What do a lawyer, a pharmacist and a real estate agent all have in common? They each invested in a franchise opportunity with Mortgage Choice last year.

In addition to a lawyer, pharmacist and real estate agent, some of the other interesting backgrounds found among franchise start-ups for 2009 are nursing, civil aviation safety, financial planning, landscaping and the music industry.

Wayne Jones, one of the recent new franchisees, moved from a position as a finance manager in a private hospital. Having always wanted to “work with people”, he felt that becoming a franchisee in the mortgage broking industry would provide that opportunity.

“In my last job I mostly dealt with employees, doctors and suppliers whereas today it’s mostly younger first home-buyers just starting out in life – a total contrast,” he says. “The best part is, no doubt, the satisfaction of finding a home loan for someone when they have either been rejected by a lender or just thought they wouldn’t qualify for a loan.

“The people I have helped are truly grateful for the service I provide in finding a solution for them, and have not only referred their family and friends to me but have expressed it with cards and even an expensive bottle of scotch!”

For Paul Holland, previously a real estate agent and the owner of a landscaping business, entering the finance industry also meant helping people achieve their financial goals.

“And I wanted the benefits of owning my own business. I chose Mortgage Choice because it is the most independent, large and well known brand plus it has a terrific support structure and is very client focused. This goes a long way to helping me hit the ground running.

“My business philosophy is to always be client focused and remember that building quality relationships with clients will encourage referrals – the cornerstone of a successful mortgage broking operation.

“My family was excited about the move and thought it is a good fit for my personality.”