MARK DRAPER – GEM CAPITAL
It’s not often that a company finds a software to use for 20+ years, especially in the ever-evolving world of finance. GEM Capital have been long-time partners of Opex Consulting, even after the exacting process of setting up their own licence.
The team of six including 3 advisors committed because of the people and the principles. “I see Opex more as a tech partner, not just a software provider,” said Mark Draper, Advisor CFP.
“We’re a niche provider and we like it like that. A small business with a high touch, to guide them through their investment needs. This is where tech comes in. We’re using Xplan and Opex as a communications hub, which gives us the ability to connect quickly and effectively with our clients.”
To transact, Mark can pull a list of everyone with a specific stock, send a targeted email and text, and within 30 minutes, everyone gets a “this is what we think” communication. This helps the team move investments, and fast. During reporting season, they can also receive text updates on specific stock profits, dividends, and results, with an email follow-up.
Opex brought four messy, manual systems into one place, where the GEM Capital team can transact, communicate, and keep on top of compliance requirements.
“You need to have a good compliance system to run a successful business today.”
GEM Capital leverage Opex’s Advice Solutions and Brokerage Service.
“I measure any software’s capabilities through an analogy. It’s kind of like good football umpires. If you don’t notice them, they’re doing a good job. There are never any mistakes, and we always receive the reports when they say they will. If we ever lodge an issue, we get feedback where it is in the queue and they’re always responsive with support.”
To the GEM Capital team, Opex has got that small business feel with the backing of an ASX-listed company, giving the best of both worlds. Local management, with national strength.
“As an investor, I like Opex’s owner-operator model. The management are hands-on, understand the financial industry, who their end users are, and what they want. They have skin in the game. It’s not good enough to just be skilled at what you do – you need the financial clout to go with it. Opex have both, the talent, experience, and financial backing.”
Beyond improving operational workflows, it’s the Opex ‘our doors are open’ philosophy that the GEM Capital team enjoys.
“It’s not just about solving problems. Opex also support the implementation of new products or systems. They’re our go-to counsel for problems and ideas. It’s this personal customisation that you don’t often see with standard providers. Opex were instrumental in developing our SMS technology and setting up our scanner process directly into Xplan.
“Opex helps us identify the next leg in our software and business development.”
Mark compares switching software providers to moving house. It’s time-consuming and painful, but there’s the end result of being in a ‘better house’. Meticulous planning goes into the transition and, while it might not be easy, it’s smooth with Opex – “as everything is planning within an inch of its life.”
As a leader who’s been through this multiple times, Mark stresses the importance of management having an interest in and driving the transfer. “The team must know that the pain is short-term and while it’s felt for a month, it’ll pay off in the long run. It’s about reinforcing the message of constant improvement. Good technology and systems underpin a successful practice.”
GEM Capital is the perfect example of embracing intelligent technology so they can focus on a more personal, quality client experience. Technology brings them closer to their loyal clients, not further away.
“We’re a niche provider and we like it like that. A small business with a high touch, to guide them through their investment needs. This is where tech comes in. We’re using Xplan and Opex as a communications hub, which gives us the ability to connect quickly and effectively with our clients.”
To transact, Mark can pull a list of everyone with a specific stock, send a targeted email and text, and within 30 minutes, everyone gets a “this is what we think” communication. This helps the team move investments, and fast. During reporting season, they can also receive text updates on specific stock profits, dividends, and results, with an email follow-up.
Opex brought four messy, manual systems into one place, where the GEM Capital team can transact, communicate, and keep on top of compliance requirements.
“You need to have a good compliance system to run a successful business today.”
GEM Capital leverage Opex’s Advice Solutions and Brokerage Service.
“I measure any software’s capabilities through an analogy. It’s kind of like good football umpires. If you don’t notice them, they’re doing a good job. There are never any mistakes, and we always receive the reports when they say they will. If we ever lodge an issue, we get feedback where it is in the queue and they’re always responsive with support.”
To the GEM Capital team, Opex has got that small business feel with the backing of an ASX-listed company, giving the best of both worlds. Local management, with national strength.
“As an investor, I like Opex’s owner-operator model. The management are hands-on, understand the financial industry, who their end users are, and what they want. They have skin in the game. It’s not good enough to just be skilled at what you do – you need the financial clout to go with it. Opex have both, the talent, experience, and financial backing.”
Beyond improving operational workflows, it’s the Opex ‘our doors are open’ philosophy that the GEM Capital team enjoys.
“It’s not just about solving problems. Opex also support the implementation of new products or systems. They’re our go-to counsel for problems and ideas. It’s this personal customisation that you don’t often see with standard providers. Opex were instrumental in developing our SMS technology and setting up our scanner process directly into Xplan.
“Opex helps us identify the next leg in our software and business development.”
Mark compares switching software providers to moving house. It’s time-consuming and painful, but there’s the end result of being in a ‘better house’. Meticulous planning goes into the transition and, while it might not be easy, it’s smooth with Opex – “as everything is planning within an inch of its life.”
As a leader who’s been through this multiple times, Mark stresses the importance of management having an interest in and driving the transfer. “The team must know that the pain is short-term and while it’s felt for a month, it’ll pay off in the long run. It’s about reinforcing the message of constant improvement. Good technology and systems underpin a successful practice.”
GEM Capital is the perfect example of embracing intelligent technology so they can focus on a more personal, quality client experience. Technology brings them closer to their loyal clients, not further away.