Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisers has awarded its top franchisees for the past financial year at a gala awards dinner at the franchise company’s recent annual conference in Darwin. Following the merger between Mortgage Force and Smartline last year, franchisees from both groups were well represented on the winners list.  

Smartline managing director Chris Acret said this yearÍs award recipients were outstanding examples of quality and professionalism.  

ñNot only are they focused on providing great service and quality advice to their clients, they have all worked very hard to build highly successful businesses,î he said.  

Franchise Owner of the Year, High Achievement and Marketing Champion Awards went to Cathy Anderson of South Australia.

ñThis is the third time in a row Cathy has won the Franchise Owner of the Year,î Acret said. ñWhile her sales are outstanding, the reason Cathy has won this award again has more to do with her commitment to her clients and the Smartline team. She is a positive contributor at a state and national level, is a role model in the way she operates her business and reflects the Smartline values in everything she does.î  

The Lenders Choice Award, voted on by SmartlineÍs panel of lenders and assessed on loan submission quality and professionalism, was taken by Karen Le Comte of Queesland.

Janelle Hammer of Western Australia took the Client Care Award, based on client feedback on settlement of the loan.

Victorian franchisee Terry Azzopardi was named Rookie of the Year, and Simon Hassett from Western Australia, the Rising Star of the Year.

Kevin Lee from New South Wales, one of SmartlineÍs original franchisees, received the Spirit of Smartline Award as the franchisee who best reflects the business’s values and spirit.  

Eight people were also inducted into the Hall of Fame: Coral  Betts, Matt Brennan, Mark Brierty, Karla Degli Esposti, Peter Haffner,Craig Sherry, Steve Snook, Tony Petrevski.