Victorian broker Andres Guzman was showered with community kindness after migrating to Australia in the 1990s, shaping his desire to give back to others.
Andres, of Guzman Finance in Point Cook, Melbourne, was just 12 when his family escaped significant violence in Colombia to arrive on Australian shores.
“We arrived in Melbourne and were offered safety, opportunity, and a chance to build a new life,” he said.
It was two years later, when his family was involved in a serious car accident, that his approach to giving was truly shaped.
Andres fortunately wasn’t in the car, but the rest of his family were hospitalised with serious injuries.
“The support – from the surrounding community - at that time was overwhelming. The people around us stepped up and made sure I had somewhere to stay, they drove me, fed me, and helped in any way they could,” he said.
“That planted the seed that if I could help others, then I should and will.”
Andres gives back by volunteering his time and making financial donations. His efforts led Guzman Finance to be named AFG Community Broker Group of the Year for Victoria in 2024.
His list of beneficiaries is far-reaching. As an avid soccer player and promotor of the sport, he supports three local sporting clubs by providing updated equipment and encouraging youth participation.
“My passion for soccer is based upon it being one of the most multicultural sports there is. No matter what shape, size, or sort you are, there is usually a welcoming place within a soccer team,” he said.
Other causes or themes supported by Andres include animal welfare and rescue, minorities and marginalised communities, child protection and family support, and various health initiatives.
In determining who to support, Andres applies three criteria: Is it local? Is it a cause I’m genuinely passionate about? Is there budget/time to do this?
He estimates that his time and financial contributions amount to about 10 percent of his business’s gross revenue.
Andres, who established Guzman Finance in 2013 after a successful five-year retail banking career at Bankwest, is also passionate about promoting local business. One way he does this is through running regular endorsements and recommendations on his website.
“There’s a broad mix of local businesses we promote, but for any business to be highlighted, I need to have had a good first-hand experience with the business or directly know somebody who has dealt with them and can vouch. This is all about building trust,” he said.
Not only does Andres’ approach to giving back embody his values, it helps him build connections across his community.
“Point Cook is one of the biggest suburbs in Melbourne, if not Australia. But whenever I go for a walk in the area, I always see and chat to people I know. It’s quite funny—my seven-year-old son has noticed this—he’s likened me to being a ‘famous Youtuber’ given how many people will say hello!”
