Where are they now?
Graduating in 2006
Have you followed your dream since high school? I certainly have. During my time at Cecil Hills High I discovered a passion for Mathematics thanks to Mr Alfonsi. He not only nurtured and grew my knowledge in the art of numbers but I also found out that I was actually good at it. Don’t get me wrong, Mr Alfonsi did need to stay on my back at times to make sure my potential was reached.
Thanks to this guidance, I was able to attend Western Sydney University (Parramatta campus) and complete a Bachelor of Business with a major in Finance. From then, I think my career path was set. The course took a long four years to complete as I was able to obtain some practical experience along the way joining GE Money part time in the mortgage collections area. This position allowed me to better understand that making mortgage choices is a very important decision, as this decision is life changing and being an informed borrower is paramount to a good mortgage experience.
This position was a step towards a career in the banking sector and on completion of my degree I was offered a position with BankWest. I began as an over-qualified teller, however, my passion and keenness to learn all facets of the finance industry led my through the following positions within BankWest;
- Consultant (savings accounts, credit cards, personal loans)
- Senior Consultant (Home Loans)
- Assistant Branch Manager
- Business Development Manager (Home Loans)
- Branch Manager
- Regional Manager (managing South and West Sydney branches and lenders)
As I progressed through my career in one of the largest banks in Australia, I could see that there was a need to assist the Australian consumer better to understand the options in what can be a confusing financial world. This was the catalyst for forming Australian Finance Hub Group.
From humble beginnings (as it’s only employee) offering diverse finance brokerage, residential loans, commercial loans and asset finance, it quickly became apparent that to offer customers the full suite of financial support, I needed to grow our services.
Australian Finance Hub moved in to its commercial premises at the Prestons Shopping Centre in December 2017 offering our clients a comfortable professional setting to sit and discuss their financial goals and plans. The team has grown to five with the inclusion of a Financial Planning Division (Australian Finance Hub- Wealth Management) which focuses on superannuation, insurances and investment strategies to assist our clients build a wealth portfolio for the future.
Since opening our doors in February 2017, Australian Finance Hub has been recognised for our exceptional work and have been nominated as finalist for the Mortgage Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) State Excellence Awards, Young Leaders in Finance Awards, Australian Mortgage Awards as well as Connective Excellence Awards.
As an ex-student of Cecil Hills High school I would like to offer the following to any student, teacher, parent or relative who would like a complimentary finance assessment / mortgage review - I can be contacted via email Shane@australianfinancehub.com.au or by phone (02) 8488 0951.
What else am I doing now? Not sure that I can add to the above regarding my professional life, but personally I am getting married next year - another great journey I am embarking on!
What have been some of my achievements in life so far? A well-rounded young man who has been shaped by my family and my educators. Thanks to the staff of Cecil Hills High School.
My special memories from school include great fun, great friends, great teachers and being involved in many sporting activities.
As the old adage says - school has been the best time of my life!
Shane Petros
Graduated 2006
Cecil Hills High School
Current Position
Managing Director
Australian Finance Hub Group