How a new business owner found the support to succeed

I’ve always had a passion for property and helping people achieve their goals, which led me to real estate at a young age. I started my career in administration at just 17, and quickly realised that I wanted to work directly with clients. After a brief period of facing rejection, I made the decision to take my future into my own hands, and that's when my career truly began to take off. The energy, challenges, and rewards of real estate have kept me driven ever since.

When did you open your business?

I opened Place Redcliffe Peninsula in September this year, marking an exciting new chapter for my career and the local community. The process was incredibly smooth, thanks to Place’s exceptional systems and support. The transition to business ownership was far easier than I could have imagined.

How do you approach recruitment – what are your priorities when building a strong team?

When it comes to recruitment, I look for people who share my values, passion for real estate, and commitment to excellence. The team I’ve built is not only skilled but also aligned with Place’s high standards and client-first approach. I want people who are driven to succeed and who are genuinely excited to make a positive difference in our clients’ lives. It’s all about building a team that thrives together and delivers consistent results.

What would you say are the foundations of your service offering?

Our service offering is built on relationships, trust, and a relentless focus on our clients’ needs. I pride myself on being responsive, thorough, and always going above and beyond to achieve results. With a team of dedicated professionals, we provide a high level of communication and personalised service, ensuring every client receives the attention and care they deserve.

When weighing up your business structure and brand to align with, what were the most important aspects to you?

When choosing a brand to align with, the most important factors for me were strong systems, excellent support, and a culture of innovation and excellence. Place ticked all those boxes. Their approach to business ownership is exceptional, offering a proven platform for success. The ability to tap into Place HQ’s robust support network – from marketing to technology to HR – allows me to focus on what I do best: building relationships and delivering results for my clients.

Tell us about your local area – what sets it apart?

The Redcliffe Peninsula is such a special place. It’s a vibrant, family-oriented community with a relaxed coastal lifestyle, and the market is growing rapidly. What really sets it apart is its strong sense of local pride and the diversity of homes, from beachfront properties to family homes in quiet suburban streets. The region has a lot of potential, and I’m excited to be part of its continued growth.

What are your business aspirations in 2025?

In 2025, I want to continue growing Place Redcliffe Peninsula, expanding our market share, and further cementing our reputation as a trusted, high-performing agency. I’m also focused on building an even stronger team to support the growing demand in the area. We’ll continue to elevate the Place brand, providing a unique real estate experience that reflects the values and professionalism that Place Estate Agents is known for.

How have you found the transition to Place?

The transition has been seamless. Place’s systems and processes are incredibly well-established, which made opening my office straightforward. The support I received from Place HQ made the whole experience smooth and stress-free. I couldn’t have asked for a better transition into business ownership, and I’m already seeing the results in terms of local engagement and team morale.

How has Place HQ Support helped?

The Place HQ support has been invaluable. The Place HQ team has helped with everything from branding and marketing to technology and operations. With a dedicated team of over 60 experts at Place HQ, I can focus on growing my business and working directly with clients, while knowing the back-end operations are fully supported. Their ongoing guidance has been a huge asset, especially as I’ve navigated the complexities of business ownership.

When will your physical office be open?

Our office, which is based along the Scarborough waterfront, will be open mid-January 2025. We’re already operating in the local community with a high level of service.

What are you most excited about when it comes to business ownership?

What excites me most about business ownership is the ability to build something that truly reflects my vision for real estate - personalised, streamlined service without the confusion of dealing with multiple agents or offices. I’ve always believed that real estate should be about people and relationships, and with Place, I can offer that.

The Place platform is second to none, with all the right tools to deliver exceptional service, from marketing support to technology to operational assistance. Being able to offer a fresh, modern approach backed by the power of Place HQ is incredibly exciting. We’ve already hit the ground running, and I know this is just the beginning of something special.

What sort of growth are you hoping for with the office/team?

In the next 12 months, we’re focused on expanding both the size of the team and our presence across the Peninsula. We already have a team of 10, including four full-time agents, and we’re about to launch property management services in January.

The Place model really allows us to scale effectively. My goal is to create a high-performing, cohesive team that’s not just present in every suburb but is truly leading the market. We’re building our reputation as the go-to experts across the Peninsula, and I expect to see significant growth in both our market share and team size in the next year. The Place business platform supports this vision by providing everything we need to grow successfully while maintaining our commitment to a personalised client experience.

How has opening a business changed your life?

Opening a business with Place has absolutely transformed my life. After years of working in various roles and gaining invaluable experience, this is the culmination of everything I’ve learned - running an agency, creating a brand, and serving the community.

The support from Place HQ has been pivotal in making the transition smooth, and I’ve been able to hit the ground running. I can now lead a team, deliver the high-level service I’ve always dreamed of, and work directly with clients in a way that’s truly personal and impactful. It’s empowering to be part of a company that provides such strong support while allowing me to lead and innovate at the local level.