“I wish I had done this sooner”
Logan Reardon and Jamie Maclennan of Loan Market
From career change to mortgage advice success
For many people considering a career change, the biggest question is whether they have the right experience to succeed.
For Logan Reardon and Jamie Maclennan of Loan Market Midpoint, the answer turned out to be yes - even without a background in financial services.
Today, both have built successful careers in mortgage advice. But like many advisers reflecting on their journey, they share a common thought: “I wish I had done this sooner.”
Starting without financial services experience
Neither Logan nor Jamie came from the financial services industry.
What they did have was a passion for helping people and solving problems - two qualities that have proven essential in the advice profession.
For Jamie, the appeal of mortgage advice was the flexibility and the opportunity to create something of his own.
For Logan, flexibility was also a major factor. “What appealed to me was the work–life balance. Being able to organise the kids in the morning and take holidays when we want.”
Mortgage advice offered the chance to build a career while still prioritising family life.
Building a client base from day one
One of the biggest concerns for new advisers is how they will find their first clients.
Logan began by tapping into the network he had built during his time in the fitness industry.
By starting conversations with people he already knew, he was able to create early momentum. “It started with my existing relationships. Once you help a few people, it creates a snowball effect - referrals start coming in and the momentum builds.”
Joining an established Loan Market adviser business also helped accelerate his progress, giving him access to mentorship, training, and industry knowledge.
Hard work pays off
For Jamie, one of the most eye-opening aspects of mortgage advice was the direct connection between effort and reward.
He says this was a stark contrast to many traditional careers. “In a lot of jobs you can work harder and nothing really changes. In this profession, when you put in the effort, you see the results. You truly get out what you put in.”
Logan agrees that focusing on the best outcome for clients naturally leads to growth. “You can help clients in so many ways beyond what the bank offers - and it doesn’t cost them anything. That creates great outcomes and leads to more referrals.”
The first 90 days: Trust the process
The early stages of becoming an adviser can feel uncertain, especially for those transitioning from salaried roles.
Jamie’s advice is simple: “Trust the process. It takes time for the results to come through.”
Logan agrees that commitment during those early months is critical. “Prompt service counts, no matter the time of day or night. Put in the hard work early and it gets easier later - the benefits are outstanding.”
The power of mentorship and support
Mentorship plays a huge role in helping new advisers build confidence and expertise.
Jamie now spends much of his time helping others navigate the industry. “A lot of my day is spent helping advisers find solutions for their clients. I love problem solving and helping my team grow.”
The most rewarding part of the job
For both Logan and Jamie, the rewards go far beyond financial success.
Jamie highlights the flexibility the career provides as a new father. “It means I can spend time with my son when I need to. And helping someone buy their first home is incredible - first home buyers really remind you why you do this.”
Logan says the lifestyle benefits have also been life-changing. “I spent a month overseas - still working, but also enjoying life.”
They both also agree that helping first home buyers get on the ladder is hugely rewarding, noting that first home buyers often become lifelong clients, referring friends and family along the way.
Breaking the biggest misconceptions
One of the biggest misconceptions about becoming an adviser is the fear of leaving a stable income. Logan admits he initially hesitated for that reason. “I was nervous. I didn’t know much about the industry and I wondered how I’d feed my family and pay the mortgage.”
Looking back, he wishes he had taken the leap earlier. “The first three to six months can be tough, but once things start moving, it builds quickly. You just need to believe in yourself and be willing to help people.”
Jamie adds that growth can happen faster than many people expect. “Good service leads to referrals - and they can start coming in surprisingly fast.”
Why Loan Market?
For Logan, the Loan Market community has been one of the most important parts of his journey. “I would never go anywhere else. The community feels like another family.”
From day one, he says the support was evident. “I was welcomed with open arms. There’s a huge support network across the country - I can always pick up the phone to another adviser”
That culture of support and mentorship is something that continues to be passed down within the network.