After 25 years in charge of Ray White Buderim, Brett Graham is handing the reins over to new leaders Dan Sowden and Jake Loiero, as the pair look to grow the well-respected business.
Established in 1999, Ray White Buderim has seen its team numbers increase to 30 and is one of the area’s most dominant agencies.
The Buderim office is one of five Ray White offices that sits amongst the Coastal Living Network on the Sunshine Coast; all of which are people-first agencies focused on nurturing and retaining talented people.
Mr Sowden is also the current owner of Ray White Maroochydore and the 20-year veteran went through a similar succession process when he took over that agency.
“In 2007, Brett and I began a similar plan at the Maroochydore office where I entered a partnership with him, and a couple of years ago I took over the business as sole owner,” Mr Sowden said.
“This succession process took over 10 years to finalise, but within that time frame the business has continued to grow, attract and retain some of the best talent in the industry.
“The best thing about a tried and tested, long-term plan is that it actually empowers a business to go further and provides confidence that the business will be there in 30 to 40-plus years time.”
Mr Sowden said the pair were eager to bring in renewed energy and an appetite for growth to the new business.
“Jake is such a rare talent,” he said.
“He is more than the likeable, charismatic character that he is; he is one of the hardest workers in our group, and has already established himself internally as a leader well before this opportunity arose.”
Mr Loiero started his career in real estate at Ray White Buderim, at the age of 18 and now has nine years experience as a sales agent and auctioneer.
“This next step in business ownership is not only a natural progression, but it’s a goal that I’ve gradually worked towards from day one,” Mr Loiero said.
“I’m really looking forward to continuing my mentoring into a leadership position and helping the team in a similar way to how Brett has helped me over the past nine years.”
Excited to look to the future and stamp his own mark on the business, Mr Loiero also appreciates the legacy that Mr Graham has built and is adamant that he and Mr Sowden will protect the same values.
“While Dan and I are excited to look to the future, we also want to move forward in a way that is preserving what Brett has built,” he said.
“Our family values, trust and integrity are the core pillars of the Ray White name.
“At Buderim, it is the reason why we have retained our passionate, high-performing team, and is why our community continues to work with us.”
The co-owners are most excited to focus on the office’s status as auction leaders; something that has been a large part of the fabric of Ray White for more than 122 years.
Mr Graham said he has long planned for this moment and was looking forward to what the new leadership team had in store for the business.
“I am immensely proud of both Dan and Jake for reaching this point in their careers where they have ascended to the ownership of Ray White Buderim,” Mr Graham said.
“I am also very confident that they are the most competent and best placed to continue the legacy on which the business has grown from strength to strength.
“That legacy has and always will be maintaining high family values for all staff.”
Ray White Queensland Chief Executive Officer Jason Andrew said Mr Sowden and Mr Loiero had stellar reputations.
“They both believe in going above and beyond to exceed their clients’ expectations,” Mr Andrews said.
“The pair are well known for their ability to listen attentively to their needs and deliver personalised solutions.”
