Jacqui Webb - Manager, Atherton Home Loans

Graduating from Newcastle University in 2001 I was recruited into the graduate branch management program of the Commonwealth Bank. In 2002 I became the manager of Commonwealth Banks Tenterfield branch, and in 2005 I took up the management of Commonwealth’s Atherton branch. I have since settled in to Atherton with my husband and have come to know and appreciate some of the local community, it’s stakeholders and it’s people.

Over the six years spent managing these branches and acting as the lender I found that my client contact was decreasing and time spent dealing with paperwork and reports was increasing. Banking should be about customer relationships, not about sales targets and reports, so I began to look for a career path to bring the customer back into focus, as my passion has always been to provide excellence in service.

At the start of 2008 I went into partnership with Cairns Home Loans, to manage the new Atherton Home Loans branch. For me, Atherton Home Loans is about helping the people of Atherton achieve their dreams. Now, I am able to put my six years of bank management and lending experience, coupled with the knowledge and infrastructure that a reputable company like Cairns Home Loans provides, and offer the people of Atherton a dedicated, experienced and customer focused business. I am excited about being able to provide my clients with the most suitable lending solution and aim to set a new benchmark in customer service for Atherton.

Having been through the buying process myself, I understand that purchasing a home can be a stressful time. My job is to guide you through the journey and give you the support you need to make it a stress free and smooth experience.

Contact Jacqui - jacqui@athertonhomeloans.com.au

John Watts C.dec - Director

Originally born and raised in South-West Queensland I went to school at Churchie as a boarder in Brisbane. After leaving school I spent time in Gove NT, The Kimberlys WA and Barcaldine Central Queensland, working in the mining and rural industries.

I then moved to Toowomba to work in Real Estate as an Auctioneer and Salesperson. In 1996 I moved to Cairns and continued my real estate career with First National.

In the year 2000 I became disappointed in the way banks had done away with the 'old school' bank managers that had care, knowledge and authority. We developed a company to fill the gap and believe the best thing we do is explain the process to the customer in a simple and easy manner.

I have a firm belief that in order to do well we must only employ good quality people and believe that our staff are testament to this.

In short, we are peoples bank manager's like the old days.

Contact John - john@cairnshomeloans.com.au

Orla Watts - Cairns Office Manager

I am originally from Cork in Ireland and had visited Cairns in 1996 for a holiday, when I met John and decided to make Australia my new home with him. In the year 2000 we started Cairns Home Loans together because we felt there was a real need for a better service that was being offered then the banks.

Although my background was in insurance, I felt the management skills I had developed in that industry, combined with John's background in real estate, would create a stable foundation for our mortgage broking business.

Following the success of Cairns Home Loans we opened a sister company in Port Douglas named Port Home Loans in 2005, followed by Atherton Home Loans in 2006 and our beaches office at Campus Village in 2009, which have all been successful additions to our services.

I'm passionate about the image of our offices, and look after them, ensuring we exceed all of the standards set by the regulatory bodies and our affiliates.

Contact Orla - orla@cairnshomeloans.com.au

Gus Soper - Lending Specialist

I am one of the new breed of lending specialists in the industry, as I don’t come from a finance background as is generally the rule. However I am fully accredited with the banks and the MFAA, my background and my strengths will always lie in customer service.

Prior to working at Cairns Home Loans I worked in a variety of sales management roles which focused on customer service, finding the best product for customers. This skill has transferred naturally to my mortgage brokering career as I am absolutely driven to find the ultimate solution for your current financing needs..

I’m enthusiastic, willing to help and easy to talk to. I have brought simplicity for clients in all aspects of financing, especially in communication. My aim is to make your home loan an easy and enjoyable process, and to guide you through the process every step of the way.

We've brought enthusiasm and simplicity back to all aspects of financing.

Contact Gus - gus@cairnshomeloans.com.au

Lee Burnett - Manager, Beaches Office

After completing a Higher National Diploma in Business and Finance at Bolton Institute of Higher Education in 1994, I decided to travel overseas for a year. I enjoyed visiting many different parts of Australia but rated Cairns as my personal favourite.

When my wife and I decided to emigrate from Manchester in 2004, Cairns was our destination of choice. We decided to reside on the Northern Beaches, and built our dream home here 3 years ago.

I enjoy the feeling of community and the lifestyle the Northern Beaches has to offer. Our office is conveniently located at the Campus Shopping Village, with easy access just off the highway and free car parking.

Tapped into the main hub of the Cairns Home Loans Team I can offer you all the benefits of a financial services business but without you having to drive into the city.

Free Parking, great coffee, dealing with local, come in and have chat, no appointment necessary.

Contact Lee - lee@cairnshomeloans.com.au

Simon Cody - Manager, Port Home Loans

I was born and raised in Wellington, New Zealand (2 years ago I made the bold move to further myself, and have arrived here at Port Home Loans)

I am customer service orientated and enjoy helping people, have 6 years experience in lending. In my work I am always proactive and dedicated to getting results for my customers. I really enjoy getting my customers their first home, dream house or Investment property.

Out of the office I love catching up with friends, family and watching or playing sports, my favourites being Cricket, Rugby and Tennis, I am partial to a round of Golf also. In my spare time I like to venture out to the reef with my partner to enjoy diving.

I am always eager to meet and get to know new people, so if you are ever in the area please don’t hesitate to drop in and discuss your financing needs. I look forward to welcoming you to Port Home Loans

Contact Simon - simon@porthomeloans.com.au

Donnie Martin - Manager, Cairns Car Loans

Having grown up in Townsville & then Charters Towers, I made the move to Cairns after holidaying here in 1984. Sound familiar !!. Many people I meet came to Cairns on holidays and never leave.

I first worked for the ANZ Bank in Charters Towers, and in Cairns worked for the Electricity Credit union, Mercantile Credit and then AGC.

My father (Clarrie Clocker Martin) introduced me to the Motor Industry in 1987, and I have enjoyed a fantastic 23 years servicing the Cairns and Far North in both Motor Sales and Management, including my last Position as Business Finance Manager at Australian Motor Group for the last 11 years.

Already having a passion for customer service, and a vast lending experience, I took up the offer of a position as Lending manager of Cairns Car Loans operating out of the Cairns Home Loans office.

With my knowledge from years of business experience it is our mission to provide a prompt trustworthy service to the people of Cairns and beyond who are looking to finance not just cars - the possibilities are endless.

If you are ready to buy, just looking, or purely want some advice, please give me a call.

Contact Donnie - donnie@cairnscarloans.com.au

Lizzie Thompson - Office Administrator, Personal Assistant

Previously I worked in Mareeba at one of the major banks as a Customer Service Specialist. In January 2008 I decided to move to Cairns where I began to do home lending for the same bank. I had been working with the bank for three years and was looking for something more.

Not long after moving to Cairns, I met John and took an opportunity to join the team at Cairns Home Loans. I jumped at the chance, as I was looking to join a friendly team where the focus is on providing the best possible customer experience and friendly service. In addition I wanted to work in a relaxing customer focused environment. I was happy to have left what I felt was a sales orientated role to a service orientated role.

My role at Cairns Home Loans is to keep our customers informed on a regular basis from start to finish throughout the home loan process. I want to help the team to make it as simple and stress free for our clients as possible! I also assist with the clients insurance needs, and administrative tasks, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

After going through the buying process myself I can really appreciate what is it like to have a great, stress free experience when purchasing a home, so I’m here to make your experience as positive as possible. Please contact me if you need any information on your home loan or wish to make an appointment to see John.