Jason Back is no stranger to recognition.
His resume, with more than 30 years in the finance industry and a reputation for transforming broker businesses – and three wins at the Australian Mortgage Awards (AMAs), including taking home the 2024 award for "NAB Best Service Industry" professional – proves it.
As the founder and director of brokering business coaching firm Broker Essentials, Back has coached thousands of brokers since launching the business in 2016. Drawing on his executive experience at ANZ and as former managing director of ALIC, Back brings a rare combination of strategic insight and practical coaching to every session.
Ahead of the highly-anticipated 2025 AMAs, Australian Broker sat down with Back to uncover the secrets behind his success, his advice for brokers looking to scale and how to stay ahead in a rapidly shifting market.
The interview has been edited for grammar and clarity.
AB: What is the secret to your success? Why do you think you won three times?
Back: The secret is consistency in delivering value where it counts. I’ve been fortunate to work with thousands of brokers and business owners through Broker Essentials, and every session, keynote, workshop and coaching call is driven by one principle: help brokers build sustainable, scalable businesses. I think I’ve won because the impact is tangible – brokers are growing, improving client experiences and building profitable businesses with purpose. Our results speak for themselves.
AB: What can competitors learn from you?
Back: Lead with a genuine intent to serve and help brokers grow in a way that lasts, and know that excellence is a habit, not an act. You need to have a process that supports continual improvement. It's critically important to be deeply embedded in the broker journey, not just delivering content but guiding transformation. And they must understand that adult learning requires application, not just education.
AB: What are some strategies or tips you offer brokers who want to grow?
Back: It starts with clarity: knowing your numbers, your process and your customer. From there, it’s about building consistent habits and systems that drive performance. For brokers, this means shifting their mindset from being in the business to working on the business. For lenders, it’s about alignment; ensuring their support complements the broker workflow and enhances the client journey. It's not always about doing more, but doing better.
AB: Can you talk about the training programs you offer? Why should brokers participate?
Back: We run two flagship programs: "Foundation" and "Revolution." Foundation is a 12-month blueprint to hit $30 million in settlements and create sustainable systems. Revolution is our 24-month advanced program designed for brokers ready to grow and scale beyond themselves. Brokers join us because the learning is practical, the results are measurable, and the accountability is real. We don’t just teach – we build alongside them.
AB: What are your best practices as a coach and mentor? What sets you apart?
Back: I coach the person, not just the business. Every broker has a unique starting point. So my approach is tailored, not templated. I also use a 90-day execution model that moves knowledge from head to hands. And importantly, I bring 30-plus years of experience from running a multibillion-dollar brokerage. So I don’t teach theory. I deliver what works.
AB: What advice do you have for other coaches or service providers who are hoping to be recognized in the future?
Back: Be consistent, be present, and deliver real results. Get clear on your values and build programs that reflect those values every day. Your reputation will grow from there.
AB: What are your thoughts on Australia’s loan and property markets heading into the back half of 2025?
Back: There’s cautious optimism. We're seeing more activity compared to late 2024, driven by the start of a rate reduction cycle and returning buyer confidence. But clients are still hesitant and value guidance more than ever. This is where brokers earn their keep.
AB: With rate cuts and continued noise around US tariffs, what tips do you give brokers navigating volatility?
Back: I advise brokers to focus on controllables: client relationships, process improvement, lead generation. Markets will shift, but your client experience shouldn’t. Keep a proactive communication rhythm and ensure your advice is data-informed and emotionally intelligent.
AB: What other trends are you seeing in the market right now?
Back: The shift towards personalized digital experiences is growing. Brokers who blend technology with [personal] touch – combining smart automation with high-value human interactions – are pulling ahead. Also, niche marketing, content-driven engagement and client segmentation are no longer optional. They’re essential.
