Michael Nicholls

Director - Melbourne Finance Broking

Michael, a qualified Engineer by training, has been involved in the Finance Industry for more than 20 years. He spent four years in the United Kingdom with Nissan Finance, initially in a marketing role and then as Business Manager of a key London branch.

Upon arrival in Australia in 1987, Michael was employed by Hunter BNZ Finance Limited as a Leasing Executive. This gave him exposure to many facets of the Australian commercial finance market, ultimately leading to his appointment as Victorian State Marketing Manager. This marketing role encompassed all areas of the company’s operation and it was during this time that Michael placed great emphasis on the expansion of the Vendor Finance Portfolio.

Michael’s broad finance and managerial experience proved invaluable when in 1990 he established his own finance broking company, Melbourne Finance Broking. He has been the driving force behind the company’s consistent growth, resulting in its position today as one of Australia’s largest and most reputable finance broking operations.

Scott Amos

Director - Hindenburg Holdings Pty Ltd

After completing Economics and Law degrees in 1983, Scott joined Boston Australia Ltd, the Australian merchant banking subsidiary of the US Bank of Boston. He was initially trained as a credit analyst and moved on to become an account executive in the corporate and real estate lending divisions of the bank. In 1985 Scott was posted to the Bank of Boston’s head office in Massachusetts for a two year period, working in the corporate lending, real estate and asset recovery divisions. During this time Scott also assumed the Australian corporate lending role at the Bank’s International Credit Committee.

In 1991 Scott engaged the aggregation services of Melbourne Finance Broking, thereby becoming its first client broker.

In addition to general equipment and commercial property financing, Scott has specialised experience in larger transactions requiring Letter of Credit facilities for equipment purchased and imported from overseas suppliers.

Scott Amos and Hindenburg Holdings Pty Ltd are neither employees nor agents of Melbourne Finance Broking. They operate as an independent finance broking business that engages the aggregation services of Melbourne Finance Broking to provide the best possible rates for their clients.

Mary Balzamo

Director - Balzamo Corporation Pty Ltd

Mary Balzamo entered the financial world as a Credit Manager for one of the major banks and built a strong reputation as a credit specialist. She then joined Gandolfo Equity as a Credit Analyst and was responsible for credit analysis for all major deals.

In 2005 Mary became an independent finance broker in her own right and is steadily building her business. She specialises in Letter of Credit and Leasing Escrows. Mary is a member of the Womens Business Network of Australia and the Australian Institute of Management.

Mary Balzamo and Balzamo Corporation Pty Ltd are neither employees nor agents of Melbourne Finance Broking. They operate as an independent finance broking business that engages the aggregation services of Melbourne Finance Broking to provide the best possible rates for their clients.

John Bodna

Director - John Bodna Finance Pty Ltd

After completing his Commerce Degree at Monash University in 1995, John was accepted into BMW Australia's Graduate Program in 1996.

From there he was placed at their flagship dealership BMW Melbourne. At the end of 1998 he was promoted to Finance and Insurance Manager and then won BMW Australia's Finance Dealer of the Year in 1999, 2002 and 2003 and was runner-up in 2001 before deciding to use the services of Melbourne Finance in 2004 to help grow his business.

Having written over $300 million through BMW Finance, John is expert in the type of service and advice demanded by luxury vehicle buyers.

John Bodna and John Bodna Finance Pty Ltd are neither employees nor agents of Melbourne Finance Broking. They operate as an independent finance broking business that engages the aggregation services of Melbourne Finance Broking to provide the best possible rates for their clients.

James Byrne

Director - Byrne Pacific Pty Ltd

James Byrne has worked in the equipment finance industry for the last eight years. Prior to that he was involved in the transport and storage industries as Managing Director of one of Australia’s oldest transport businesses. He also has acted as a consultant to a large stevedoring and logistics enterprise.

He is a firm believer in taking a risk management approach to borrowing and stresses the need to get a spread of lenders just as you would spread your investments.

In his other life he is a well known yachtsman having won a number of national and state titles and represented Australia in Sailing at the 1976 Olympics at Montreal.

James Byrne and Byrne Pacific Pty Ltd are neither employees nor agents of Melbourne Finance Broking. They operate as an independent finance broking business that engages the aggregation services of Melbourne Finance Broking to provide the best possible rates for their clients.

