‘Certainty of execution is worth its weight in gold’

In our latest Five Minute Interview, Tony Sanchez speaks with Michael Minnie, Head of Sales – Bridging at LendInvest.

Michael joined the business in 2013 when it was still operating as Montello, with a team of just 12 people, and has played a key role in its evolution into a listed lender with more than 200 employees across multiple offices.

Originally from South Africa, Michael brings a relationship-led and pragmatic approach to specialist lending, shaped by more than a decade in the bridging market.

Known for his integrity, humour, and people-first leadership style, he believes strong culture and certainty of execution are what truly differentiate lenders in an increasingly competitive market.

Outside of work, Michael is a proud South African who enjoys year-round braais (BBQs), live sport, and family life. He is a father to two young daughters who keep him busy and, by his own admission, largely off the golf course.

What is the best thing about being in the bridging finance business?

The journey. Having been here since the Montello days, I’ve seen firsthand how dynamic this industry is.

It’s rewarding to work in a sector that tangibly helps build homes. No two deals are the same, and the relationships you build along the way are what make it truly enjoyable.

What keeps you focused?

My family and my personal beliefs. With two young daughters at home, life is non-stop, but they give me a clear sense of purpose, whilst my faith provides a quiet foundation that keeps me grounded and motivated, helping me maintain perspective.

What qualities do you look for in your employees or colleagues?

Integrity, positive attitude, and definitely a sense of humour.

I’ve always believed that you can teach the basic mechanics of lending, but you can’t teach character. I can train someone on how to structure a deal, but I can’t teach them to be honest, or how not to take themselves too seriously.

We’ve grown because we’ve hired people who naturally care about the vision of the business and fit our culture.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

In sales, we need to be optimists otherwise, the constant challenges would beat us up.

I prefer to call myself a realist, simply because things very rarely go exactly to plan, but I’ve learned that any setback is quickly overshadowed by the next win.

What did you want to be as a child?

A professional rugby player. Growing up in South Africa, it’s basically part of the culture that you dream of playing for the Springboks!

Unfortunately, while my ambition kept growing, my stature decided to take a couple of days off. I realised pretty quickly I was better built for finance than a Springbok forward.

What will be the greatest challenge facing the bridging finance industry in the coming months?

Noise. The market has seen an influx of new entrants recently, which is great for competition, but it can make choices clouded for brokers and their borrowers.

The challenge now is filtering through the “too good to be true” headline rates to find lenders who can actually deliver.

In a stabilising but still complex rate environment, certainty of execution is worth its weight in gold. The cheapest rate helps no one if the deal falls through at the 11th hour.

Who or what makes you laugh?

I don’t take myself too seriously, I’ve always been a bit of a class clown, and I appreciate anyone who I can laugh with. I’m a sucker for a good practical joke.

If you can keep the mood light while getting the job done, you’re my kind of person.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

In my earlier years, I did, but that was usually because I hadn’t done my homework. Nowadays, I don’t dread them.

I feel fortunate to do work I enjoy with a team I respect (and who put up with my jokes).

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Procrastinating. I sometimes spend too much time overthinking the details before diving in. It’s something I’m constantly working on, progress over perfection.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

I could name a few famous figures, but let’s be honest, they’ve probably got better places to be! I’d rather choose my family.

My idea of perfection is a summer evening in the garden: the sound of kids playing, the scent of the braai in the air and everyone sitting down to enjoy a meal together.

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