After a COVID-19 induced break last year, Explore Property hosted its annual Exploration Day Conference in Townsville earlier this month.
The Exploration Day conference was attended by franchisees from all over Queensland, from Townsville to Brisbane, and everywhere in between.
While the Townsville-based franchise group has powered into a market leading position across regional Queensland, with offices in Bundaberg, Burdekin, Cairns, Mackay, and Moreton Bay and Townsville, it’s quickly making its way to a more prominent position in the South East.
“South East Queensland is a blank canvas for us in some ways,” Explore Property Group Leader, Andrew Acton said.
“It’s a place of opportunity for Explore Property, but more importantly anyone who unites with the brand.
“There is a sea of sameness in many brands, and our marketing allows for a new agency in the South East to develop their own story, and build a business off the back of our already proven strategies.”
Speaking at the event, Mr Acton said it was fantastic to have so many members from across the state reunited for a day of inspiration, and learning from each other.
Sharing success
The event included a meet-the-leaders panel, where business owners shared with the wider group their stories and secrets of success.
One such panellist was Ben Chick, owner of Explore Property’s Mackay office, who said Explore was an easy choice when transitioning from agent to business owner in 2015.
“I came straight from being a successful agent at another agency, and wanted to own my own business, as well as mentor and nurture staff across all parts of real estate,” he said.
“I also wanted to improve the standard of our industry and raise the bar in our region, which we have done.”
Mr Chick said he chose to join Explore Property due to the brand’s aesthetic, its value alignment with his community, and an accessible franchisor.
“Andrew is easily accessible, and provides mentorship and advice from years of experience,” Mr Chick said.
“The support is outstanding; distance is never a problem and the ability to have so many like-minded business owners within our group is excellent.”
It’s this willingness to collaborate, share ideas, and learn from each other that makes the Explore Property network an appealing option to potential franchisees, according to Mr Acton, who said it’s also what drives him as a franchisor.
“We have brilliant real estate people across the group but when those people are together in a room the magic happens,” Mr Acton said.
“Training is important, and we offer this, but who you are and what you are becoming is more important than the detail.
“So, our conference days are always focused on celebration and empowering people.”
Of course, it’s not just business leaders and top-selling agents that make a team successful.
In fact, it was Explore Property Mackay’s Administration Manager, Tanya Smith, who received the group’s coveted Most Valuable Person award at the conference, for her contribution to the business.
“Tanya has been there from day one and with her support, the business has grown to become the number one real-estate business in Mackay” Mr Acton said.
A different approach
Explore has taken an individualised, almost hybrid approach to franchising, said Mr Acton, which he believes is what makes the group so successful.
“Franchising can get crowded and being independent can get lonely,” he said.
“Both systems have their challenges more than ever.
“That’s why we’ve chosen the path between these two systems, and it’s a path of people first.
“We empower our people with support and strategy, and they enjoy market abundance with the brand in their area.”
Mr Acton said he hoped Explore Property franchisees felt as though they were part of a growing community, while also feeling in control of their business direction.
“Community can be forgotten with the focus on numbers and products,” said Mr Acton.
“At the heart of our business are people, and people work best when they are part of a caring community.
“At Explore we know that we are building something unique and special; being part of the Explore community is something franchisees can depend on, and it’s integral to our offering.
“I’m proud of what the team is achieving and look forward to announcing further growth of the Explore Property Group in the near future,” Mr Acton said.
