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Woodards took home the bacon for major categories at the Real Estate Institute of Victoria’s 2022 auctioneer awards.
Luke Banitsiotis from Woodards Blackburn and Ashley Maikousis from Woodards Yarra were named as REIV’s senior and novice auctioneer of the year, respectively.
This marks the first win in a major auctioneering competition for Ms Maikousis, who made her foray into the real estate industry only six months ago after responding to a job posting.
Despite her short run in the space, she said that the specialised training she received from her agency helped her develop the confidence and skills necessary to be at par with other newcomer auctioneers in the state.
“Never did I expect to end up in property, fall in love [with] the industry this much, and then go on to win the Novice Auctioneering Award,” she professed.
Ms Maikousis said the award would not serve just as a beacon for continuing her career path, but she also expressed her hope that it will motivate other women to step into the auctioneering scene.
“The award has inspired [me] to continue my career in real estate, and I hope that I can motivate young women to enter the industry,” she stated.
For Mr Banitsiotis, this marks the third year he was won the title, after having previously won the REIV Senior Auctioneer Award in 2018 and 2019. In 2012, Mr Banitsiotis also won the REIV Novice Auctioneer Award
Notably, he was also named as a REIA/REINZ Australasian Auctioneering Finalist, clinching the top five spot for AUS/NZ in 2019 and 2022.
These titles have also added the badge of REIV Master Auctioneer to Mr Banitsiotis’ record, a distinguished designation that has only been received by 18 auctioneers in the state.
While he is thankful for the accolades he has received over the years, Mr Banitsiotis claims that his main source of motivation is imparting industry knowledge to rookies.
“I’m pleased with my achievements; however, mentoring my peers is what I’m proudest of. Providing advice, teaching, and training Ashley and seeing what she has achieved in such a short time is amazing”, said Mr Banitsiotis.
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