Kelly Ellis is the Owner of The Mortgage Mom, a mortgage and protection practice in Streetly.
She is also mom to two young kids and loves the freedom that being self-employed brings to her lifestyle which she needs when she has to juggle school runs on a daily basis.
1. Tell us a little bit about your business…
I run a mortgage and protection business in Sutton Coldfield.
My clients range from First Time Buyers to Buy to Let landlords.
I also advise on life insurance, income protection, critical illness cover and business protection
2. How did you get into the industry?
After having children I needed to move away from a successful career in media to something that would work around my family life. I trained to be a financial adviser in 2017 and decided to concentrate on mortgages and protection. I have been doing that ever since and The Mortgage Mom was born in 2019.
3. What are the biggest opportunities and challenges in your industry?
The mortgage market has been increasingly volatile since covid and the mini budget was a disaster! Mortgage interest rates have unfortunately shot through the roof which has made it very hard for buyers and landlords. I am hopeful though that things will start to calm and settle although I don’t feel we will be seeing 1% interest rates any time soon – those days are long gone!
4. How would you describe your leadership style?
I would like to think I am approachable, realistic and sensible
5. How do you get the most out of the people who work for you?
I’m a sole trader so at the moment its just me! Looking to grow though.
6. What are the most crucial elements to your business running smoothly and being successful?
Self motivation is key. No one is looking over my shoulder timing how long I am sitting at my desk but if I don’t work I don’t get paid so I have to have a fire in my belly every day.
7. How has the past 12 months been for you?
It’s been interesting with everything that has happened in the financial markets. Lukily for me though I have remained very busy and have been fortunate that I have a lot of clients to look after.
8. What will the next 12 months look like for your business?
I am looking to grow the business and bring in 1 or 2 advisers.
9. What are the highlights of your career so far?
Every time a mortgage completes for a client who had lost all hope. That’s a pretty big win
10. What’s the biggest business mistake that you’ve learnt from?
I didn’t ask for help when I should’ve and made my job a lot harder than it needed to be,
11. What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve been given?
Stay calm, do your research and most of all ask for help if you need it.
