About
Crunch Insurance, who are we and what we do
Servicing clients locally throughout the Northern Rivers and across Australia, Crunch Insurance is committed to making insurance simple, personal and stress-free.
Whether you’re protecting your home, business, vehicle or investment, we’ll take the time to understand your needs, compare cover from a range of trusted insurers and help you find an insurance solution that’s tailored to your circumstances—not just the cheapest policy.
The Crunch way
We believe finding the right insurance should be simple, personal and transparent. Instead of overwhelming you with jargon or endless policy comparisons, we take the time to understand what’s important to you and present insurance options that genuinely fit your needs.
At Crunch Insurance, we compare cover from a range of trusted insurers, explain your options in plain English and help you make an informed decision with confidence. Whether you’re protecting your home, business, vehicle or investment, we’re here to make the process straightforward from start to finish.
Proudly based in Bangalow and servicing clients throughout the Northern Rivers and across Australia, we’re passionate about building long-term relationships and providing advice you can rely on whenever life changes.
- Access to competitive cover from trusted insurers
- Personal, one-on-one insurance advice
- We compare policies, so you don’t have to
- Straightforward advice with no confusing jargon
- Ongoing support when your circumstances change
Martie Irwin
Director Martie founded Crunch Finance on a desire to improve the customer experience for Australians wanting to take out any type of home loan. An industry known for being rich in red tape, Martie saw an opportunity to become a leading mortgage broker in the market!
As well as helping customers navigate their way to the best products and the best finance rates without the usual stress. With the right business model, he believed they might even enjoy the process!
Bringing a strong finance and banking history from working with banks like Westpac and BOQ, Martie wanted to apply his extensive experience to his own business…and so Crunch Finance was born. Martie oversees the day-to-day running of Crunch, mentoring the growing team and reviewing processes to ensure they remain as clear and simple as possible.
Outside of the office, Martie can be found embracing the outdoors with his boys; from riding tractors and mountain bikes to putting out fires, as a part time Fire Fighter for the local Bangalow community.
Favourite Byron spot? Bangalow – for everything it has to offer young families.
Tyson
Finance Broker Nominated for Rate My Agent - Broker of the Year 2024 Becoming a Mortgage Broker in Byron Bay was a change of gear for Tyson who joined Crunch from the motor industry. He brought with him first class customer service & a solutions mindset, making him a great fit for helping Crunch’s clients to achieve their financial goals.
More than just your average Mortgage Broker; Tyson has 5 years of valuable experience in the finance industry. Specializing as a self-employed financial expert, he prides himself on delivering personalized financial solutions tailored specifically to the needs of self-employed clients.
Approaching each client brief with precision, Tyson invests time in understanding and listening to their unique requirements. His dedication to providing a tailored approach sets him apart in the competitive loan market. This commitment ensures that every client, especially those navigating the complexities of self-employment, receives a bespoke financial strategy crafted for their success.
For Tyson, life is not just about the work; he recognises the importance of striking a balance between professional excellence and moments of relaxation and enjoyment. This harmonious approach showcases Tyson’s ability to thrive both in the financial world and in the simple pleasures that Byron Bay offers. It’s a testament to his multifaceted nature—effortlessly navigating the complexities of finance and embracing the laid-back joys of coastal living.
Brett
Mortgage Broker Meet Brett Brimson, Broker extraordinaire & our newest additional to the Crunch Finance Family. With over 7 years in the finance industry, Brett's journey includes a stint as a Mobile Home Lending Specialist at Commonwealth Bank and a role in the construction industry as a New Home Consultant.
His heart lies in the housing industry, evident in his personal involvement in constructing homes in the Northern Rivers and assisting families with GJ Gardner Homes.
Brett’s forte lies in diverse lending, covering residential mortgages, commercial lending, business loans, and asset finance lending. His knack for finding the right solution, coupled with a commitment to go the extra mile, sets him apart.
Joining Crunch Finance was a natural progression for Brett, aligning with his passion for the local community and his belief in a company that works for its customers. He thrives on the satisfaction of cracking tricky scenarios and values the vibrant, community-centric ethos of Crunch Finance.
Don’t be fooled by misconceptions—Brett ensures swift communication, debunking the myth that brokers take ages to respond. In his world, some lenders can approve applications on the same day!
