About Sierra Finance

Sierra Finance is a Melbourne based asset and equipment finance brokerage founded by Lawrence Hohnjec.

With over 11 years of industry experience and access to 50+ lenders, every file is handled personally from the first conversation through to settlement.

No call centres, no hand offs, and no generic advice. Just a broker who knows the market inside and out.

Get a Free Quote

Our Lenders

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What Our Clients Say About Us

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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 Andrew Beckwith profile picture 
 
 
 Andrew Beckwith 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5 
Sierra Finance recently assisted me in obtaining a number of vehicles for my commercial transport business. I dealt with Lawrence - he efficiently arranged for financing at competitive rates, provided a great service and enabled me to get my fleet on the road in no time. Thanks again.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 oksana pashoulia profile picture 
 
 
 oksana pashoulia 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5 
I had an excellent experience with Lawrence from Sierra Finance. He was incredibly professional, knowledgeable and helpful throughout the entire financing process. He made everything simple to understand, answered all my questions promptly, and guided me to the best options for my needs. I felt confident and well taken care of from start to finish. Highly recommend if you're looking for reliable and trustworthy financing services!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 David Leahey profile picture 
 
 
 David Leahey 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5 
Lawrence was fantastic all the way through! A real professional and achieved a great result for me. Would highly recommend!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Josh Harris profile picture 
 
 
 Josh Harris 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5 
Lawrence at Sierra Finance was incredible from start to finish! From the first phone call to settlement day, they made the entire process so simple and stress-free. They turned my dream of expanding my business into a reality and secured a very reasonable rate for me. Highly recommend them to anyone looking for finance.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Freddie Twigg profile picture 
 
 
 Freddie Twigg 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5 
I recently had the pleasure of securing a business loan through Sierra Finance, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the experience. From start to finish, the team demonstrated exceptional professionalism, making the entire process smooth and stress-free.

Your Finance Broker, Lawrence Hohnjec
Founder - Sierra Finance

Born in Toronto and raised in Melbourne, Lawrence has spent over a decade in the Australian finance industry working across both sides of the table. He started his career as a finance broker, building a ground level understanding of what businesses actually need when it comes to funding equipment, vehicles, and growth. He then moved to the lender side, working in vendor partnerships and business development, where he saw firsthand how lenders assess risk, price files, and make credit decisions.

That combination of experience is what shapes every file at Sierra Finance. When Lawrence structures an application, he already knows what the lender is looking for before it hits their desk. It means fewer surprises, faster turnarounds, and better outcomes for the borrower.

In December 2024, Lawrence founded Sierra Finance to do things his way. No corporate layers, no junior staff learning on your file, and no one size fits all approach. Every conversation, every application, and every settlement is handled directly by the person who built the business.

Lawrence holds an NCCP authorisation and specialises in commercial asset and equipment finance, with the ability to also write consumer finance for personal vehicles, boats, caravans, and motorbikes. He is a 2025 Connective Excellence Awards Finalist for Asset Finance Rising Star (VIC/TAS) and a proud member of the Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA) and the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).

finance broker melbourne

The Sierra Finance Approach

The name Sierra comes from the Spanish word for a high, rugged mountain range. It represents exploration, resilience, and the view you earn by putting in the work to get there.

Anthony Bourdain spent his career connecting with people through food and travel, proving that the best way to understand someone is to meet them where they are. Lawrence takes the same approach to finance. Behind every business is a real person with real goals, real pressures, and a situation that no template can solve.

No two businesses are the same, and no two finance files should be treated the same either. A first time ABN holder buying a used excavator is a completely different conversation to an established transport operator expanding a fleet. The lender, the structure, the documentation, and the timeline all change depending on who is sitting across the table. That is exactly how it should work, and that is exactly how Sierra Finance operates.

With access to 50+ lenders and direct relationships with credit teams across the panel, Sierra Finance can place files across the full spectrum. From straightforward approvals through major banks to complex scenarios that need specialist lenders, every file gets the attention and structure it deserves.

What We Finance

Sierra Finance arranges funding across five core categories for Australian businesses and individuals.

Vehicle Finance Utes, vans, trucks, buses, trailers, fleet vehicles, luxury vehicles, and classic cars. New and used, dealer and private sale.

Machinery Finance Excavators, bulldozers, tractors, loaders, skid steers, and agricultural machinery. From compact machines through to heavy earthmoving equipment.

Equipment Finance Forklifts, cranes, mining equipment, and manufacturing equipment. Business essential assets across every industry.

Business Finance Business loans, low doc finance, overdrafts, chattel mortgage, tax debt solutions, debtor and invoice finance, insurance premium funding, and business acquisition finance.

