With a judging panel including academics, business executives, entrepreneurs and innovators, the REB Awards is peer-reviewed recognition of your capabilities in real estate and passion for driving the industry forward.
Rex Afrasiabi is a director of New Chapter Legal and Bond Property Lawyers, commercial and property law firms dedicated to helping clients achieve success within the framework of the law. Rex’s career spans diverse legal and business roles, including General Manager and Legal Counsel for a major manufacturing distribution company, Senior Solicitor for high-profile entrepreneurs on the BRW 1000 List, and counsel for government bodies and charitable organizations.
Known for his business acumen, Rex expertly guides clients through complex commercial litigation, business negotiations, and strategic growth initiatives. His clientele includes real estate moguls and business leaders, where he has been instrumental in helping both startups and large enterprises reach their goals.
He also co-hosts the business advisory show “Real Estate Renovators,” bringing together industry experts to discuss growth and strategy. His expertise is widely recognized, with features in Forbes, Times, Entrepreneur Magazine, and the Herald Sun, as well as appearances on numerous podcasts.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Rex values time with friends and family, especially with his two daughters, embracing the balance that family life brings to his career.
Jason is the Director of Broker Essentials and is Australia’s leading Mortgage Broker Mentor and sort after media commentator. In 2016 Jason foundered Broker Essentials and launched a training program for brokers after years of inquiries into the best practices and habits of a high-performance business.
Jason was named 2021 Mentor of the Year at The Adviser Better Business awards, 2021, APAC Entrepreneur of the Year 2021 - Financial Services, ABA 2020 Mentor of the year, and AMA 2020 Service provider of the year. He was the Managing Director of The Australian Lending & Investment Centre (ALIC) and has been instrumental in taking ALIC to the forefront of the mortgage brokering industry. In 2014,15,16 and 2017 ALIC was voted the top independent brokerage of the year by Mortgage Professional Australia, Australia’s best brokerage in 2014 & 15 at the Australian Mortgage Awards and MFAA in 2016 and 2018.
Jason has over 30 years’ experience in the finance sector, having worked in senior sales, distribution and management roles for ANZ and having provided financial advice and services on behalf of financial planning, equity trading platforms, private banking, lending and retail distribution brands.
More details can be found on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-back-broker-essentials/ and at Broker Essentials www.brokeressentials.com.au
Lisa B has spent over 30 years in real estate. She has owned multiple offices, including franchises and independent offices, successfully building her own brands in numerous businesses.
Lisa is an accredited life coach and an NLP master practitioner. She has published 5 best-selling books and was also featured in the book Real Estate Millionaire.
Lisa founded The Real Estate Club, a complete training program for real estate agents of all levels.
She is also the founder of The Let’s Talk About Real Estate Podcast and Facebook group, and is a proud member of eXp Realty.
Jess is Australia’s leading real estate system and process coach. He is the founder of the Elite Agency Success System program. Jess works with business leaders to achieve peak performance through implementing effective systems and processes to both nurture teams and scale businesses.
Jess draws on his personal experience having built one of Australia's leading real estate businesses. He is the five time recipient of the Number One Ranked Regional Business across Victoria and Tasmania inside Australia’s largest franchise group. During his sales career with this group, he was ranked inside the top 2% of agents across Australia and New Zealand.
Jess has completed numerous leadership programs including the Harvard Leadership School program and is a Level One accredited human behaviour coach with the Coaching Institute.
www.jessdensley.com
Chris Eves is Professor in Property at RMIT University and the Associate Dean, Research and Innovation in the School of Property, Construction and Project Management. Chris is also the Higher Degree Research Director in the PCPM School.
Prior to his appointment at RMIT, Chris was the Professor of Property Economics and Academic Program Director at Queensland University of Technology from 2009 to 2017 and the Professor of Property Studies at Lincoln University from 2006 to 2008. He has also held positions at the University of Western Sydney, where he completed his Master (Hons) and PhD degrees in the areas of rural property values and investment performance.
Chris is A Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and is currently appointed to the RICS Global Land and Resources Board. He is also an Associate of the Australian Property Institute and has been a member of the API National Education Committee since 2009. He has appointments on national and international Journal editorial boards in the fields of Property and Valuation
Before commencing his academic career at UWS, Chris was employed for 16 years with the State Bank of NSW in Valuation, Agribusiness and Credit Administration roles.
Chris has numerous publications in Australian and International journals on topics ranging from valuation methodology, property stigma to property investment performance and market analysis.
I am the founder of The Dubs - the digital marketing and media agency for the finance sector globally.
My job is to oversee the agency's offices in London, Singapore and Sydney with an eye to further expansion.
I love being involved in our clients' strategies and make sure I find time to provide input and advice in this evolving process with them.
I'm also the publisher of our industry publication The Financial Marketer, which delivers the latest trends and leading insights on the issues facing marketers, comms teams and executives in the banking and finance world.
I make time each year to participate as a judge in industry awards as I believe it's important to contribute and am privileged to observe first-hand the best that's being developed by the industry.
Tim is currently COO of land developer and investor Cameron Brae Group. The Group controls and has interests in projects with over 10,000 lots in South Western Sydney and NSW.
As a founding partner, I’ve always had a passion for helping like-minded business owners build better businesses. We give clients the clarity to understand where they are and what is achievable, the confidence to take action, and the coordinates so they can reach their goal sooner and safer. As Director of Personal Wealth Advisory, my primary focus is ensuring our subject matter experts across wealth advisory, superannuation, insurance, personal tax and lending work together to 'fuel your family's future'.
