When I grow up I want to be...a Debt Doctor

Declaring a job position ‘the best job in the world’ must often be taken with a pinch of salt, however having been in the EuroDebt debt management arena for nearly five years now, franchisee Brian Bird considers himself to be in a win-win situation. 

Debt management has gathered pace in recent years, offering an array of incentives for a broker to take up what would be both a valuable and lifesaving string to their bow. It’s apparent after just one minute talking with Hertfordshire based Brian, that helping debt crippled clients reclaim financial control is a rewarding role both personally and financially.

“I wanted to help people and what better job to be in,” he stated with genuine sincerity. “I’ve turned up at homes where the client doesn’t want to go on and yet two and a half hours later I’ve given them their life back in a transparent, legal way.”

Having quashed any negative aspects, Brian outlined, “At the moment brokers are finding business difficult and hard to generate. They’re often being reduced to decline both their new clients and their existing ones.”

Like Manchester United need Ronaldo, a taxi driver needs the knowledge and America needs a new president, according to Brian, a broker obviously needs its clients. “Rather than kiss goodbye to a huge amount of business, debt management is an option that can resolve the drought. The broker can therefore retain their clients, gain a commission on the service whilst securing their business for the future once the market picks up again,” words of advice to be thankful for as Brian normally charges.

“Most of this industry is built on trust and it’s important to go in armed with information and make sure they feel a sense of attachment. By having proof of existing clients, established websites and marketing material, this can help promote the business, which is something a cowboy in this business wouldn’t be able to show.”

Having previously dabbled as a self-employed print broker, Brian turned to the ‘dark side’ of debt in October 2003 as a franchisee for EuroDebt, confident that debt management had the legs and the potential as the growing nationwide problem became evident.

“The credit crunch has brought a growth in the size of debt and a steady stream of large debts with peoples mortgages now affected. Over recent years, markets and circumstances have changed, with a lot more competition and a need for a more professional approach,” he added.

Any successful broker’s mindset is usually tuned into the same frequency as a franchisee, full of understanding and support. “For me communication and empathy are two of the main ingredients as is the need to appreciate the clients circumstances. I always want to help the person by being both honest and open from the very first meeting, discussing other options and make them aware of the pitfalls.”

With manageable solution processes allegedly being so easy “any of us could do it,” Brian’s frame of mind is always listed to cut the borrowing and avoid placing the home under threat, which ultimately releases the pressure from creditors.

“The process usually begins with an appointment, either voluntary or by referral. We are one of the few firms that provide home visits, the largest firm to fulfil an appointment in the client’s own home. From there we’ll take everything into account, sift through the profile such as income, outgoings and debts before discussing where we can help reduce their monthly payments. There’s still very strict client confidentiality for tracking details and everything is always up and above board.”

Being a fee charging organisation, the likes of Eurodebt will always attract naïve negative press, however Brian is very much from the ‘you get what you pay for’ school of thought, yet despite this, a debt management franchisee’s rewards aren’t always in pound notes. “Often the client’s response is nothing but sheer joy and delight. That’s when it becomes the best job in the world.”

Nick Dines