Hermione Gardiner – The Sidekick You Need to Scale Your Property Management Business

With over two decades in property management, Hermione Gardiner has seen it all—the chaos, the wins, and the grind. Her mission? To completely transform how property management businesses are started, supported, and scaled—empowering business owners to build success that works for their lives, not just their bottom lines.

How did you start down this career path?

Let’s be honest—none of us grow up dreaming of being a property manager, and I was no different. But once I found myself in the industry, I was hooked. I loved finding ways to do things better, faster, and smarter.

When I started Sidekick, I didn’t have a grand plan or even imagine it would grow into what it is today. I just knew two things: I wanted to make life easier for property management businesses, and I wanted the freedom to break away from the 9–5 grind—something I think many business owners can relate to.

Along the way, I discovered I had a knack for helping people. I could see the bigger picture in their challenges, break it down into manageable pieces, and simplify the path forward. It wasn’t just about giving solutions; it was about supporting, encouraging, and motivating them through tough days when they couldn’t see the light.

That’s when I discovered my purpose: empowering property managers to not only grow their businesses but to create lives they love. Because success isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about building something that works for you. And sometimes you just need someone to be by your side to guide the way.

What inspires you in your role/industry? Why?

It all comes back to the people. Property managers and business owners juggle so much, often stuck in a relentless cycle of day-to-day demands and reactive problem-solving. What inspires me most is seeing the shift—the moment they realise they’re not stuck, that they can change and grow.

Mindset is everything in this industry. When the people I work with start thinking strategically, setting boundaries, and making bold moves, it’s transformational. I love watching them take control of their operations, finally step into their worth, or maybe take their first real holiday in years.

That’s what drives me—helping property managers see what’s possible and showing them they’re not alone in the challenges they face. Growth is always possible, even on the hardest days.

What’s your approach to customer service that separates you from the rest?

My approach is simple: it’s not about me—it’s about my clients and the results they achieve. I start by listening, asking tough questions, and encouraging reflection. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about diving deep into what each client really needs and building tailored strategies that stick.

The Property Management Business Accelerator (PMBA) embodies this. It’s not just a business program—it’s a full-circle experience. It tackles everything from lead generation and team culture to operational efficiency, all while focusing on the human side of business. Because growth isn’t just about strategy—it’s about mindset, confidence, and courage.

Take one client who came to me managing just 40 properties, burnt out and ready to give up after being told by another coach she’d never make it. Together, we redefined her vision, rebuilt her confidence, and worked through the tough decisions. Today, she manages 140 properties, solo, and leads with clarity and confidence.

What sets me apart? I don’t just give advice. I create a space where business owners feel truly seen, supported, and empowered to take action.

How do you innovate and stay ahead of industry trends?

Innovation isn’t about chasing every shiny tool or buzzword—it’s about solving real problems. Property management can be a relentless grind, so I focus on creating practical solutions that make life and business easier.

Take the Time Management Toolkit, for example—a complete digital pack designed to help property managers and business owners smash through overwhelm, get ontop of their to-do lists, reclaim hours, and focus on what moves the needle.

Or The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Property Management Business—a step-by-step blueprint to help aspiring business owners launch with confidence, avoid costly mistakes, and build a solid foundation for growth.

The PMBA, on the other hand, redefines how business owners approach scaling their property management business. Beyond the lead generation it dives into the strategy, mindset, AI and operations of successful business - it’s a complete roadmap to running a thriving, proactive business.

All our products are built with accessibility in mind, with both online and app access available to give people what they need 24/7.

Most importantly, I stay curious. Whether it’s listening to my clients, collaborating with other leaders, or learning from global trends, I’m always asking, “How can we do this better?”

What is the toughest challenge you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?

Starting and scaling a business is tough enough, but doing in amongst covid, navigating a divorce, moving cities, and raising kids as a single mum? That was a whole new level.

I won’t sugarcoat it—it was one of the hardest periods of my life. But I leaned on the very strategies I teach my clients: clarity, resilience, and focusing on what matters most. And it helped me to shift my coaching to ensure that it supported the whole human not just the numbers.

That experience also taught me that businesses aren’t built in isolation. Life comes along to throw massive curve balls and doesn’t wait for the right time in business, and the resilience of the people behind the business is what makes or breaks success.

I rebuilt my business around scalable programs like the PMBA, which allowed me to grow Sidekick into highly profitable business with just two virtual team members. It’s proof that even in the messiest times, growth is possible when you focus on your purpose.

What are some of your goals for the next 5 years?

Over the next five years, my mission is to change the way property management businesses start, scale, and thrive. My goal is to grow the PMBA program to support 100 businesses, helping them maximise their income, asset value, and freedom while building operations they’re proud of. But it’s about more than just numbers—it’s about creating businesses that succeed both financially and personally, redefining what success looks like in this industry.

I also want every property management business owner to feel supported—not just in strategy, but in navigating the tough, messy realities of business ownership. Through speaking, podcasts, social media, and collaborations, I’ll continue sharing the raw, unpolished side of entrepreneurship to break the stigma of perfection and show that even on the hard days, growth is always possible.

Collaboration will remain central to my vision—whether it’s advancing mental health resources, creating industry-leading events, or advocating for tech solutions that genuinely work. By connecting with industry leaders, partners, and the professionals on the ground, I’m dedicated to building a stronger, more sustainable future for the property management sector.

My ultimate goal? To empower property managers to not just survive but to truly thrive—running businesses that create the lives they’ve always dreamed of.

Want a Sidekick in your corner?

Discover how Hermione Gardiner is transforming Property Management Business Growth with innovative strategies and unmatched support. Learn more about her internationally recognised brand and coaching programs at Sidekick’s website.