Neville Hurst is a senior lecturer in property studies at RMIT University, Victoria, Australia. Although originally trained as an electrical engineer Neville has worked extensively in industry and for the last 40 years in the property sector as a practitioner and academic. His research interest focuses on real estate industry practices, valuation practices, housing markets and in particular energy efficient housing. Completing his Phd in 2019, Neville investigated real estate agent attitudes and engagement with energy efficient housing and is working with peak industry bodies to create greater awareness of the importance of sustainable housing to future cities.
Cassandra is the General Manager at leading Property Management agency Leah Jay. She has over 2 decades of experience in the property management industry and has spent the last 8 years leading the business. With a Masters Degree in Business, Cassandra is passionate about success through innovation and the constant pursuit of excellence.
Peter Lynch is a leader in Professional Indemnity Insurance in the real estate, valuation and management right industry sectors.
He boasts over 30 years’ experience with Aon Risk Solutions and as the Client Manager is responsible for developing new business within the real estate sector including the identification of business opportunities with franchise groups and other stakeholders.
He took a significant role in providing advice and support to introduce a Real Estate specific indemnity insurance scheme and is responsible for the highly successful REIQ/REINT schemes which he coordinated with the assistance of industry, lawyers, underwriters and claims staff.
Peter has a strong interest in promoting safe and quality business practices in real estate and has been a regular contributor to course materials, presentations and editorial submissions. He has been called upon to be a guest speaker at training forums for the REIQ, REIA, REINT, REIWA and various franchise groups.
Peter also provides individual Risk Management training to a number of his Franchise Group clients.
Michelle McLean is a presenter, advocate, and previous Chair of the Property Management Chapter of REINSW whose commitment and dedication has seen her play an instrumental role in driving change in the Property Management industry.
Michelle started her Property Management career 25 years ago in Sydney and moved to the Hunter region to work with Leah Jay, the property management specialists, as their Compliance Manager.
She has always seen her work as more than just a job. Michelle built her reputation through her contribution as a member of the Property Management Chapter for 20 years and through her passion and commitment to improving the industry and the REI’s work for property owners and tenants.
At a crucial time of change for the industry, Michelle was elected Chair of the Property Management Chapter in 2017 and has played a pivotal role in the review of the Residential Tenancy Act.
In 2019 & 2020, Leanne Pilkington, immediate past President of REINSW, presented Michelle with the prestigious John Hill Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the industry. Michelle is currently the Deputy Chair of the Property Management Chapter.
Michelle continues to advise and support industry members through webinars, training sessions and other speaking opportunities.
Alison Morgan is a specialist online Business Coach based in Sydney, working 1:1 with Business Owners and Brands to create tailored Marketing and Business solutions.
Alison launched Relauncher 11+ years ago. During this time she has mentored over 500 clients 1:1 to set up, grow or evolve their businesses.
Alison’s Mindfulbiz Podcast is designed to help Small Business Owners with tips and insights. Search for Mindfulbiz Podcast on Apple / Spotify / Amazon Music and you’ll find it!
Alison is also founder of Sticky Studio; a boutique branding, website, packaging and marketing solutions studio. The studio specialises in creating brands that stick.
In addition, Alison is a respected Influencer and Content Creator.
Andrew Phanartzis is currently the Director of Property Association, a consultancy firm for residential developers in Australia. The company offers a suite of services including, acquisition, planning, creative, sales and property management.
Andrew is extremely motivated, knowledgeable, loyal and reliable. He prides himself in exceeding expectations, adding dollar value to clients and sets the bar high. He believes the property market is dynamic and constantly evolves his strategic approach to enhance its effectiveness.
Andrew’s exposure to large residential developments, master planned communities and house and land subdivisions has provided a wealth of experience with some of the largest developers in Australia.
Andrew is a licenced real estate agent, holds a BA in Human Resource Management & English from the University of NSW and has completed PS146 Financial Planning qualifications.
Leanne Pilkington is Chief Executive Officer and Director of boutique real estate network Laing+Simmons. She is the current President of the Real Estate Institute of Australia and was the longest serving President of the Real Estate Institute of NSW. She is also a Trustee on the REISuper Board.
Leanne’s 40+ years’ experience covers the full spectrum of real estate services: sales, property management, retail and commercial leasing and management as well as property development. Being recognised in a range of awards such as Telstra and Optus Business awards and a number of industry Thought Leadership Awards, she is considered one of the industries most influential people.
Leanne continues pioneering industry firsts, including being founder of the Real Women in Real Estate network holding events around the country, improving diversity on the REI Board and champions the growth of industry professionalism. Leanne is a licensed real estate agent, has completed her Property Valuation qualifications, and holds a Masters in Business Administration.
At Docuscan Australia, we are using AI to facilitate the Elimination of Data Entry in finance and rental applications using patented Drag & Drop Technology.
Brett is a second-generation mortgage stalwart, having been actively involved in the Mortgage & Finance industry for over 30 years after starting his career working at the family-owned lender Interstar (now Advantedge). He then went onto to run the Stargate Group where he pioneered outsourced mortgage processing services by creating the first BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) operation for Mortgage Brokers and was instrumental in introducing the first Mortgage Broker CRM Systems in the early 2000’s, used by over 5000 mortgage brokers prior to its acquisition by then ASX listed Rubik Financial Limited (RFL).
Instead of moving off into the sunset, Brett set about using AI to build industry leading platforms for Brokers, Lenders and Real Estate Professionals using his vast experience to bring Drag & Drop Data Capture solutions to facilitate digital customer acquisitions.
He also serves as the current Board member of the FBAA to give back to the industry that has given him so much, to support a team that he respects and to help shape a better industry for all of its participants. He is passionate about meeting people and hearing their stories, but most passionate about helping them achieve their goals.
