Costas Louras
Melbourne,VIC
Summary
Results-driven sales and business leader with over 15 years of experience founding and scaling Home Buyers Finance, a mortgage brokering firm, with a strong focus on solution selling and customer relationships. Proven track record of converting high-value leads, growing client bases across Melbourne and Sydney, and leading teams to exceed KPIs. Skilled in developing sales strategies, mentoring staff, and optimizing processes using CRM and automation tools. Passionate about travel and leveraging data-driven insights to drive performance. Eager to lead DealsAway.com’s sales team, building a high-performing unit in a fast-growing startup.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mortgage and Finance Specialist / Founder
Home Buyers Finance
11.2005 - Current
- Company Overview: Founded and led a mortgage brokering firm, converting inbound leads and referrals from partners into complex financial products, achieving a 20% annual revenue increase through strategic sales campaigns.
- Founded and led a mortgage brokering firm, converting inbound leads and referrals from partners into complex financial products, achieving a 20% annual revenue increase through strategic sales campaigns.
- Developed and refined sales scripts, objection-handling techniques, and follow-up strategies, boosting conversion rates by 15%.
- Hired, trained, and mentored 10+ sales staff, fostering a customer-focused culture and ensuring compliance with legislative requirements.
- Analyzed sales performance data to identify trends, optimizing lead quality and closing processes in collaboration with marketing specialists.
- Authored annual business plans, driving expansion into NSW and acquiring an LJ Hooker Finance and Yellow Brick Road franchise in Sydney’s St George region and Melbourne.
- Implemented CRM systems and Apple-based IT infrastructure, streamlining client management and improving operational efficiency by 25%.
- Managed team KPIs, coaching staff to achieve 90%+ target attainment through regular performance reviews and training.
- Designed and streamlined processes for financial applications, enhancing client satisfaction by 15% and improving operational efficiency for the business.
- Built a referral network and managed business relationships, attracting pre-qualified clients ready to proceed, improving ROI by 20%.
- Founded and led a mortgage brokering firm, converting inbound leads and referrals from partners into complex financial products, achieving a 20% annual revenue increase through strategic sales campaigns.
- Grew client base by over 500 clients across two cities, establishing a strong B2C network.
- Secured and integrated an LJ Hooker Finance franchise, expanding market share in Sydney.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by 15% through innovative service offerings.
Network Support Engineer
Department of Infrastructure
03.2005 - 12.2006
- Delivered level-two support for 2,000+ users, resolving software and hardware issues, including Windows, Lotus Notes, and Citrix systems.
- Trained clients on software tools, improving user adoption and reducing support tickets by 20%.
- Supported high-profile projects, such as Lotus Notes rollout, ensuring seamless implementation.
- Earned a permanent role after a contract period due to exceptional client relationship management.
- Streamlined support processes, enhancing client satisfaction.
Desktop Support Engineer (Contract)
Sanvik
09.2004 - 10.2004
- Provided level-two support during Windows XP and Lotus Notes rollout.
Network Systems Desktop Support Engineer
First Data Resources Asia Pacific
10.2003 - 09.2004
- Resolved escalated sales and technical issues for 600 users, optimizing network connectivity and system performance.
- Configured company SOE for PCs and laptops, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
- Reduced printer setup time by 30% through process improvements.
- Supported disaster recovery operations, minimizing downtime.
Network Engineer (Contract)
IT Easy
09.2003 - 10.2003
- Delivered second- and third-level support for client networks and servers.
Skills
- Sales Leadership & Team Management
- Lead conversion expertise
- Sales Strategy & Process Optimization
- Customer Relationship Building
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Consumer sales expertise
- In-depth knowledge of Melbourne and Sydney geography
- Travel industry enthusiasm
- Product sales
- Prospecting
- Business development
- Service upselling
- Referrals management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Time management
- Problem-solving abilities
Websites
Certification
- Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management, TAFE NSW, 2005
- Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, 2003
- Certified MFAA mentor, MFAA, 2011
Additional Information
Passionate about providing world class customer interactions and obtaining repeat business., Committed to building high-performing teams and driving startup growth.
Timeline
Mortgage and Finance Specialist / Founder
Home Buyers Finance
11.2005 - Current
Network Support Engineer
Department of Infrastructure
03.2005 - 12.2006
Desktop Support Engineer (Contract)
Sanvik
09.2004 - 10.2004
Network Systems Desktop Support Engineer
First Data Resources Asia Pacific
10.2003 - 09.2004
Network Engineer (Contract)
IT Easy
09.2003 - 10.2003
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