Lindsay Christensen

Director - LNC Services Pty Ltd

Lindsay has worked in the finance industry for over 30 years. He obtained a Certificate of Business Studies and began his career as a Credit Collector for the Chrysler Motor Company. He then joined Hunter BNZ Finance in the Lending area.

Lindsay went on to work with Orix Australia for 17 years in Sales and Credit, ultimately heading up the Commercial Finance Branch. There, the majority of his business was in motor vehicles and equipment, offering the full range of services including leaseback and private sales.

Lindsay established his own finance brokerage, LNC Services, in 2004 when Orix closed their Melbourne office. He continues to deliver all types of finance options for motor vehicles and equipment to his clients.

Lindsay Christensen and LNC Services Pty Ltd are neither employees nor agents of Melbourne Finance Broking. They operate as an independent finance broking business that engages the aggregation services of Melbourne Finance Broking to provide the best possible rates for their clients.

Colin Cooper

Director - Cooper Finance Broking Services Pty Ltd

Following completion of a Commerce degree at Swinburne University, Colin entered a Graduate Management Program with Household International Finance, training in all facets of administration of a diverse lending portfolio. After promotion to Branch Manager, Colin gained wide hands-on experience in several city and country branches, before moving into a Corporate Finance role at Natwest Australia Bank, with responsibility for a portfolio of Commercial Bills, Leases, Hire Purchase and Fixed Term Securities for corporate clients.

Colin Cooper and Cooper Finance Broking Services Pty Ltd are neither employees nor agents of Melbourne Finance Broking. They operate as an independent finance broking business that engages the aggregation services of Melbourne Finance Broking to provide the best possible rates for their clients.

Michael Diviny

Director - Invino Pty Ltd

Michael has been involved in several industries in the past 20 years, with the common denominator being customer service. Michael has owned and run his own business for many years and it was here where dealing with diverse group of clientele that he honed his skill for communication and providing the highest possible level of service.

Michael is passionate about the need to constantly provide better customer service and with his experience in managing the finance department of Lance Dixon’s five motor vehicle franchises in Doncaster for the last six years, he is a very capable and hands-on person with an obvious knowledge of finance and the motor vehicle industry.

Michael Diviny and Invino Pty Ltd are neither employees nor agents of Melbourne Finance Broking. They operate as an independent finance broking business that engages the aggregation services of Melbourne Finance Broking to provide the best possible rates for their clients.

Paul Drummond

Director - P D Drummond Pty Ltd

Paul Drummond came to Victoria in 1965 from Queensland and was in the Fire and General Insurance industry including eight years in Gippsland as Manager for Western Australian Insurance Company.

Paul previously worked at AGC Insurance from 1975 and in 1978 transferred to AGC Finance.

He left AGC in January 1982 and commenced as a broker with MGA-Chilvers, which is now known as Credit Line Australia.

In 1986 Paul took on the role of arranging finance for the car rental industry on the east coast of Australia and since 1986 has built up a portfolio specialising in car rental financing as well as a couple of large transport company accounts.

Paul began using the services offered by Melbourne Finance Broking in August 2004 after spending three years on a contract with his clients working under a public company umbrella.

Paul Drummond and P D Drummond Pty Ltd are neither employees nor agents of Melbourne Finance Broking. They operate as an independent finance broking business that engages the aggregation services of Melbourne Finance Broking to provide the best possible rates for their clients.

David Gandolfo

Director - Gandolfo Equity Pty Ltd

David Gandolfo studied Economics at La Trobe University before commencing his finance career in 1982.

Over 20 years David has gained the respect of the commercial finance industry, both in senior broking positions and in lending institutions. Prior to using the services of Melbourne Finance Broking in March 1996, David was NSW State Manager of a major equipment financier, responsible for the profitable management of a $100 million lending portfolio.

He is a regular guest speaker at training sessions held by industry associations, corporations and CPA discussion groups. He has been called upon to provide editorial comments to the Herald Sun and BRW publications and to ABC Radio’s ‘Business Lunch’ program. In 2001 he was elected to the Committee of the Australian Asset Finance Association, the professional body of the Equipment Finance Industry.

