We thought now would be a great time to catch up with Kevin Johnson, who is one of our latest Franchisees, to find out how he is getting on. Kevin joined our broker network through a rather confusing time for most people, but he has not let that set him back!
Kevin Johnson joined Asset Finance Solutions (UK) in April after completing his two-day remote induction hosted by zoom with systems, compliance, sales, accounts and marketing. Prior to starting at AFS, Kevin spent 31 years operating in the asset finance industry, gaining experience with several high street banks. Most recently, he spent 7 years at a well-respected national brokerage.
We got the chance to speak to Kevin and find out how his joining process went. Here is what he said.
Why did you join Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd (especially during lockdown?)
“I had made up my mind concerning the move to AFS and was not in any way put off by the arrival of COVID-19 and lockdown. It was clear that the way AFS operated would be different, but I was reassured by the positive feedback that I was given from two ex-colleagues, Karl Lanham and Mike Moore at Complete Commercial Finance, who had joined AFS just one month before myself.
With just over a couple of months in, I feel that my decision has been right as I have always had access to support where required and am hopefully seeing some green shoots in terms of new asset finance enquiries. I do expect a lot more twists and turns along the way, but I do believe I am in a good place at AFS to ride the storms ahead.”
Here at AFS, we pride ourselves on our welcoming induction days and as Kevin was one of the first to be inducted via Zoom we asked:
How did you find the joining process?
“The communication was great from all parties throughout the joining process. From my initial meeting with Lee at a deserted hotel in Northampton with lockdown impending, it went very smoothly. Induction was different for everyone involved but nevertheless went well, despite the world going through turmoil. Follow up support has been available on all fronts as myself and AFS’s I.T. systems gradually come to terms with working together.”
Do you feel you benefitted from the support from AFS and their network of brokers?
“Global emails are excellent, as they provide a constant source of live information with regards to the panel of funders and their appetite for new business, which will no doubt continue to ebb and flow along with the volatile economic climate.
I have managed to generate a decent level of customer interest around CBILS with a couple of term loans paid out and some pipeline business proposed. I would like to thank Debs, Anne and Charlotte for their assistance and patience in helping me see these over the line. If I had not had the support that I have received from AFS to date, the short journey so far would have been significantly more difficult, in what has been extremely testing times for all.”
Where do you see your future going whilst with AFS?
“I would like to continue my progression in the asset finance brokerage sector and see AFS as my partner to achieve this. The vast panel of lenders provides an excellent opportunity to gain further knowledge and experience across all sectors, as well as providing customers with competitive and flexible funding options.”
What would your advice be to anyone looking to join AFS as a broker?
“AFS is a market-leading and award-winning national financial brokerage. A leader in FCA compliance and providing access to a significant panel of asset finance funders. Combine the above with high levels of internal support and you have a great foundation to progress as a successful broker.”
We would like to thank Kevin Johnson for speaking to us about his current journey and it is fantastic to hear that he has settled in with the support from our internal staff and our network of brokers. If you wish to connect with Kevin for financial assistance, you can do so on 07445 301375.
We know these are still difficult times and if you find yourself in a redundancy situation, or, you are just interested in finding out more about the benefits of joining AFS, then please don’t hesitate to contact Justin Ford on 07740095701 or Lee Simms on 07894019445