Beyond crunching numbers, Brett finds joy in family beach outings, property projects in Ewingsdale, and the simple pleasures of coffee or a beer with friends. As for his favorite spot in Byron, it’s the North Byron Hotel—where kids play, and parents savor a quiet beer, encapsulating the essence of community and relaxation.
Matt
Senior Specialist Matt joined Crunch Finance as our Senior Finance Specialist with over 15 years of experience working in the Finance and Banking Industry. Matt specialises in agricultural, commercial and business lending, along with investment loan purchases and refinances. Matt brings a great deal of knowledge, experience and skills to the Crunch Finance team.
Helping ease the process of hard applications, Matt offers valuable guidance to self-employed clients and business owners running their enterprises. Matt loves to visit his clients allowing him to get a greater insight into how their businesses run and operate – having been a small business owner himself he can relate to the challenges involved. Outside of the office, Matt can be found working outdoors, riding motor bikes and mustering cattle with his trusty collies dogs. Favorite Byron spot? The misty valley at dawn in Myocum – which is where I call home.
Renaee
Broker Assistant With an extensive background in Real Estate Administration and Legal Administration, Renaee joined the Crunch Finance team for a new challenge, looking to improve her skill set in the finance industry. Renaee ensures all loan applications & settlements run smoothly, collecting all and any relevant information needed for each application, as well as liaising with our clients on a regular basis to ensure they are kept upto date with the progress and current stage of their loans.
Renaee especially enjoys helping first home buyers and loves to see the reward and fulfillment of happy and satisfied clients. Guiding them through the processes involved and answering any queries or concerns they may have along the way. Outside of the office, you will Renaee hanging out with her family and dog, enjoying the races or at a local beach. Favourite Byron spot? We are spoiled for choice, but I would have to say the local beaches such as The Pass, and of course Bangalow itself for the wonderful community and beautiful buildings.
Randall
Assistant Broker Born and raised in Louisiana, our Assistant Finance & Mortgage Broker, Randall, brings the spice and jazz to the Crunch office! Moving to Australia in 2018, Randall brought with him a detail-oriented, customer-focused mindset, loved by clients and colleagues alike.
Moving to Australia in 2018, Randall brought with him a detail-oriented, customer-focused mindset, loved by clients and colleagues alike. A large part of Randall’s job satisfaction comes from seeing clients achieve their goals…knowing he was able to help play a role in that.
When not getting active at Crunch, Randall might be out enjoying a run or a bike ride. He also enjoys reading, computer and board games and is known for rustling up a crowd-pleasing chocolate pie.
Favourite Byron spot? The Bluff (which runs south from Lennox Head lookout towards Boulder Beach). Best enjoyed on a sunny afternoon for its great views and peaceful surrounds.
Rogene
Loan Processor As a Crunch Loan Processor, Rogene is committed to getting loans approved quickly and efficiently for his clients. From the offset, Rogene prides himself on clear communications and attention to detail to ensure a smooth process from start to finish.
With more than five years in the Australian mortgage industry, Rogene is well versed on different lender requirements and how and when to best fulfil them. Outside of Crunch, Rogene loves nature and exploring the great outdoors…and also enjoys a little singing for good measure. Perhaps sometimes even the two together.
Mariel
Loan Processor With an extensive background working with banks and Brokers, Mariel is a highly experienced Loan Processor. Alongside our team of Mortgage & Finance Brokers, Mariel ensures all the right information is captured and submitted at the right time so loans are approved seamlessly.
A team player with an eye for detail, Mariel loves collaborating with colleagues to help clients get closer to their financial goals. Outside of loan processing, Mariel loves losing herself in a good book and also cooking up a storm…and then enjoying the results!
All your insurance solutions in one place
Whether you’re protecting your home, business, investment property or vehicle, Crunch Insurance makes it easy to manage all of your insurance in one place. We work across both personal and business insurance, helping you find cover that’s tailored to your needs today and as life changes.
Many of our clients return to us whenever they need new or updated cover because they value having a trusted adviser who understands their circumstances. From your first policy through to reviewing your cover as your family, business or investments grow, we’re here to provide ongoing advice and support.
Comparing policies, understanding the fine print and knowing what cover is right for you can be overwhelming. That’s why we take the time to explain your options in plain English, compare cover from trusted insurers and help you make informed decisions with confidence—making insurance simple from start to finish.