Kevin Wheatley is the Managing Director of Bayside Residential & Commercial Mortgages, a brokerage firm, and Auscity Capital & Bayside Invest, private lending firms. With a career spanning decades, Kevin has established himself as a prominent figure in the mortgage industry. His journey into this field, however, began in a completely different sector—logistics and infrastructure. Kevin’s career started in logistics, where he worked as a leading logistician in infrastructure projects across Southeast Asia.
Kevin Wheatley | Managing Director | Bayside Residential & Commercial Mortgages
His role as a corporate advisor involved managing large-scale procurement, which gave him a deep understanding of the complexities of financing. Over time, Kevin realized the potential in intertwining finance with logistics, especially when it came to constructing projects and managing assets. This insight led him to the mortgage industry, where he could use his financial expertise to support both residential and commercial clients. At EliteX, we are proud to have Kevin Wheatley as part of the edition: Prominent Leaders in Mortgage Industry, 2024.
He took his experience in project financing and applied it to his own businesses, allowing him to keep all aspects of his projects in-house. This unique perspective has given him an edge in the mortgage world, where understanding finance and infrastructure allows for more comprehensive services for his clients. Participative and Engaging Kevin’s leadership style is one of inclusion and participation. He believes in engaging his team in decision-making processes, ensuring that their input is valued and considered. This participative leadership style not only keeps his team motivated but also fosters a collaborative environment where everyone works toward a common goal. By encouraging open communication and teamwork, Kevin has built a company culture that thrives on mutual respect and shared responsibility. At the core of Kevin’s businesses is a mission to provide holistic corporate advisory services. Bayside Residential & Commercial Mortgages, along with Auscity Capital and Bayside Invest, aim to assist clients in all aspects of their financial needs. Whether it’s helping with mortgage arrangements or providing investment opportunities, Kevin’s companies are dedicated to maintaining long-term relationships with their clients. His goal is to guide clients through every stage of their business lifecycle, offering support and advice whenever needed.
“Technology, especially AI, allows us to fine-tune our communications and enhance customer service, making a real difference in how we serve our clients.”
Looking ahead to 2024, Kevin identifies several trends that are shaping the mortgage industry. One significant shift is the increase in skilled bank employees leaving traditional banking roles to become mortgage brokers. This trend is driven by the flexibility and opportunities available outside of the conventional banking system. Additionally, non-bank lending is becoming more mainstream and competitive, especially as investor funds flow into non-banking institutions. However, with this influx of investment comes a challenge—there is a slowdown in the availability of quality deals, which could lead to increased competition among lenders. Kevin also acknowledges the challenges that smaller mortgage companies face due to overregulation. The mortgage industry has become highly regulated, making it difficult for smaller firms to operate efficiently. Another concern is the potential overreach of consumer protection laws, which could prevent consumers from accessing the funds they need. Kevin emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between regulation and accessibility to ensure that the industry remains both safe and effective for all participants.
Kevin’s approach to identifying new opportunities is based on constant engagement with industry stakeholders, including competitors. By staying connected with others in the field, he gathers valuable insights that help him gauge market trends and potential opportunities. This proactive strategy allows Kevin to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the mortgage industry. For Kevin, customer satisfaction is rooted in consistency and transparency. His philosophy is simple: deliver results. If his company can’t help a client, they communicate this early and offer alternatives or advice. This honest approach builds trust and ensures that clients feel confident in their dealings with Bayside Residential & Commercial Mortgages. By keeping clients informed about changes in monetary policies, products, and services, Kevin’s team ensures that their clients always have the best options available to them.
“Our participative leadership style ensures that everyone’s voice is heard, keeping the team motivated and engaged in our shared goals.”
Technology is transforming the mortgage industry, and Kevin’s companies are at the forefront of this shift. One of the innovative solutions they have implemented is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to fine-tune correspondence and marketing materials. This has been particularly beneficial for team members who speak English as a second language, allowing them to communicate more effectively with clients. By embracing technology, Kevin’s businesses are able to improve their customer service and streamline operations. Kevin believes that regulatory changes, when made with the greater good in mind, can advance the industry. However, he also cautions that poorly thought-out regulations can cause major disruptions. He stresses the importance of consulting proactive industry bodies before implementing changes to ensure that the regulations benefit all parties involved.
Community involvement is important to Kevin and his team. They regularly attend professional business development days, where they network with new brokers and offer mentorship. Kevin finds great satisfaction in helping less experienced brokers navigate the commercial mortgage space. By sharing his knowledge and offering guidance, he contributes to the growth and development of the next generation of mortgage professionals. Kevin attributes much of his success to the daily habits and routines he has developed over the years. One key practice is regularly socializing deals and problems within his team, fostering an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and solutions. This collaborative approach keeps his team motivated and ensures that they are always working toward the best outcomes for their clients. Throughout his career, Kevin has been influenced by many individuals, but two stand out in particular—Mr. John Macalyk from AAA Commercial Mortgages and Mr. Doug Daniel from Futurous Group. He also holds the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) in high regard, appreciating the support and educational resources they provide to their members.
For those just starting out in the mortgage industry, Kevin’s advice is clear: be prepared to work long hours and seek guidance from experienced professionals. He stresses the importance of honesty and integrity, urging newcomers to avoid shortcuts and to reach out for help when needed. By building a strong foundation based on hard work and transparency, new brokers can set themselves up for long-term success. As Kevin looks ahead to the next 5-10 years, he predicts significant changes in the mortgage industry. One of the most notable shifts will be the increased access brokers have to bank systems, allowing them to submit deals directly to credit departments, bypassing bank representatives. This could lead to brokers effectively replacing bank staff members in certain roles, further decentralizing the mortgage industry.
Kevin Wheatley’s leadership, experience, and forward-thinking approach have positioned him as a key player in the mortgage industry. His dedication to customer satisfaction, community involvement, and embracing technological advancements ensures that his companies will continue to thrive in the years to come.
“By consistently delivering results and offering honest advice, we build trust and long-term relationships with our clients.”
