Let's meet Michael, Hypofriend's latest addition.

So Michael, tell us a little about yourself — what’s your background?

In 2009 I start a dual study in business and economics with special emphasis on sales management. During my practical experiences in the company, I ran through several sales departments and learned what factors influenced the customer to decide for a specific product. In 2013 I joined Interhyp, one of the biggest German mortgage brokers to begin their special 24-months trainee program. I learned everything about mortgages and advised more than 500 clients within 6 years across almost 100 banks. Additionally, I followed up with a Masters in Psychology 2015 to learn more about customer behaviour and the decision making process. Later, I became a senior mortgage expert and built up a telesales team of mortgage advisors with clients all around Germany and abroad.

You’ve been a mortgage experts for over 6 years, why did you join Hypofriend?

Hypofriend is different from other mortgage brokers. They combine advanced mathematical algorithms with personal advice to find the optimal mortgage product. Their recommendation engine is brilliant, it covers several important aspects of a mortgage decision. I was convinced by the intersection between technology and personal mortgage experience. Hypofriend also offers me the possibility to be directly involved on their digital product building as I grow and help train our team of mortgage experts with Dr. Mulder. The mix of different challenges makes it very interesting.

How was your first month at Hypofriend? Are you happy with your progress?

In my first month I had to get used to all the different programs young dynamic tech companies are working with, for example Slack. I also had to learn how to work with a new mortgage platform because in my previous company the mortgage platform was developed by ourselves. I also wasn’t used to speaking English the entire day but I was surprised by how quickly most of my vocabulary came back. At the moment, I am very happy with my progress.

What are you most excited about?

I am really excited to see how a company like ours will grow in the early stage. Also in terms of what challenges we have to face and what learnings we to have to make. To join a startup in a stage where a few decisions will be crucial for the future of the business model is very exciting to me. Another point is the development of our team. Currently, we are still just a small team of 10 people. Everyone can see what the others are doing but how will that be when we are 50 or even 100 people?

Where do you see Hypofriend in the next 5 years?

In 5 years -- Hypofriend will be one of the largest mortgage brokers in Germany. We will have licensed our technology to a number of banks in Germany and outside as we introduce objective recommendation engines for other countries. We will continue to focus on our customers and be flexible as the real estate market is disrupted by technology. We're at a turning point where some banks are becoming much more efficient than others, this in part will determine the role of the broker and also our future. We will have to adapt but we have the mindset & team to do so.

Are you currently hiring teammates? What profile are you looking for?

I would say, I am hiring candidates with the right profile. Of course, through my experience in the last years I know a lot of people working in the mortgage industry. A few of them match the profile we’re looking for but I am also looking for teammates from other industries. Our profile are ambitious people who are looking for their next adventure. They must be passionate about combining technology and advisory on many levels. We are looking for graduates with a financial background and a willingness to learn quickly as well as experienced mortgage advisors working in the industry for at least 1-2 years. In the end our team should be a proper mix of experience & talent.

If you are interested in working with Michael you can contact him at [email protected]