His experience lies principally in financing specialised manufacturing machinery, materials-handling rolling stock and multimedia equipment where specific expertise is required to convey the equipment’s attributes to a prospective lender. He also arranges Fleet Management and Novated Lease facilities for company motor vehicle fleets.

David Gandolfo and Gandolfo Equity Pty Ltd are neither employees nor agents of Melbourne Finance Broking. They operate as an independent finance broking business that engages the aggregation services of Melbourne Finance Broking to provide the best possible rates for their clients.

Gordon Harten

Director - Gordon Harten Pty Ltd

Gordon Harten is based in Geelong and offers his Geelong and Western District clients the benefit of dealing directly with a local contact for personal service, while passing on to them the favourable rates and terms that he can access by using Melbourne Finance Broking. Gordon believes that personal service is the key to client satisfaction. As a result of this, the volume of business he generates in the Geelong area shows continued growth.

Keeping abreast of rate movements and developments from the major lenders via Melbourne Finance Broking ensures a better result for his local clients.

Gordon Harten and Gordon Harten Pty Ltd are neither employees nor agents of Melbourne Finance Broking. They operate as an independent finance broking business that engages the aggregation services of Melbourne Finance Broking to provide the best possible rates for their clients.

Laurie Healy

Director - Laurie Healy Financial Consultants Pty Ltd

Laurie Healy has been working in the finance industry for the past 24 years. Laurie has gained Corporate Finance Management experience with Citibank (seven years) and then AGC (a further seven years). He then decided to use the finance aggregating services offered by Melbourne Finance after six years broking, most recently with HR Corporate Finance.

Laurie Healy and Laurie Healy Financial Consultants Pty Ltd are neither employees nor agents of Melbourne Finance Broking. They operate as an independent finance broking business that engages the aggregation services of Melbourne Finance Broking to provide the best possible rates for their clients.

Tony Height

Director - AJH Finance Pty Ltd

Tony qualified as an Accountant before being appointed Corporate Finance Manager for Australian Commercial Credit in 1984.

In 1987 he formed AJH Finance P/L, becoming a founding co-partner in the Oakleigh branch of Corporate Finance P/L. Tony was appointed Finance Manager for the ULR Land Rover Group in 1995. From April 2000, AJH Finance began accessing the services of Melbourne Finance Broking to benefit his clients and grow his business.

Tony loves to ‘talk cars’ and specialises in:

• Novated Leases and Corporate Hire Purchase
• Plant and Equipment Finance for the manufacturing, printing and building industries.

Tony Height and AJH Finance Pty Ltd are neither employees nor agents of Melbourne Finance Broking. They operate as an independent finance broking business that engages the aggregation services of Melbourne Finance Broking to provide the best possible rates for their clients.

Jim Lambrou

Director - Garlon Pty Ltd

Jim has worked in the finance industry since 1985, after gaining formal qualifications and working in the computer industry. Jim began his finance career with Australian Guarantee Corporation Ltd (AGC), where he worked in all areas of commercial finance, particularly Commercial Leasing and Debtor Finance, i.e. Factoring.

Jim was appointed as a Commercial Leasing Manager in 1993 and quickly established himself in the specific areas of Commercial Transport and Manufacturing.

Since he chose to use Melbourne Finance Broking in 1998, Jim has particularly focussed on these industry segments in addition to the traditional motor vehicle business and offers extensive experience and knowledge to his clients.

Jim Lambrou and Garlon Pty Ltd are neither employees nor agents of Melbourne Finance Broking. They operate as an independent finance broking business that engages the aggregation services of Melbourne Finance Broking to provide the best possible rates for their clients.

Peter McAdam

Director - Peter McAdam Finance Pty Ltd

Peter commenced his finance career with Esanda before moving to AGC. In 1974 he became one of the first lease brokers in Victoria to start a branch office for a Sydney based firm. He then formed Interlease, which became one of the largest introducers of lease/hire purchase business to institutions in Australia.

For over thirty years Peter has held accreditation with all the major banks and has formed a close relationship with the pharmacy profession. Peter is a Past President of the Australian Leasebrokers’ Association (now the Australian Asset Finance Association).

