Experience That Shapes the Conversation: Kim Berdugo on Lending

With decades leading finance departments across personal, commercial, and dealership environments, Kim Berdugo has financed and guided thousands of clients. She’s worked in high-pressure industries where speed, capability, and precision matter but she knows the person behind the application is what matters most.

“For me, it’s never just about paperwork or getting an application sorted,” Kim says.
“We see the decision, the goal, the human behind it the joy, the commitment, the next chapter they’re creating. I’ve experienced it all, and that’s what drives me.”

Kim works to walk clients through their options and structure them in a way that supports their goals, turning complex decisions into clear, manageable steps. Every enquiry is treated as a meaningful step in someone’s personal or business journey.

Navigating the Online World Without Losing the Human Connection

In today’s online-focused world, clients are often faced with a flood of tools, applications, comparison sites, and information all looking for the “best deal or service.” But what can be overlooked in the rush is the most important part of any finance decision: human connection.

At Custom Choice Lending, we take the time to listen, understand, and fully grasp your situation. Once we know your situation, you’ll see how decisions can be made faster and with clarity, because you now have the right information for your goals.

With access to a large panel of trusted lenders Australia-wide and Kim’s years of senior finance experience, CCL is here to guide you through your next milestone — whether it’s personal, business, or both.

Why Custom Choice Lending Exists

Co-founded by Kim Berdugo and her daughter, Peta Johansen, Custom Choice Lending was created to do more than operate like any other finance broker. Their mission was to build a business that:

• Moves fast without cutting corners
• Keeps processes simple, streamlined, and understandable
• Ensures clients truly know their options and feel supported
• Stands by your side not just once, but throughout your personal and business growth journeys

Every enquiry is treated as more than an application. It’s a meaningful step in someone’s life or business journey, and the team at CCL ensures that step feels manageable, clear, and human.

Experience That Makes the Difference

With 15+ years in finance and over 20 years in high-pressure dealership environments, Kim has guided thousands of clients through decisions that are fast, simple, and impactful, without ever losing sight of the human side.

“Many people feel overwhelmed by options, which can take the joy out of the process and slow things down,” Kim explains.
“What makes a difference is having the space to ask questions and understand how different loan products work for you and what they actually mean. We’re here to walk you through and workshop options you may not even know exist, simply because no one has taken the time to show them to you.”

Her approach has created long-term clients who have followed her throughout her career, trusting that their applications will be handled with expertise, clarity, and care.

People First. Always.

Clients often say what stands out isn’t just the outcome it’s having someone take the time to explain, guide, and answer questions without pressure.

For Kim, being part of that moment  when someone is making a meaningful decision about their business or personal life, it is a privilege.

The foundation of her approach:

• Clear process
• Calm communication
• People at the centre

📩 If you’re considering a finance application, book a conversation to walk through and workshop your options with Kim in a complimentary 15-minute Lending Plan Call.

^{Custom Choice Lending does not provide financial advice. All finance applications are subject to lender approval and individual eligibility criteria. Any referral arrangements are disclosed, client consent is obtained prior to sharing information, and commission is only paid if a loan settles.}

^{P and K Investments Pty Ltd ABN 73 691 067 437 trading as Custom Choice Lending is a Credit Representative of Finsure Finance & Insurance Pty Ltd, Australian Credit Licence (ACL) 384704. Read our privacy policy here}