‘Maybe one day I could teach bridging finance at university’

By Tony Sanchez 10th May 2022

In our latest Five Minute Interview, Tony Sanchez speaks to Kim Parker, Business Development Executive at Hope Capital.

Kim has over 11 years’ experience in the financial services industry across various roles.

With a background in both secured and unsecured lending and relationship management services, Kim is well placed to support brokers and borrowers with their enquiries and reach a positive solution for all involved.

Kim is an Internal Business Development Executive at Hope Capital and will be your first point of contact to discuss your bridging loan requirements.

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

I like the challenge the bridging finance industry presents. When we receive a deal, we have a lot more flexibility when it comes to finding a solution, as we are an unregulated lender.

Ultimately, we are not stuck in a box. This makes my job exciting and rewarding because while it can at times be tricky to find a suitable option for the client, there enables an opportunity for us to work closely with the broker to make the deal work.

In terms of the bridging industry itself, this is a growing sector which is becoming increasingly popular with brokers and therefore it is brilliant to be a part of it.

What keeps you focused?

I am a competitive person and always trying to do things which will improve my development and growth.

Having that attitude means I am always focusing on making sure I am performing to the best of my ability.

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

Likeminded, driven, hardworking team players. Also, people who are focused on their job, but don’t take themselves too seriously.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Is a realist an option? I don’t think you can look at everything with rose tinted glasses as life is not always like that.

Of course, I try and think of the best outcome in every situation, but I think it’s a good approach to take everything with a balanced perspective.

What did you want to be as a child?

A schoolteacher or lecturer. Maybe one day I could teach bridging finance at university, who knows…!

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

Most probably all the uncertainty in the economy, coupled with the increase in inflation costs.

Predicting what will happen in the upcoming months is difficult to forecast.

With that being said, we continue to see a strong demand for our bridging finance options, meaning there is still a level of confidence in the property market, which is great!

Who or what makes you laugh?

My two kids for sure! They are so innocent and come out with the funniest of things. I can’t wait to remind and embarrass them when they’re older!

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Unpopular opinion, but I can honestly say that I don’t at all. I like the idea of having a fresh start and being organised.

That doesn’t mean I like the sound of the alarm and the initial getting up part though!!

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

I like to have a routine and when I get stuck into something I get really focused, so I struggle when someone interrupts what I’m doing.

I suppose this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I don’t think there would be any harm in breaking the pattern at times.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Can I invite two? If so, Michael Jackson and Princess Diana. They both lived such public lives that I would want to see if how they were portrayed by the media was accurate.