Peter McAdam and Peter McAdam Finance Pty Ltd are neither employees nor agents of Melbourne Finance Broking. They operate as an independent finance broking business that engages the aggregation services of Melbourne Finance Broking to provide the best possible rates for their clients.

Andrew Tushuizen

Director – Melbourne Property Finance (VIC) Pty Ltd

Andrew has the advantage of a professional background in both finance and property. Previously selling ‘top end’ homes as a licenced estate agent with a prominent Toorak based firm, he then went on to establish he’s own successful finance broking firm. The combination of experience from both have proved invaluable in his current role, heading up the property finance division of Melbourne Finance, Melbourne Property Finance (VIC) Pty Ltd.

Specialising in Commercial, Corporate, Residential and Rural property finance, his industry experience and attention to detail ensure each transaction is executed with the most competitive facility available, in a professional timely manner. Whether you are looking to purchase an apartment for $150,000, a farm for $8 million or an office block for $80 million, he will ensure your transaction is directed to the most appropriate lender, taking the stress and leg work out of your acquisition. Andrew has completed studies in Business and Property, and is a full member of the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA).

Jonathon Moloney

Director - V1 Investments Pty Ltd

Following studies in business and commercial aviation, Jonathon left a career in corporate aviation to become an Executive Assistant to the Managing Director of Melbourne Finance Broking. After two years in this role, he qualified as a broker and began managing his own clients independently. In addition to writing contracts in general business and equipment finance, Jonathon has been appointed to the Business Manager’s role for a prestige new and used vehicle dealership.

While maintaining a high volume of contracts in motor vehicle finance, Jonathon has developed a thorough understanding of lending requirements in commercial aviation, marine and agribusiness environments.

Jonathon Moloney and V1 Investments Pty Ltd are neither employees nor agents of Melbourne Finance Broking. They operate as an independent finance broking business that engages the aggregation services of Melbourne Finance Broking to provide the best possible rates for their clients.

Christopher Mott

Director - Mott Financial & Investment Services Pty Ltd

Christopher has developed his financial knowledge over eight years in finance broking.

Following completion of University, Christopher commenced work in the competitive Sydney finance markets. There he grew a focus on the development and operation of national vendor finance programs. This experience was invaluable to his learning the requirements of every tier of business in the Australian market.

In 2002 a return to Melbourne has seen a continuation of Christopher’s work in equipment finance. Some aspects of Christopher’s approach to his work are:

• Develop a proper understanding of your business
• Work with your advisers to develop an effective acquisition strategy for all your equipment
• Offer professional and respectful service to each party to a transaction so as to deliver the best outcome
• Introduce your clients to a network of other business contacts
• Service your clients’ requirements for all their equipment
• Offer a nationwide service to your clients and equipment vendors

Christopher Mott and Mott Financial & Investment Services Pty Ltd are neither employees nor agents of Melbourne Finance Broking. They operate as an independent finance broking business that engages the aggregation services of Melbourne Finance Broking to provide the best possible rates for their clients.

Col Roberts

Director - Roberts & Associates Pty Ltd

Col has been working in the finance industry for over 20 years. Col started his career with AGC/Westpac group, and later held positions with Burns Philip and Hunter MMI Finance Limited. In 1990 he became one of the first independent brokers to start using the services of Melbourne Finance Broking. Since that time, Col has gained wide exposure to most aspects of Commercial Finance in marketing, sales and broking roles. Col’s expertise enables him to arrange finance to suit most business needs.

Col Roberts and Roberts & Associates Pty Ltd are neither employees nor agents of Melbourne Finance Broking. They operate as an independent finance broking business that engages the aggregation services of Melbourne Finance Broking to provide the best possible rates for their clients.

Lisa Saltnes

Director - Base Financial Group Pty Ltd

Lisa Saltnes began her career in sales, setting up distributorships for a large hydraulics and pneumatics firm. Over 15 years she became conversant with all aspects of heavy equipment such as trucks, trailers, earth-moving equipment and general industrial plant.

Lisa’s sales and machinery experience proved invaluable when she moved into the sphere of equipment finance with a strong focus on transport. Starting out in a small brokerage, she learned the business from the ground up over a five year period. During this time she developed a Rent to Own product which proved highly successful and encouraged Lisa to establish her own finance brokerage enterprise.

