Podcast
The Property Funder Podcast
Hosted by Michael Dean · EN
Michael Dean, Co-Founder and Non Executive of Avamore Capital speaks to prolific figures both inside and outside of the specialist finance sector and delve into their backgrounds and the steps they took to get to the point they are at today.
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
EP101 Deal Sourcing Decoded
Feb 401:06:53Tap to summarizeShazad Ahmed, aka 'Where's Shaz' and Director of Elan Property Finance, takes us on a brutally honest journey through modern brokerage from his South Wales base. We explore the reality check newer investors need (spoiler: that £10k savings pot won't go as far as the property guru promised), the dark side of private finance and Ponzi-adjacent schemes promising 30% returns, and why deal sourcing isn't the dirty word mortgage lenders think it is. Shaz reveals how solicitors are holding deals hostage with capacity issues and suspiciously convenient delays, shares his vibe coding experiments with AI tools that summarise 50-page credit files in plain English, and explains why LinkedIn post hijacking is the ultimate cardinal sin. We dissect HMO valuation concerns that keep credit teams up at night, debate whether families will have anywhere left to live, explore the receivership red flags killing future refinances, and discuss why communication with lenders beats going ghost every single time. Plus, Shaz's advice to his 21-year-old self about peaking earlier might just be the reality check we all needed.Guest: Shazad Ahmed, Director of Elan Property FinanceGuest Socials:https://www.instagram.com/wheresshaz/https://www.tiktok.com/@wheresshazhttps://www.youtube.com/@Wheresshazhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/shazadahmed/Sponsored by:Avamore Capitalhttps://avamorecapital.com#SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #Recruitment #SpecialistLending #Bridging #Development #Business #Leadership #Hiring #TalentAcquisition #FounderSyndrome #Headhunting #FinancialServices #CareerDevelopment #StartupGrowth #PropertyDevelopment #RealEstateFinance #BusinessStrategy #TeamBuilding #Entrepreneurship
Transcribe →EP100 The Broker Club
Jan 2800:49:16Tap to summarizeIt's episode 100! To mark this milestone, Michael sits down with Jordan McBriar and D’mitri Zaprzala, directors of the newly launched Broker Club. The pair reveal their ambitious plan to create a nationwide network of specialist brokers covering all 48 counties across England and Wales—and they're already 42 counties in with 68 applications. This isn't just another networking group; it's a genuine collaboration model designed for established one to three-person brokerages who want to be part of something bigger. They discuss the overwhelming response from the market, unexpected benefits that emerged, lender reactions, and what makes a good broker-lender relationship. Plus, there's some friendly football banter between an Arsenal and a Man City fan. If you're curious about the future of specialist brokering and what happens when you bring the best regional brokers under one roof, this is essential listening. Guests: Jordan McBriar and D’mitri ZaprzalaGuest Socials:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-mcbriar-19341477/https://www.linkedin.com/in/d-mitri-zaprzala-70416819/Sponsored by: Avamore Capitalhttps://avamorecapital.com #SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #Recruitment #SpecialistLending #Bridging #Development #Business #Leadership #Hiring #TalentAcquisition #FounderSyndrome #Headhunting #FinancialServices #CareerDevelopment #StartupGrowth #PropertyDevelopment #RealEstateFinance #BusinessStrategy #TeamBuilding #Entrepreneurship
Transcribe →EP99 Proof Builds Trust
Jan 2101:11:43Tap to summarizeGeorge Ormerod, Relationship Manager at Avamore Capital, takes us through his unconventional journey from COVID-era estate agent at Foxtons to rising star in development finance. We dive into the reality behind the Foxtons reputation, explore the transferable skills that set George apart (spoiler: it's not about dropping donuts), and discuss why picking up the phone still matters in a WhatsApp world. George shares hard-won lessons about building trust without over-promising, breaking into competitive broker relationships, and why being memorable – even if you're Marmite – beats being forgettable every time. Plus, we examine the current property market, debate flats versus houses, discuss tech adoption battles (George is now a believer), and reveal why patience and persistence trump overnight success. If you're curious about what separates average BDMs from exceptional ones, this conversation delivers the blueprint.Guest: George Ormerod, Relationship Manager at Avamore CapitalGuest Socials:go@avamorecapital.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/george-ormerod-126aa61aa/Sponsored by:Avamore Capitalhttps://avamorecapital.com#SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #Recruitment #SpecialistLending #Bridging #Development #Business #Leadership #Hiring #TalentAcquisition #FounderSyndrome #Headhunting #FinancialServices #CareerDevelopment #StartupGrowth #PropertyDevelopment #RealEstateFinance #BusinessStrategy #TeamBuilding #Entrepreneurship
