This month we talk to Sam Carpenter, Mortgage Advisor at Albion Financial Solutions and co-founder of HSBN.
How would you describe your business in one sentence?
I’m here to guide Highlanders through the process of getting their first mortgage, financing a home-move, or just renewing the mortgage they already have.
How did you get started?
After a long career in retail, I ended up as self-employed director of my own limited company, and running a few franchised shops in Elgin and Inverness.
I’d always fancied getting into mortgage advice, but I made my mind mind up after a fantastic mortgage adviser (and now colleague and good friend) helped me sort out a self-employed mortgage application so that we could move into our forever-home!
I got my mortgage qualifications not-long-after and haven’t looked back.There isn’t anything I enjoy more than guiding people from “I wonder if it’s possible…” through to move in day!
…and how are things going currently?
I’m busier than ever. Networking has helped enormously and the majority of the clients I work with are referred to me. However, I am not getting enough people from north of the Kessock Bridge so I need to get on social media!
What are the small, super-niche things that you love about your business?
I’m super-nerdy in a number of ways and one in particular is organising client emails and documents…I keep absolutely everything so it all has to have a folder, I made a bespoke naming system… it’s super-niche, super-nerdy and utterly incomprehensible to anyone but me. I bloody love it!
What is the biggest challenge about operating a small business in the Highlands?
The Highlands, more so than a lot of places, works on word-of-mouth and reputation. Up here we have some outstanding mortgage professionals in the area who have been on the go for years!
It’s taken me longer than anticipated to shoulder in amongst them and I still have some way to go before I am being recommended in the local Facebook groups!
Hence why I am so pleased to have co-founded HSBN – a nice way to regularly meet self-employed people operating in the HIghlands.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since starting your business?
I started from 0. No leads, no referrals, no “back-book” of clients to tap into. It was terrifying.
Luckily I had, and still have, support from some excellent people who got me off the ground.
None moreso than Hamish Malcolm (the DramCaddy), Jim Aitken from FSB, some amazing mentors and friends and of course my awesome family who put up with the long hours and… well… me!
If you’re lucky, you’ll find a network of incredible people who are generous with their time and knowledge and that way you can’t fail.
What’s something you and your business have done that you’re really proud of?
My firm, Albion Financial Solutions, are actually one of the biggest financial advice firms in Scotland. They are based in Dundee. They are part of an even bigger financial network called Openwork who are giant and part of the reason I have so many lenders and products to offer people.
But the bit I am massively proud of is that everyone inside Openwork (that I have spoken to!) and everyone inside Albion really, really care about getting great results for their clients. Yeah, it’s a big gushy isn’t it. I’m getting sentimental in my old age.
What’s your most popular product/service – and why do you think it is?
I work with a lot of people looking for self-employed mortgages.
They aren’t impossible by any stretch, but I think most people agree that if you are self-employed (be it sole trader or LTD co. Director) then it can really help working with a mortgage adviser. Lenders like Newcastle Building Society or Aldermore, who aren’t probably top-of-mind for many people, are awesome in these circumstances.
What’s playing in the background while you work?
Always music. I listen to a reasonably varied range of things, but Spotify would have you believe that I favour Acid New Wave Alternative. Elbow, Geese, Ty Segal and Teen Mortgage (no kidding) were on loop all of last year.
What’s your customer round-trip record?
Not the same thing, but I had a lender once ask my client to ‘pop’ into a local branch to show them ID for something quite simple. The normal process was faulty and there wasn’t a better alternative.
It all became quite urgent quite quickly so the client just jumped in the car to do it. From Brora to Aberdeen and back. Suffice to say the client wasn’t thrilled, but we did get the lender to ‘pop’ some money in their bank as a sorry for the inconvenience.
What’s your favourite way to unwind after a long day?
Not so much unwind, but we got a Peloton a while back and I am utterly in love with it. I apparently cannot execise without someone shouting cringey motivational statements at me.
Tell us one industry secret that we probably won’t know (bonus point if knowing will improve our lives!)
NO ONE KNOWS WHAT A MORTGAGE IS!
I don’t mean literally, but if you are a first-time-buyer in a panic because you think everyone else understands what interest rates are, or what a fixed rate might do for you… nah.
Not only that, but the amount of people who are coming up to their first mortgage renewal and have no idea what to do. Well, it isn’t actually surprising to me any more, but it would make most people feel a lot less daft asking for help!
What’s next for you or your business?
Get my squint wee face on social media talking to Highladers about mortgage-stuff. Not only that but I am studying for my Diploma in Financial Advice, so I will be pestering you about your pensions and investments soon (in an FCA approved way of course!).
Where can people find you?
Please come find me on Instagram or Facebook – @samgcarpenter.
If I see a load of new follows then I might finally get on with posting some stuff!
Favourite local spot
The beach at Shandwick is so incredibly good at any time of year.
Best business book you’ve ever read
The Ultimate Sales Machine – Chet Holmes.
Terrible title, delivered with unflinching arrogance… and yet it is so good. A little dated now, and the updated version isn’t pefect, but still my all time fave.
Current obsession
Kettlebells – until I seriously injure myself probably.
One thing you never leave home without
My Fisher Space Pen – told you I’m a nerd.
Favourite biscuit
Tunnocks Caramel Log – although I cannot eat them guilt free because of the associated mess.
Shout-out another small Highland’s business you love at the moment
Too many to mention:
By Sea By Land – amazing quality T-Shirts, Hoodies and Hats
IV10 – Best food, drink and coffee in the Highlands? Has my vote.
IDM Group – Probably not a ‘small’ business anymore, but these guys are awesome