Almost 450 guests attended the annual Ray White South Australia state awards at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Friday, September 13 to celebrate the achievements of the top offices and individuals throughout the network.
Ray White SA CEO Matt Lindblom said it has been a very successful year for the network as its members conducted almost one in every two auctions across the state.
“Our market share has grown to 13.4 per cent in volume and 12.1 per cent in value, with our current listings edging towards 15 per cent of the market. Around one in every seven listings that are currently available are with a Ray White agent,” Mr Lindblom said.
“Real estate and Ray White give each and every one of us amazing opportunities to thrive and achieve more than most of us thought we would.
“As a team there is no limit to what we can achieve, so keep dreaming big, working hard and challenging yourself to get better each and every single day.
“The energy, experience, skills and leadership we have in this room tonight is one of our greatest competitive advantages and while we are the market leader in a very strong position, we have only just started.
“There is no finish line and so much more for us to do, the opportunities in front of us are endless and we must be relentless in our pursuit of growth.”
One of the most exciting awards of the night was the Top Sales Professional award, based on settled commission which went to Samuel Paton of Ray White Brighton. Stefan Siciliano of Ray White Norwood was the Top Sales Professional for number of sales, also placing 10th internationally.
Ray White Norwood – owned by Sam Brincat and Jason Spagnuolo – won not only the Top Metro Office but the Top Office Overall, by settled sales commission in 2018-19. Ray White Clare Valley | Rural SA won Top Regional Office.
Nick Psarros of Ray White Port Adelaide was named as the Top Principal – Settled Commission for 2018-19. Mr Psarros was also named Top Principal – Number of Sales & No. 1 International Principal Number of Sales.
Ray White Clare Valley | Rural SA’s Geoff Schell was awarded the prestigious Life Member Award.
Mr Lindblom said the Life Member award was presented to an individual who lives and breathes real estate and has been such a long term loyal member of the group. Mr Schell is always happy to help others and continually looking at ways to challenge himself, setting new standards of expectation and excellence.
“Geoff is still breaking new ground for Ray White in South Australia, leading the way and encouraging others to join him on the journey. He has been someone I can lean on for advice, is there for me and many others in times of need, and he always wants what is best for the group and epitomises the values of the great family business that Ray White is today.”
Business Owners of the Year went to Nick and Loraine Psarros of Ray White Port Adelaide.
“Our business owners of the year for 18/19 have continued to work diligently in their business, but have also taken significant steps in planning and focusing on their next stage, which has been centred around growing their team,” Mr Lindblom said.
“This has involved implementing new systems, providing additional training and support, trusting and empowering their staff, all while maintaining their strong culture of customer service, family values and work/life balance.
“They have invested in a great office for their team to work in and are still making further improvements to what is already at such a high standard.
“These individuals always make people feel welcome, they have very strong ties to their community, looking to give back, particularly to people in need and less fortunate than most.”
Ray White Semaphore Principal Peter Kikianis was awarded the prestigious new award called the Outstanding Contribution Award.
“The Outstanding Contribution Award goes to someone who has provided significant contribution to the Ray White Group over many years, and continues to do so,” Mr Lindblom said.
“The recipient of this award for 2018/2019 is well respected in your Ray White network, a friend to many, resilient, loyal and someone who has been able to respond and adapt to change over his extensive career in real estate.
“Congratulations to Peter – he’s someone who has consistently supported Ray White initiatives, contributes to our brand’s reputation, ideas within the network and has a fantastic team in his office. He has such a bright and exciting future in front of him too.”
Rod Smitheram of Ray White Brighton once again took out the 2019 Auctioneer of the Year award. The Ray White Woodville office won the Excellence in Auctions award.
Ray White Yorke Peninsula won the Clients’ Choice award for 2019.
Awards for the company’s rising stars were also presented on the night, with the sales based Rising Star award going to Jamie Wood from Ray White Barossa Valley and Rookie Property Manager of the Year going to Brooke Neale of Ray White Yorke Peninsula.
Anna Koch from Ray White Mount Barker was named Property Manager of the Year in SA, with the Port Augusta team also taking the Property Management Team of the Year award in SA. Michael Walkden of Ray White West Torrens won Business Development Manager of the Year for 2019.
Ray White Mount Barker was awarded for having the Top Office Database and Ray White North Adelaide received accolade for the Best Presented Office.