Transcribe →EP98 Building Personal Brands
Jan 1401:07:29Tap to summarizeAsh Ajaz, aka The People's Broker and founder of Focus Finance Solutions, shares his remarkable journey from being pushed into entrepreneurship in 2020 to building a thriving brokerage with over 500 educational YouTube videos. We explore why he believes the toughest years for brokers created the best opportunities, how he uses education as his secret weapon for lead generation (with clients calling from Dubai after discovering his content), and why checking your credit score regularly isn't just smart – it's essential. Ash breaks down why the SME finance market is criminally underserved, reveals the pitfalls that kill developer profits (hello, building control nightmares), and explains his 'jab, jab, jab, right hook' approach to content creation. Plus, we discuss why AI is a tool not a threat, the importance of building a personal brand that means something, and why teaching his eight-year-old Excel might be the smartest investment he's making. If you're wondering how to stand out in a crowded market through authentic education and relentless consistency, this conversation is your blueprint.Guest: Ash Ajaz, Founder & CEO of Focus Finance Solutions (The People's Broker)Guest Socials: @thepeoplesbrokerhttps://www.instagram.com/thepeoplesbroker/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashajaz/https://www.tiktok.com/@the.peoples.brokerhttps://www.youtube.com/@focusfinancechannelSponsored by:Avamore Capitalhttps://avamorecapital.com#SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #Recruitment #SpecialistLending #Bridging #Development #Business #Leadership #Hiring #TalentAcquisition #FounderSyndrome #Headhunting #FinancialServices #CareerDevelopment #StartupGrowth #PropertyDevelopment #RealEstateFinance #BusinessStrategy #TeamBuilding #Entrepreneurship
Transcribe →EP97 Specialist Finance Evolution
Jan 701:05:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Beth Fisher and Ellen Townsend from Medianett drop a bombshell announcement over Diddy vodka (yes, really): they're halving their client base to focus on premium partnerships. We explore the bold strategy behind cutting from 90 marketing clients to a select group, why being boutique beats being glorified admin, and how editorial independence remains sacred even as they become extensions of clients' teams. Beth and Ellen reveal their massive website rebrand launching April 2026 with AI-powered trend reporting, rotating banner ads that fight 'furniture syndrome,' and a complete shift towards AIO optimization over traditional SEO. We discuss the commercial mortgage surge dominating 2026 conversations, debate whether M&A consolidation will finally happen (Beth's been calling it for four years), and explore why the market might go full circle back to privately-funded niche lenders. Plus, insights on personal versus corporate branding challenges, and why trust and relationships remain the currency that actually matters in specialist finance.Guests: Beth Fisher & Ellen Townsend, MedianettGuest Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-fisher-10243790/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-townsend-006110153/Sponsored by:Avamore Capital https://avamorecapital.com#SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #Recruitment #SpecialistLending #Bridging #Development #Business #Leadership #Hiring #TalentAcquisition #FounderSyndrome #Headhunting #FinancialServices #CareerDevelopment #StartupGrowth #PropertyDevelopment #RealEstateFinance #BusinessStrategy #TeamBuilding #Entrepreneurship
Transcribe →EP96 Best Bits Retrospective
