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Simon Parker
Principals who employed and empowered young teams dominated the major winners list at this year’s Australasian Real Estate Results Network Awards (ARERA’s).
“It’s about giving [young staff] the right direction, that they can see there’s a reason behind the [business],” John Cunningham, principal of Sydney-based Cunninghams Property and ARERA’s principal of the year, told Real Estate Business immediately after winning the award.
“That gives them a purpose,” he continued.
“That’s one of the biggest problems, is that you have a lot of young people that don’t have a purpose. We provide that, and we nuture and grow them so they understand what they’re about. That’s why I like the word ‘empowerment’, because that’s what it is.”
The Sydney-based Cunninghams Property also won a number of other awards on the night, with Kingsley Looker named NSW Agent of the Year, Georgi Coward scooped the marketing campaign of the Year (+$5000); while the company also secured the boutique agency of the year award.
“We really held our own in the market this year,” Mr Cunningham said. “Our market share grew significantly.
“The guys love coming to work. I really see it as a team award, because so much of what I do is to empower them.”
The awards, which are run by the Real Estate Results Network, celebrate the achievements of the group’s 32 independent real estate agency members from across Australia and New Zealand.
The agency of the year award winner was mcconnell bourn Estate Agents. The Sydney-based real estate agency was recognised for outstanding achievements in the industry during 2011, with a strong focus on service excellence, community achievement and innovation.
Founded by Matthew and Samantha Bourn in 2000, the couple said they sought a shift away from the 'large multi-office' mentality and have since created a workplace culture that inspires staff and an agency that strives to be the best in the game.
“It’s nice to be recognised for the amount of effort our entire team contributes,” said Mr Bourn, whose company was placed in BRW's Fast 100 list both in 2008 and 2010.
“We employ an energetic, dedicated and closely integrated team, each bringing their unique skills to the firm and each dedicated to providing a personal and professional experience,” Mr Bourn added.
Rookie of the year went to Cassie Turner from David Deane Real Estate. Co-principal Belinda Deane said the 22-year-old has a bright future.
“That’s what these awards are all about, celebrating and commending people for excellence and Cassie is such an inspiration to young people looking to enter the real estate industry,” she said.
Other major winners included regional agency of the year (Cutlers), rural agency of the year (The Property Shop); New Zealand agency of the year (Lugton’s) and agent of the year Marcus Chiminello, from Melbourne-based Marshall White & Co.
Real Estate Results Network founder and CEO Michael Sheargold, congratulated the finalists on not just surviving in 2011, but thriving during a challenging year.
“The awards are hotly contested by some of the nation’s top performers and again we were impressed by the high level of competence and quality shown by agencies and the people behind the brands,” he said.
“There is such a diversity of skills showcased across a broad category base and each and every finalist and of course all of the winners have stepped up to the plate and excelled.”
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