The Five Minute Interview with Christian Gugolz, Business Development Manager, MTF

By Tony Sanchez 30th January 2017

MTF is a leading bridging finance lender specialising in short term loans including auction finance, and bridging loans on both a first and second charge basis and is recognised throughout the industry for its speed and service.

Established in 2008, the company has won multiple awards including Best Bridging Finance Provider at the Business Moneyfacts Awards 2016, Service Excellence Award at the Bridging & Commercial Awards 2015 and Best Service from a Bridging Finance Provider at the Business Moneyfacts Awards 2014. It was named ‘Short-term Lender of the Year by the NACFB in 2014.

We speak to business development manager, Christian Gugolz:

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

I love how fast paced bridging is, it really keeps you on your toes!

What keeps you focused?

The happiness of our introducers and clients. At MTF, we pride ourselves on delivering the very highest standards of service, and ensuring our introducers and clients are happy really keeps me on track.

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

Team player, positivity and ambition.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

I like to think I am an optimist, but I am always one to analyse a situation before deciding!

What did you want to be as a child?

I always wanted to be a professional sportsman – either a pro footballer or a pro golfer would have been my dream. Unfortunately my ability held me back!

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

2016 was a volatile year that saw issuance levels rise and fall against a backdrop of major geopolitical and economic events, including Brexit and Trump’s US election win.

As a result, there’s a degree of uncertainty over how these events will hit a UK economy in 2017. However, despite uncertainties in the wider markets, we expect strong demand for bridging loans to continue in 2017.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Micky Flanagan! I’m don’t think I need to elaborate too much on that one, the guy is hilarious. I also love The Office, I think Ricky Gervais is a genius!

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Since joining MTF, there are no Monday morning struggles. I work with a fantastic team and great introducers, which makes getting up in the mornings easy.

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

Making more time to keep fit and go to the gym. If I could rate my will power it would be 2/10, so having the ability to refuse that extra drink or cake would be great.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Gianfranco Zola, as he is my footballing hero, Sir David Attenborough for his story-telling, Stephen Fry for his knowledge and Frank Sinatra for his music! The makings of a great dinner party right there!