Home buyers find help to close the deal
Electra Business and Innovation Awards finalist profile: Zebunisso Alimoba, Mike Pero Mortgages
Tell us what your business does.
I help people buy their first home
. . . or hundredth. My business has several parts. From the product perspective my business focuses on insurances and mortgages. We can insure anything that has to do with the person, while the lending can help the same person achieve their various goals from debt consolidation and credit repair through to purchasing houses.
I can provide solutions for people who have lost hope when it comes to houses and I have often been referred people through word of mouth who have been declined and have no hope. I have helped them to get where they want.
How did the business start and grow to where it is today?
My brother got me into the idea that I could have a part-time business while looking after my young kids. He thought I would be great at this as I already had long term experience at ASB bank. Shortly after starting, though, I realised that this is not a part-time job at all.
I have been focusing on helping people a lot and this in return has helped me build the community of supporters that tell others how I could help them. On top of that, I’m about giving back to the community either through volunteering or sponsorships.
I often get asked what the secret to the success of my business is. The number one point for me would be hard work and always looking after each individual client as if they are your only one.
What sets you apart from others in your field?
General feedback from my customers is that they often come to me when they are frustrated with other service providers, having been neglected at some point during the process or when their case is too complicated and other service providers may not have enough experience or time to resolve their issues.
I have spent over a decade in this industry and one of the other benefits is that my brother was known for taking on really complicated deals and making them all work.
This extra experience has helped me build a lot of knowledge across various scenarios and situations and I can confidently state that to date, I’ve seen all sorts of deals and structures, and can help anyone.
What was your reaction to being named as a finalist?
I was speechless to say the least. I entered to challenge myself without any expectations. I know we’ve got so many great businesses and entrants so the competition in my eyes is fairly fierce. To be a finalist means I’m doing something right.
What do you like about operating your business in the Ka¯ piti community?
When I first came to the Wellington region I did not want to live in a busy place. When we saw Waikanae, we fell in love with its nature, how quiet it is and most importantly, how logistically perfect it is for me that I do not need to travel around much to get bread and milk while trying to attend to kids’ needs. Waikanae is our home. I consider myself and my family part of the Ka¯ piti community, my kids go to Kapakapanui School, I attend regular network meetings with various parties and I love supporting local initiatives from expos through to local teams.
What does a day for you at Mike Pero Mortgages Ka¯ piti involve?
The greatest excitement is that no day is the same. It can go from tending to my client’s needs, through to being chaotic when someone needs urgent help whether it is business related or on a personal level.