“The gateway to our dreams”

Upper Hutt couple Rob and Bernice Cowan have found that Mortgage Link has been “the gateway to their dreams” – helping them to buy their first home and, more recently, a business. 

Rob, who was head chef at the award-winning Mayfair café, set his heart on becoming its owner when the former owners decided it was time for a fresh challenge.

Sandra and Kevin Algar of Mortgage Link Hutt Valley used their expertise to guide the couple through a long-running process that included making the loan application and performing due diligence on the business.

“The information required is more complicated than for a residential property. We can analyse it and assist with cashflow forecasts to ensure that the client is comfortable with the level of borrowing and that the business can afford to make repayments. Of course, they still need to take advice from their own accountant and lawyer,” Sandra said.

The lender praised the calibre of the proposal Sandra presented, which made it easy to approve the loan and the Cowans took over the business in September. Rob and Bernice said that they trusted the Mortgage Link staff from the outset. “When the Mayfair opportunity came up, we were concerned because we are only in the third year of our mortgage and we have just refinanced too. Sandra told us to let them do some number crunching and of course the rest is history.”

As first-time business owners, the couple know they have a lot of hard work ahead. However, with 15 years experience in the industry, they are confident about their future. “Good reliable staff are the foundation of a seven days a week business, then knowing the nature of the beast, and setting expectations not just for the team but for yourself too,” Bernice said.

Rob has travelled widely, and while working as a chef, has picked up many ideas that have made the café’s food a mouth-watering experience. So much so, it has been awarded Top Cafe in Upper Hutt for 2005 and 2006.

Bernice, who is from the Philippines, grew up helping her mother run their family restaurant and has also helped friends establish three food-related businesses. She intends helping at the café part-time while continuing to work as an Analyst for IT company, EDS.

The couple say their first few weeks as owners have been rewarding, with local people welcoming the new venture. Rob promises that although he may tweak the menu to make the most of seasonal produce, traditional favourites such as his giant scones and the classic big breakfast will continue.

Read Sandra's profile