-era estate agent at Foxtons to rising star in development finance. We dive into the reality behind the Foxtons reputation, explore the transferable skills that set George apart (spoiler: it's not about dropping donuts), and discuss why picking up the phone still matters in a WhatsApp world. George shares hard-won lessons about building trust without over-promising, breaking into competitive broker relationships, and why being memorable – even if you're Marmite – beats being forgettable every time. Plus, we examine the current property market, debate flats versus houses, discuss tech adoption battles (George is now a believer), and reveal why patience and persistence trump overnight success. If you're curious about what separates average BDMs from exceptional ones, this conversation delivers the blueprint.

Guest: George Ormerod, Relationship Manager at Avamore Capital

Guest Socials:

go@avamorecapital.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-ormerod-126aa61aa/

Sponsored by:

Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com

#SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #Recruitment #SpecialistLending #Bridging #Development #Business #Leadership #Hiring #TalentAcquisition #FounderSyndrome #Headhunting #FinancialServices #CareerDevelopment #StartupGrowth #PropertyDevelopment #RealEstateFinance #BusinessStrategy #TeamBuilding #Entrepreneurship

Ash Ajaz, aka The People's Broker and founder of Focus Finance Solutions, shares his remarkable journey from being pushed into entrepreneurship in 2020 to building a thriving brokerage with over 500 educational YouTube videos. We explore why he believes the toughest years for brokers created the best opportunities, how he uses education as his secret weapon for lead generation (with clients calling from Dubai after discovering his content), and why checking your credit score regularly isn't just smart – it's essential. Ash breaks down why the SME finance market is criminally underserved, reveals the pitfalls that kill developer profits (hello, building control nightmares), and explains his 'jab, jab, jab, right hook' approach to content creation. Plus, we discuss why AI is a tool not a threat, the importance of building a personal brand that means something, and why teaching his eight-year-old Excel might be the smartest investment he's making. If you're wondering how to stand out in a crowded market through authentic education and relentless consistency, this conversation is your blueprint.

Guest: Ash Ajaz, Founder & CEO of Focus Finance Solutions (The People's Broker)

Guest Socials: @thepeoplesbroker

https://www.instagram.com/thepeoplesbroker/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashajaz/

https://www.tiktok.com/@the.peoples.broker

https://www.youtube.com/@focusfinancechannel

Sponsored by:

Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com

#SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #Recruitment #SpecialistLending #Bridging #Development #Business #Leadership #Hiring #TalentAcquisition #FounderSyndrome #Headhunting #FinancialServices #CareerDevelopment #StartupGrowth #PropertyDevelopment #RealEstateFinance #BusinessStrategy #TeamBuilding #Entrepreneurship