You’d be surprised how often serendipity plays a role in a small business success story. For Sam Corcoran and Torrone Smith (TJ), it was a lunch date set up by a mutual friend. Four years on, Corcoran Smith Financial has helped and empowered hundreds of people across New Zealand’s Southland secure their futures.
At a glance
- Expand their client base with strategic acquisitions
- Launch a second business in property management
- Gain peace of mind with flexible funding
From lunch to launch
Sam Corcoran had been running his insurance business solo for a year when a flippant comment to a friend changed everything. “I said, ‘You know what? My life would change if a mortgage broker joined the business” Sam recalls. The next day, that friend introduced Sam to TJ, a broker also looking for new opportunities.
The pair met for lunch and immediately started discussing what a business partnership might look like. “I think both of us trusted our gut quite a bit and just knew it felt right… By the time we finished lunch, we had settled on a business name, and TJ went home and registered the company,” remembers Sam.
Building futures through financial wisdom
At its heart, Corcoran Smith Financial empowers people through heartfelt, practical financial advice. They cater primarily to first-home buyers, many of whom work in trades like farming and construction.
“By 23, they’re ready to buy a home but don’t understand the process. We pride ourselves on making it easy for them,” says Sam.
Financial education is key to their approach, breaking down complex topics like budgeting, savings, and KiwiSaver. “We give people the knowledge they need to take control of their finances. Buying your first home can set you up for a lifetime of opportunities,” Sam explains. “Not everyone realises they’re ready to buy a home until we sit down and show them,” he adds.
Sam and TJ’s personal experiences drive their passion. “Growing up, mum raised five kids on her own. She taught us to budget but it was challenging to save let alone invest. Now I can share my knowledge so others can do it better” says TJ. Sam adds, “In my twenties, I struggled with debt until someone taught me budgeting. Now, I pass those lessons on to empower our clients.”
This mix of practical advice, personal relatability, and genuine care sets Corcoran Smith Financial apart, helping clients achieve financial confidence and long-term security.
How Prospa fuelled business growth
As their ambitions expanded, Sam and TJ turned to Prospa for support. Their first loan enabled them to acquire another advisory business in Southland, expanding their client base. “Traditional lenders require two years of trading history, which wasn’t an option for us,” TJ explains. “Prospa backed us when others wouldn’t.”
For TJ, Prospa’s streamlined approach makes all the difference. “It’s fast, efficient, and feels like they want to say yes,” he says. “Often some lenders can drain the excitement from opportunities with endless questions. Prospa made it easy to move forward.”
A Prospa line of credit helps Sam and TJ manage cash flow, which during slower months provides peace of mind as they’re a commission-based company. The same line of credit also helped them launch a second property management company.
Sam and TJ’s positive experience inspired them to recommend Prospa to some of their clients when they’ve needed quick cash flow solutions and each time, the feedback has been positive.
Becoming a Prospa partner was a natural decision for the duo because “having used Prospa ourselves, it made it easier to recommend their products with confidence.”
A bright future ahead
“We want to grow, but we still want to live, stay healthy, and take an afternoon off when we feel like it,” Sam says. They describe this approach as managed growth, meaning they find the right balance between growth opportunities, risk, and values. To facilitate managed growth, one big step on the horizon is hiring their first team member. “After four years, there are so many clients that we need help to actively service them,” says Sam.
Taking on a staff member will free them up to focus on the bigger picture, including their community outreach efforts and plans to strengthen their new property management venture. Yet the desire to make a lasting difference is still at the heart of Corcoran Smith.
“It’s not just about helping people buy a home. It’s about giving them the tools and confidence to achieve their goals. Kindness and collaboration go a long way in business; we’ve always tried to embody that,” TJ explains.
For Sam, the business has also brought personal fulfilment. “Four years ago, I went for lunch with someone I didn’t know, and now I’ve built a great business and a close friendship,” he says. “That’s been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey…”
