In 2003 a young man stood staring at the distant peaks of the breathtaking Himalayas. He was contemplating his future. As he returned to the unenviable task of plastering cow dung on the walls of a poverty-stricken school his path became clear - his life would be dedicated to helping others. While the details of how he would achieve this goal were a little hazy (maybe it was the oxygen-deprived, cow-dung filled air) his intention was resolute.
Five years later that same young man proudly walked on to a stage on the Gold Coast to accept an award acknowledging outstanding achievement in his chosen career. Did he become a United Nations peace envoy? Perhaps he decided to coordinate aid efforts for World Vision? No. Chris Browne became a financial adviser and this year he was chosen as the AFA's Rising Star of the Year.
Two and half years ago Chris' journey led him to establish his own financial advice business servicing the niche Generation X market. It is an example of his 'helping people' philosophy in action.
"I saw this group in the market that was being bled dry with unmanageable home loans due to rising interest rate - they were in desperate need of financial advice but were unloved by our industry because of perceived low profitability. My belief however is that if you focus on helping people, profit will flow. Simply focusing on profits is not a recipe for success."
His gamble paid off and today FDFL is a very profitable business. His operating model is to offer 'best of breed' in a wide range of services including risk management, personal lending, superannuation strategies, and investment planning. Chris sees his role as an advice project manager for his clients. Where he isn't 'best of breed' in a particular area he will bring in others to offer the best possible advice.
With his aim to 'be the best financial advice practice in Australia' it is clear Chris has big plans. He tells his clients "If you partner me you'll be in an amazing place in the future".
Author: Danielle Smalley