Personal Finance Cars, motorbikes, boats, caravans, personal loans, and debt consolidation for individuals.

Ready to chat?

Get in touch with Lawrence today. No obligation, no pressure, and a response the same business day.

Get a Free Quote

How Asset Finance Works with Sierra Finance

1. Tell Us What You Need

Share your asset type, loan amount, and situation in a quick call or through the online form. No paperwork upfront.

2. We Find the Right Lender

Your file is matched to the best fit from 50+ lenders and structured for the strongest chance of approval at the most competitive rate.

3. Get Approved and Funded

Fast approvals with funding available in as little as 24 hours from application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a finance broker do?
A finance broker acts as an intermediary between you and the lender. Instead of approaching one bank directly, a broker compares options across multiple lenders to find the right structure, rate, and terms for your situation. At Sierra Finance, that means access to 50+ lenders across asset finance, vehicle finance, equipment finance, and business lending.
Does it cost anything to use a finance broker?
In most cases, there is no upfront cost to you. Brokers are typically paid a commission by the lender once the finance settles. This means you get access to a wider market and professional structuring without paying any additional fees compared to going directly to a bank.
How is Sierra Finance different from a bank?
A bank can only offer its own products. Sierra Finance has access to 50+ lenders, which means your file is matched to the lender that best fits your situation rather than being forced into a single product. Lawrence also has experience on both the broker and lender side of the industry, so he knows what lenders are looking for before the application is submitted.
What types of finance does Sierra Finance arrange?
Sierra Finance covers vehicle finance, machinery finance, equipment finance, business finance, and personal finance. That includes everything from utes and trucks to excavators, forklifts, business loans, low doc lending, overdrafts, and consumer finance for cars, boats, and motorbikes.
How long does the finance approval process take?
It depends on the complexity of the file, but straightforward applications can be approved within 24 to 48 hours. More complex scenarios involving low doc lending, older equipment, or larger amounts may take a few days. Lawrence will give you a realistic timeline upfront based on your situation.
Can I get finance if I have a new ABN?
Yes. Sierra Finance works with lenders that specialise in new ABN lending. The structure and deposit requirements will vary depending on the asset, the amount, and your overall financial position, but having a new ABN does not automatically disqualify you.
What is low doc finance?
Low doc finance is designed for borrowers who cannot provide the full documentation that traditional lenders require, such as two years of financial statements. It is common among self employed business owners, sole traders, and contractors. Sierra Finance has access to multiple low doc lenders across both asset and business lending.
Do I need a deposit to get finance?
Not always. Many lenders offer finance with no deposit required for borrowers with a strong credit profile and established ABN. For newer businesses, older assets, or higher risk scenarios, a deposit may be required and can actually help secure a better rate. Lawrence will advise on the best approach for your specific file.
Can Sierra Finance help with bad credit?
Yes. Sierra Finance works with specialist lenders who consider applications from borrowers with credit impairments, defaults, or past financial difficulties. The options and rates will differ from clean credit scenarios, but there are genuine pathways available depending on your circumstances.
What areas does Sierra Finance service?
Sierra Finance is based in Melbourne but works with clients across Australia. Because the process is handled by phone, email, and online applications, location does not limit the service. Lawrence works with businesses and individuals in every state and territory.
How many lenders does Sierra Finance have access to?
Sierra Finance has access to over 50 lenders, ranging from major banks through to specialist asset finance providers, non bank lenders, and private funders. This means a wider range of products, rates, and approval criteria compared to dealing with a single institution.
What information do I need to apply?
For most applications, you will need identification, ABN details, an idea of the asset you want to finance, and a rough loan amount. Depending on the lender and file type, you may also need bank statements, financial statements, or a signed contract of sale. Lawrence will walk you through exactly what is needed after the initial conversation.
Can I finance used or older equipment?
Yes. Sierra Finance works with lenders who finance used, older, and even end of life assets. The key factors are the asset type, its remaining useful life, and the borrower's financial position. Many lenders that deal directly with the public have strict age limits, but broker channel lenders are often more flexible.
What is a chattel mortgage?
A chattel mortgage is a finance structure commonly used by businesses to purchase vehicles and equipment. The business takes ownership of the asset from settlement, and the lender holds a mortgage over the asset until the loan is repaid. It is popular because of the potential tax benefits, including GST credits on the purchase price and depreciation deductions.
How do I get started with Sierra Finance?
Call Lawrence on 0416 960 969 or fill out the enquiry form on this page. There is no obligation, no paperwork needed for the initial conversation, and you will receive a response the same business day. From there, Lawrence will assess your situation and outline the best options available.

Get A free finance quote today

Call Lawrence on 0416 960 969 or fill out the form below. Same business day response, no obligation.