Team Spirit Profile: Nick Gregory
At Spirit Super, we work hard to make sure your super is working hard for you. To do this, we keep our fees low1 and aim to secure solid long-term returns2.
The other way we make sure you’re getting the most out of your super is having knowledgeable and passionate people on hand to help you every step of the way.
For Nick Gregory, one of our dedicated Superannuation Advisers, helping members is his number one priority.
Born and bred in Hobart, Nick joined the contact centre at Spirit Super (then Tasplan) in 2016 after ten years working for a telecommunications company.
"At the time, I was doing a Bachelor of Property, majoring in financial planning,” said Nick. “I saw the ad for the position in the contact centre and thought, ‘Yeah, I could give that a go.’ I knew I wanted to be talking to people. That's why I do what I do. I love helping out where I can."
With years of experience in customer support, including two as a call coach tasked with improving service quality in call centres, Nick was keen to bring his skills to the super industry.
It was a shift that brought about a big change in his perspective about providing quality, helpful service.
"When I was working in the telecom industry, you'd get people calling through and jumping up and down about a $2.50 late fee. They thought it was the most important thing in the world. Don't get me wrong, no one likes to pay late fees! But with super, you're often dealing with people going through big life events. They may have just started their first job. They could be terminally ill and can never work again. They may have just lost a loved one. I find it rewarding to help people during these times. It's a privilege, and I get a lot of meaning out of it."
These days Nick is part of our Superannuation Adviser team and provides one-on-one support and advice to members to help them understand and maximise their super. This sees him working across all our member services, from staffing the front reception desk in our Hobart office, working in our contact centre, to answering member emails.
However, most of his time is dedicated to working face-to-face with members and talking about their accounts.
"I support members across all life stages, from young people looking to learn about their super to middle-aged members wanting to maximise their retirement savings and who are keen to know what that will look like. Then, of course, we have a lot of older members who are typically more engaged with their super and want to make sure everything is in place for their retirement."
Apart from providing general product information, Nick is a qualified intra-fund adviser. This means he can give a super balance projection, assist with investment choice, and advice about contributions, beneficiaries, and insurance.
"Super can be complex, and there is a lot of information people just don't know. So, I provide information and advice to members about all aspects of their accounts. I sit down with them for half-hour or an hour, or however long it takes, and run through their situation and options. We explain their options and provide documents for them to take home. It’s all about giving them the right advice at the right time so they can make the best decisions for their financial futures.”
"We cover a lot,” said Nick. “But if people walk away from our conversation with just one nugget of information that helps, then it has absolutely been worth my time.”
With workplace visits starting to pick up again, Nick is looking forward to getting out and talking to members from the comfort of their workplaces.
“It’s great because I know I’m talking to people who might not usually have the time to book a session. But by being in their workplace, I’m right there. They can just go next door, and we’re all set up to have a good chat about their super.”
He’s also excited about the new opportunities Spirit Super can offer after the successful merger between Tasplan and MTAA Super.
"The biggest thing I'm excited about is the scale benefits — the more funds under management, the more members to share the admin fee between. I mean, everyone loves it when admin fees go down!"
"We also have a national footprint now," he added. "It's been bittersweet leaving the Tasplan name behind, but now former Tasplan members can access face-to-face advice at offices on the mainland, and former MTAA Super members can book appointments at the Hobart office — which they have been! They really enjoy being able to walk into a brick-and-mortar store and chat about their super."
Apart from being convenient, Nick says having face-to-face conversations about super can be beneficial on many levels.
“I think a lot of people take in information better in person. And when you’re talking about someone’s retirement savings, it’s very personal. Members can feel more comfortable talking in person. They can see that I’m here to help and have their best interests at heart.”
When not helping members with their super, Nick is dedicated to learning the guitar and loves to get out into nature.
“A couple of years ago, we got into camping, and it was a really quick progression between a tent to a soft floor camper and then a hard floor camper. Now we've got a caravan! I just love the outdoors. I've got a five- and an eight-year-old. It’s so much fun getting out there with friends and family. I used to enjoy renovating too … until we had kids!”
Need advice about your super?
Our Superannuation Advisers offer intra-fund advice about your account based on your life stage, needs and goals. This service is provided at no extra cost to you — it’s all covered by your admin fees!
To chat with a Superannuation Adviser, give us a call us on 1800 005 166 or email [email protected]. People like Nick are here to help.
1Low fees: SuperRatings Assessment: A ‘best value for money’ super fund as at 31 December 2020.
2Based on the returns and funds under management of MTAA Super as at 30 December 2020. Past performance isn’t a reliable indicator of future performance.
Spirit Super advisers and financial planners are representatives of Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) (Spirit Super Advice) which is wholly owned by Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty. Limited, (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913).
A copy of the Financial services guide for Spirit Super Advice is available at spiritsuper.com.au/financial-services-guide.