Continuing our special mini-series featuring mothers and daughters working across the health and protection sector, Health & Protection speaks to Pam and Nina Brown, owner and protection adviser respectively at Pam Brown Mortgages.
The pair told how while working together has not been a challenge and they would not change it for the world, even if Nina gets away with murder.
And they explain how it all came about after Nina’s initial career plans went out of the window.
No challenge at all
“On a day-to-day basis I don’t see any challenges at all,” Nina (pictured left) tells Health & Protection.
“However, I think working with your mum comes with more pressure,” she continues, “especially as she did this role before me, so I know I need to do better.
“I have to fill her shoes and that’s the only challenge I would say.”
Pam (pictured right) agrees, but adds: ”There are no challenges on a day-to-day basis but sometimes I wish I could tell her off.”
Getting away with murder
In terms of whether they treat each other any differently, Nina says the pair are very lucky to work in a small firm.
“I have the pleasure of working with my mum and brother,” Nina continues.
“And then my mum has an assistant, Vicky, who has worked with her for more than 12 years, so she is just part of the family. We all just treat each other as family.”
Although Pam admits: “She gets away with murder. I am much more lenient with her than other employees.”
Spending all day with Mum
Reflecting on the advantages of working with each other, Pam says: “I get to see her all the time and I get to watch her grow as a woman and an adviser.”
For Nina, the main advantage is spending all day with her mum.
“Who wouldn’t like that?” she continues.
“I don’t believe you can trust anyone other than family when it comes to business.”
Would not think twice
As for whether the pair would reconsider working together if offered the choice again, mother and daughter are unequivocal.
“I did worry she would have thought it was the easy option when in reality, it is the hardest,” Pam says.
Nina reveals her plans changed following university.
“I went to university and got my masters in property development, and the initial aim was to create a different arm to the business with surveying but still under the same roof,” Nina continues.
”The plan was never to do protection, but I don’t think anyone ever has the aim or dream to become a protection adviser, until they fall into it.”
Just do it
Nina adds she would not change her job role or the fact she works with family for the world.
“I get to come to work everyday and be with family, all while financially insuring other families and that’s why we have become a successful business,” she continues.
“Because we are just a family helping other families with both their mortgage and insurance.”
Pam adds: “I am incredibly lucky to work with both my children and to me, this is what success looks like. So, if anyone is lucky enough to have the opportunity, do it.”
