‘I am humble but I love to win’

By Tony Sanchez 12th May 2021

VIBE Finance launched in April 2018 from Kim McGinley’s home office and now occupies it’s own commercial premises with a team of Advisers, Case Managers & Sales Support.

Focusing on a niche area of the market, VIBE specialise in arranging finance options for all types of investment properties mainly being buy to let, HMO’s, multi-unit blocks and commercial units whether it be term loans or short term; bridging & development.

Tony Sanchez speaks to Specialist Mortgage Advisor, Craig Smith.

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

Cliché I know, but it’s so varied and being fast paced; it’s a perfect match for my working persona.

What keeps you focused?

Ultimately supporting my family keeps me focused but I am likely to be the most competitive person you would ever come across. I am humble but I love to win.

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

I look for my colleagues to have a sense of ‘togetherness’. I don’t care how perfect you may think you are; everybody has a bad day every now and then and these are the times when I respect a colleague stepping up and offering help (no matter how small the gesture)

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

100% optimist and I naturally connect with similar mindsets, no room in my life for negativity! There is always a positive to take from a negative.

What did you want to be as a child?

An actor. I have always been obsessed with movies and I actually think by watching so many this has helped me to become so adaptable in all situations.

Who or what makes you laugh?

I am very comfortable in awkward situations and find them hilarious for some reason, more cringing the better.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

No not at all! We have a great routine at VIBE where each Friday we each review and share 3 things that went well and 3 things that we are looking forward to achieving the following week (this was my idea 😉).

This positive mindset motivates me to come back to work on a Monday morning with a sense of eagerness.

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

Without a doubt it would be to become more patient. I tend to get irritated with drawn out situations and I like to get to the point. I guess I’m in the wrong industry! Ha

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Michael Jordan – His winning mentality and achievements astounds me and recently watching the documentary ‘The Last Dance’.

I found it fascinating. My favourite quote being ‘Why would I think about missing a shot I haven’t taken?’ You don’t have to be a basketball fan to be able to relate to this.