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14 questions With Sergio Stefano Partner and Director of Flint Group

14 questions With Sergio Stefano Partner and Director of Flint Group

For Sergio Stefano, Partner and Director at Flint Group, finance has always been personal. Built on grit, trust and an unwavering commitment to his clients, he’s carved out a reputation as one of South Australia’s most respected brokers. Now, with his business joining forces with Flint Group, he’s entering a new chapter with national reach and even greater firepower behind him.

In this Q&A with The CEO Magazine, Stefano reflects on the journey that shaped him, the values that keep him grounded and why joining Flint Group is a chance to help redefine what’s next in finance.

What does this new chapter with Flint mean for you and your clients?

Joining Flint is more than a business decision – it’s a defining moment in our journey. For my clients, it opens the door to an elevated level of service. We’re talking faster turnarounds, smarter lending strategies and access to an incredible pool of expertise. Flint’s national footprint and commitment to excellence mean every deal is backed by a world-class platform.

How did the idea of merging with Flint come about?

It started organically. We were in discussions with the team at Flint, bouncing ideas around about what the future of broking could look like. It didn’t take long to realize we were aligned in all the ways that matter: putting the client first, building high-performance teams and scaling with integrity. At Brokerage & Co, the company I founded, we built something special. But we knew we needed deeper infrastructure to take things to the next level. Flint had built it. So the merger became less of a ‘maybe’ and more of a ‘when’. The values, the ambition, the timing – everything lined up.

What excites you most about joining forces with Australia’s leading mortgage brokerage?

It’s the caliber of the people, the quality of the systems and the collective mindset to change the game. Flint has built a model that genuinely supports brokers to thrive, not just survive. They have an elite team behind the scenes and a vision that’s pushing the industry forward. What excites me is the chance to grow something meaningful within that environment. To lead from the front in South Australia, contribute to Flint’s national momentum and most importantly, to keep delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients.

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"Personalization is what builds trust. When a client knows you understand them and you’re tailoring solutions to their exact needs, they relax."

What does the ‘Client for Life’ mentality mean to you?

It means showing up, consistently and without fail. It’s not just about writing a loan. It’s about walking alongside someone through every major financial milestone – their first home, next home, investments, restructures, business growth, you name it.

When a client trusts you with those chapters, you don’t take that lightly. To me, the ‘Client for Life’ approach is about trust, respect and staying accountable long after the ink has dried. It’s how I built my business, and it’s what I bring into Flint.

How has your own finance journey shaped your leadership?

My path into finance wasn’t traditional, and I think that’s one of my greatest strengths. I started out working nights as a bouncer and later in corrections, saving every dollar I could. I made bold investments like buying land to develop and purchasing blue-chip assets and even a 32-hectare farm that I tragically lost to fire. I’ve felt the wins and the losses. I’ve learned how to make tough calls and come back stronger. That experience has given me empathy, discipline and a deep understanding of risk. It also pushed me to build an inner circle of trusted professionals, which shaped how I lead today. My team knows that I don’t just talk strategy – I’ve lived it.

What does success look like for you?

Success isn’t just about numbers. It’s about legacy. It’s when a client refers their family to us because they know I’ll take care of them like my own. It’s when I see my team growing into confident, capable professionals who serve with heart. And it’s personal, too. Success is being present at home, a good husband, a proud dad to my two girls (and soon a third) and knowing I’m building something they can be proud of. Professionally, it’s about staying true to our values and proving that you can grow fast without compromising quality.

"I encourage my team to adopt it too – own the missteps, but never repeat them."

Why is personalization so important in finance?

Because no two clients are the same. Their circumstances, goals and risk profiles – they all vary. A one-size-fits-all approach might get the job done, but it rarely delivers long-term success. Personalization is what builds trust. When a client knows you understand them and you’re tailoring solutions to their exact needs, they relax. They lean in. And that’s when the magic happens – when strategy and trust work together to drive outcomes. It’s also where I thrive.

What do you mean by never ‘wasting a good mistake’?

Mistakes are inevitable, especially if you’re pushing boundaries. But what matters is how you respond. Every time something goes wrong, there’s a chance to grow, to sharpen your instincts, improve your systems and lead more effectively. I’ve made mistakes that cost me time, money and sleep. But I’ve never walked away without learning something valuable. That mindset has helped me evolve as a broker and as a leader. I encourage my team to adopt it too – own the missteps, but never repeat them.

How do you make finance easier for busy clients?

I take as much off their plates as possible. My job is to make the complex feel simple and to bring clarity where others bring confusion. That means proactive communication, no surprises and absolute accountability. I handle the details – from lender negotiations to paperwork – so my clients can stay focused on their lives. We’ll never make things faster at the expense of quality. Instead, we’ll remove friction so decisions become easy and confidence stays high.

How do you help clients build wealth through property?

By starting with the end in mind. I look at where they want to go – financial freedom, family security and passive income – and reverse-engineer the path. That might include introducing them to planners or accountants at no cost, restructuring debt or identifying opportunities others miss. I stay close to my clients over time, reviewing and adapting strategies as their lives evolve. For me, brokering is about building something enduring.

What sets Flint apart from other brokers?

We’re more than your average brokerage. Flint is a platform built for the future. We’re backed by a national footprint, a 40-plus person credit team and access to lenders and private banking options most groups can’t touch.

"We’re more than your average brokerage. Flint is a platform built for the future."

But beyond the tech and scale, it’s the culture. Flint cares deeply about its brokers and their clients. It invests in people, supports growth and pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. That’s why we joined. And that’s why we’re excited about what comes next.

How important have strategic partnerships been to your success? Why?

They’ve been critical. The right partnerships have helped me offer more value, more insight and better-rounded advice. Whether it’s an accountant, a planner or a buyer’s agent, I lean on these relationships to serve clients holistically. It also builds trust. When a client sees that their broker has a strong, aligned team around them, they feel supported. That’s the level of professionalism and care I strive for – and partnerships make it possible.

Where do you see the company in five years?

I see Flint leading the market not just in size but in impact. With state-based headquarters, key satellite offices and brokers who are empowered to deliver real value, we’re setting a new benchmark. We’ll be writing US$6.4 billion-plus annually once the state-based headquarters are merged and doing it the right way – ethically, strategically and always with the client at the center. South Australia will play a key role in that journey, and I’m proud to be leading that charge.

What mindset keeps you grounded through challenges?

Faith, family and service. I operate with a ‘givers gain’ mindset. If you focus on helping others, good things follow. I lean into my faith to stay centered, my family to stay grounded and my purpose to keep going when things get tough. Challenges are part of the game. But if you’re anchored in the right things, you can weather any storm.

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