Years in the industry?
Three-and-a-half years. I had previously worked in the building industry, so it felt like a really good fit when I started working in property management.
Prior to coming on board with Independent, I worked as a Project Manager for the Australasian Railway Association and prior to this I was editing television commercials at Southern Cross Austereo, so I have had a range of different experiences – but Property Management has definitely been the best fit for me and I am grateful to have found that.
What’s a special place in your local area?
The reserve behind my house in Kambah – well up a few streets, and behind those. I walk my dog through there on occasion and it is really peaceful, lots of kangaroos, usually, which the dog is really excited about.
Did you choose property management or did property management choose you?
Property management definitely chose me! I was at a crossroads in my previous job and wasn’t sure if I wanted to keep at it or try something new.
I was playing football with Hannah Gill at the time and she was speaking to a friend of mine about employment opportunities and I simply asked, “Would you have something for me?”
Only four weeks later, a role popped up and here I am, three-and-a-half years later and loving it. A lot of this has to be credited to Hannah for creating such a great work environment and a place that recognises and rewards good people who are passionate about what they do.
What type of business do you focus on?
I specialise in managing property for builders who lease their developments as well as investment properties for our high-profile clients, most of whom have a minimum of three investment properties.
I am also a team leader within the property management team where I assist with the day to day operations of property management as well as overseeing our amazing and dedicated property managers.
What’s the most important part of your day?
Making sure I show up being the person I want my team to be. I really value our team at Independent and while we all have our bad days, or not so good days, I really strive to create a strong team environment and positive culture.
We all influence the culture of our workplace no matter what our role is, but it is particularly important when we are privileged with a leadership role that we lead by example.
Where would you like to be this time next year?
I hope to have started my own small side business (not property management related) and have completed some substantial renovations on my home.
Challenge for the industry?
Technology! Although this can also be used to our advantage, there are so many options out there that it is difficult to find what is right for your business.
Tech continues to evolve so quickly that if we don’t stay in touch with what is happening in this space and remain current we can easily find ourselves falling behind our competitors.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
I am not sure if someone provided me this advice or if this is just something I discovered throughout my working career: You won’t be provided with opportunities if you do what is expected.
Basically if you want to be successful at what you do, you must do more than what is expected and do it because you are passionate and care about getting the best outcomes. Arriving at 8.30am, leaving at 5pm, and doing the bare minimum isn’t going to cut it.