Lisa’s portfolio includes a number of large, long-term clients in the transport and industrial sector (notably Kruger Equipment Transport, Hertz and the Air Technology Group). Her credo is to help her clients to get the right product for their particular needs. This philosophy has proved vital in enabling Lisa to grow her business and a large part of that business is via referrals from existing customers.

Lisa Saltnes and Base Financial Group Pty Ltd are neither employees nor agents of Melbourne Finance Broking. They operate as an independent finance broking business that engages the aggregation services of Melbourne Finance Broking to provide the best possible rates for their clients.

Luke Silk

Director - Smallview Pty Ltd

Since completing an Accounting degree in 1985, Luke has been working as a senior equipment and motor vehicle finance broker. In 1993, he began using the services offered by Melbourne Finance Broking and this – together with his expertise and professionalism – has helped him increase his client base and grow his business. In 2000, he was appointed President of the Australian Asset Finance Association, which is the governing body of equipment finance brokers in Australia. Today, Luke is regarded as an expert in all finance relating to the printing, fitness, retail and food processing industries.

Luke Silk and Smallview Pty Ltd are neither employees nor agents of Melbourne Finance Broking. They operate as an independent finance broking business that engages the aggregation services of Melbourne Finance Broking to provide the best possible rates for their clients.

Jonathan Walmsley

Director – Claric Sixty Three Pty Ltd, Corpus Capital and GPS-Ag Finance

After completing an Economics degree from Monash University in 1985 and returning from a year travelling overseas, Jonathan Walmsley entered the stock broking industry and became an operator on the Stock Exchange floor for Clarke Vickers (later Citicorp).

In 1996 Jonathan and his brother started World Net (Aust) Pty Ltd, a software development company specialising in the self-service industry. Jonathan remained the Managing Director of World Net for seven years.

With his broad array of interests and extensive work experiences it was clear that the finance broking industry would suit Jonathan to a tee.

Jonathan says:

"Looking differently at the issues and approaching the task of better serving the needs of my clients is my credo".

Jonathan Walmsley, Claric Sixty Three Pty Ltd, Corpus Capital and GPS-Ag Finance are neither employees nor agents of Melbourne Finance Broking. They operate as independent finance broking businesses that engage the aggregation services of Melbourne Finance Broking to provide the best possible rates for their clients.

Mark Whitla

Director - Credit & Capital Solution Pty Ltd

After completing a B.Ed with the University of Melbourne in 1994, Mark spent two years with a vehicle and equipment finance broking firm. He then spent the next six years in various credit and relationship management positions with two major finance institutions in business banking and equipment finance.

Since becoming a client of Melbourne Finance in June 2000, Mark has utilised his experience in larger equipment finance transactions to focus predominantly on the funding of capital equipment for the earthmoving, mining, demolition and construction industries. Mark is a current member of various industry bodies, including the Institute of Quarrying, the Demolition Contractors Association of Victoria, the Civil Contractors Association, and is Secretary of the Associate Members Committee of the Construction Material Processors Association.

Mark Whitla and Credit & Capital Solutions Pty Ltd are neither employees nor agents of Melbourne Finance Broking. They operate as an independent finance broking business that engages the aggregation services of Melbourne Finance Broking to provide the best possible rates for their clients.

Glenn Wilson

Director - Wilson Finance Broking Pty Ltd

Glenn began his career in the IT industry, where he studied and worked for four years. He then decided to leave the industry and move into financial services. He joined BMW Finance where he held a number of positions over the next four years, principally the role of Direct Finance Consultant. Glenn wrote over $100 million of business in this period, and helped grow the Direct Finance Department into one of the organisation’s highest-achieving teams and set a new standard for customer retention.

With the strong client base that he built up with BMW Finance, Glenn decided to establish his own independent finance brokerage, Wilson Finance Broking, using the services of Melbourne Finance. He continues to specialise in luxury vehicles but can also source finance for commercial vehicles, heavy equipment and marine craft.

Glenn is passionate about growing his client base and uncompromising in providing his clients with outstanding ongoing service.

Glenn Wilson and Wilson Finance Broking Pty Ltd are neither employees nor agents of Melbourne Finance Broking. They operate as an independent finance broking business that engages the aggregation services of Melbourne Finance Broking to provide the best possible rates for their clients.