Dec 300:26:55Tap to summarizeIn this special retrospective episode, we're looking back at some of the standout moments from recent conversations. We revisit Markus from NRG Recruitment discussing what sets great recruiters apart and his brilliantly unconventional LinkedIn strategy involving gym sessions and terrible puns. We relive the unforgettable reveal of Matt's 'Yassinisms' – those wonderfully obscure sayings that baffled the entire Avamore office back in 2019. Plus, we hear again from the Avamore leadership team – Ed, Harry, and Adam – as they reflect on growth, the dangers of founder syndrome, why embracing expertise beats trying to know it all, and how partnerships have been the secret sauce to their success. It's a greatest hits compilation of wisdom, laughs, and genuine insights from the world of specialist finance. Sponsored by:Avamore Capitalhttps://avamorecapital.com#SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #Recruitment #SpecialistLending #Bridging #Development #Business #Leadership #Hiring #TalentAcquisition #FounderSyndrome #Headhunting #FinancialServices #CareerDevelopment #StartupGrowth #PropertyDevelopment #RealEstateFinance #BusinessStrategy #TeamBuilding #Entrepreneurship
Transcribe →EP73 Real Estate, Resilience & The Road Ahead with Jonathan Vandermolen
Feb 26, 202500:43:46Tap to summarizeIn this insightful episode of The Poverty Funder Podcast, host Michael Dean welcomes back Jonathan Vandermolen, a veteran estate and development agent with over 40 years of experience in London’s real estate market. Jonathan shares his perspectives on affordable housing, the evolving nature of property finance, market trends, and the challenges of running a niche real estate business. He also reflects on his career journey, the importance of relationships in business, and his personal aspirations.Guest: Jonathan VandermolenGuest Socials: www.vandermolenre.co.ukSponsored by:Avamore Capitalhttps://avamorecapital.com#SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #Broker #MortgageBroker #Finance #PropertyDevelopment #PropertyDevelopers #Bridging #Development #Refurbishment #Business #InspirationalLeaders #Inspiring #Motivation
Transcribe →EP72 Surviving and Thriving in Real Estate’s Ups and Downs with Jonathan Vandermolen
Feb 19, 202500:54:09Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Property Funder Podcast, host Michael Dean sits down with Jonathan Vandermolen, CEO of Vandermolen Real Estate, to discuss his four-decade career in the property industry. From starting in estate agency to transitioning into investment and development, Jonathan shares key insights into navigating economic cycles, distressed property opportunities, and the evolving challenges of the UK planning system. They dive into market trends, the impact of reckless lending, and the importance of building strong relationships with lenders. Whether you're an investor, developer, or property professional, this episode is packed with lessons on how to adapt, grow, and thrive in a volatile market.Guest: Jonathan VandermolenGuest Socials: www.vandermolenre.co.ukSponsored by:J3 Advisoryhttps://j3advisory.co.ukAvamore Capitalhttps://avamorecapital.com
Transcribe →EP71 Navigating Property and Business with Callum Taylor
Feb 12, 202500:48:23Tap to summarizeIn part two of our conversation with Callum Taylor, we explore the evolving dynamics of the workplace, business challenges for young entrepreneurs, and the state of the property lending market. From debating the pros and cons of hybrid working to diving into the complexities of property finance, Callum shares candid insights on business, resilience, and his experiences in the mortgage and bridging space. He also reflects on the importance of building strong client relationships and offers advice to his younger self.Guest: Callum TaylorGuest Socials:https://www.linkedin.com/in/callum-taylor-aa496a60/https://portway-finance.co.uk/Sponsored by:J3 Advisoryhttps://j3advisory.co.ukAvamore Capitalhttps://avamorecapital.com
Transcribe →EP70 Breaking Into Property Finance with Callum Taylor
Feb 5, 202501:04:28Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Property Fund Podcast, we sit down with Callum Taylor, founder of Portway Finance, to discuss his unconventional journey into property finance. Callum shares how a chance interaction on the golf course shifted his career from accountancy to brokering, the challenges of breaking into the industry with no prior knowledge, and the lessons he learned while climbing the ranks.We also dive into the realities of working in a fast-paced, high-pressure brokerage, the importance of branding in finance, and how Callum built and scaled his own brokerage business. If you're looking for insights into property finance, brokering, or starting your own firm, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Guest: Callum TaylorGuest Socials:https://www.linkedin.com/in/callum-taylor-aa496a60/https://portway-finance.co.uk/Sponsored by:J3 Advisoryhttps://j3advisory.co.ukAvamore Capitalhttps://avamorecapital.com
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