Derek Mason
Derek grew up in the South East of South Australia, on a farm near Lucindale. Sadly, his father died just as he was finishing school, and the farm was eventually sold. That was in 1972, and Derek moved to Adelaide to begin what would become a 25-year career at the ANZ bank.
Following various postings within the retail area of the bank (both in Adelaide and country South Australia), Derek spent ten years as a Relationship Manager in corporate/commercial lending, before accepting a restructuring package in 1997.
“It was good timing really. Steve Marshall had recently been through a similar experience, and set up The Loan Arranger. Transitioning from banking into the Finance Broking Industry seemed like a natural extension of my skill-base – It was certainly an area I had a lot of knowledge and experience in. As it’s turned out, it was a fantastic decision.”
Derek used his extensive client network to help set up his business, and establish himself as a broker. He spent every day (and most nights) working for his clients, going the extra yards, and gaining a reputation for excellent service.
“Eventually all the hard work paid off and for the past 20 years, I have been successfully involved in the Finance Broking Industry. Now, just about all my work comes through existing client referrals, which is very pleasing. It’s nice to know you’re appreciated and trusted by your clients – it makes coming to work even more satisfying.”
When Derek isn’t working, he enjoys the odd game of golf, four-wheel driving, camping and fishing – he’s driven a number of dirt trails and fished some very remote areas in South Australia. But even if he’s travelling up the Birdsville Track, crossing the Simpson Desert or beach fishing beyond Ceduna, he’s still happy to maintain contact with his clients.
“My four wheel drive is essentially set up as a mobile office, and fitted with an inverter. I can run printers and scanners, use my laptop and charge my phone. As long as I have reception, I can be amending a contract for a client while setting up camp by a river, fifty kilometres from the nearest town.”
As the saying goes, you can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy, and Derek takes a practical, down to earth approach to everything he does.
Qualifications
Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management
Certificate IV in Financial Services (Finance/Mortgage Broking)
