The Five Minute Interview with Glenn Brown, Sales Desk Manager, Commercial Mortgages, Shawbrook Bank

By Tony Sanchez 2nd July 2014

Shawbrook is a specialist savings and lending bank that offers a straightforward, no-nonsense alternative to the high street. In August 2012 Shawbrook announced it had broken even less than a year since it launched.

We speak to Sales Desk Manager, Commercial Mortgages, Glenn Brown:

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

I really enjoy the fast-paced and dynamic nature, and it’s great to have continuous opportunities to provide a quick and efficient service for our brokers.

What keeps you focused?

The desire to provide a consistently professional service for our brokers, clients and colleagues.

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

Customer-focused behaviour is really important, as is the attitude “treat people how you wish to be treated”. This belief is something that I think Shawbrook delivers really well in its business.

Are you an optimist or pessimist?

Definitely an optimist – we should all focus on the positives!

What did you want to be as a child?

Like many kids, I wanted to be a professional footballer. Sadly, obtaining an education, playing competitive tennis and getting a girlfriend were all prioritised…

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

I think the biggest challenge is how the bridging market will adapt to ensure good customer outcomes within a tighter regulatory environment.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Eddie Izzard – I appreciate post-Monty Python surreal comedy.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Not at all, I see the dawn of every new week as the start of a series of challenges and opportunities and I thoroughly enjoy working with the teams internally and speaking to brokers on a daily basis. The Sales Desk is pretty fast paced and every day seems to fly by.

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

I’d be younger so I could have another crack at football – the knees aren’t what they used to be! Although, I like to think I’m still a valuable contributor to my current 5-a-side team.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Nelson Mandela – an inspiration to everyone.