Our Staff Stories
John Budrovich - Achieving the Work-Life Balance
Attaining the "work-life balance" that people often talk about seemed an elusive concept for John Budrovich until recently.
The Certified Practising Accountant (CPA), who joined McKinley Plowman early in 2008, says that after eight years in the profession, he now feels as though he is finally achieving that important "work-life balance."
John, who is married to primary school teacher Siobhan with young son Elliot, says he is ambitious, but does not want it to be at the cost of his family life.
The manager for business services says his position at McKinley Plowman provides the same career opportunities available in major city based firms while also offering the benefits of flexible leave arrangements and the opportunity to work within a short drive of his Darch home.
"A lot of work places talk about being family-friendly, but aren't when it comes down to it. This place really is," John says.
"Living this close to work is an absolute luxury because up until recently I was travelling for close to an hour in heavy traffic each day.
"Joondalup is growing and there are very exciting prospects here."
John says he also enjoys the professional satisfaction of developing more personalised long-term working relationships with his clients.
Equipping business owners with the tools for commercial growth, to add value to their core areas of activity and to help them achieve prosperity is extremely rewarding, he says.
"We work alongside clients like a business partner," John says.
"I'm very excited about being able to work with people in the years ahead and contributing to their success."
Conrad Allmark – Turning Passion to Profession
Financial adviser Conrad Allmark has turned his passion for researching investment opportunities into a profession.
Conrad, 38, who up until a few years ago was undertaking a PHD scholarship at the University of Western Australia, will soon qualify as a certified financial planner (CFP) - the highest qualification in the financial planning industry.
While his early professional life has taken him to ground-breaking research in horticultural science, he started noticing a few years ago that his greater research passions lay elsewhere.
"While I enjoyed my work in the science field I realised my stronger passion lay with researching good investment opportunities," Conrad says.
"That's when I decided to study for a graduate diploma in applied finance and investment."
Conrad initially worked with a city based firm before a serendipitous introduction to partner Murray McKinley saw him joining the company in November 2006.
He joined McKinley Plowman as a para planner, then qualified as a financial planner under the supervision of the firm's senior planning team.
"When I met Murray I had less than one years experience in financial planning, so it really was a leap of faith for him to take me on board," Conrad says.
"However, I was taken on within the protective framework of a coaching system for para planners. I also enjoy direct senior management supervision while I complete my CFP qualifications."
Conrad says one of the most rewarding aspects of his career change is the interaction he now has with people from such broad walks of life and empowering them to achieve their personal and financial goals.
"McKinley Plowman has given me the freedom to build up a client base in areas where I can really make a difference."
"We provide advice that is uniquely suited to a client's personal needs."
"For example, I have just devised a debt reduction plan for a couple that will give them the freedom to pursue their dream of leaving their jobs and starting up their own business."
"I get an enormous buzz out of showing clients how they can save tax and increase their wealth at the same time."
"Yes, you could say that I turned my passion into a profession. So, I consider myself very fortunate."
