Branch of the Year 2024
Branch Manager of the Year 2024
#1 Branch Manager, to end March 2024
#6 Branch Manager, to end March 2023
#7 Branch Manager, to end March 2022

I joined the real estate industry quite by accident really! After my second year at university, I was out looking for work - contemplating a $5/hour job at McDonalds or some such thing – when I saw a “Real Estate Salesperson Wanted” ad and applied. I was 19 years old, it was 1988, I got the job – and to this day, I believe it’s one of the best moves I’ve ever made.

Over the next 10 years, I proceeded to build up a thriving real estate business in my home town of Johannesburg, South Africa. I married my high-school sweetheart, we started a family, and then we decided to relocate to New Zealand in 1998, to embrace the Kiwi lifestyle. Another move I’ll never regret.

I started at Barfoot & Thompson right away – then moved up through the ranks by being appointed branch manager of Pakuranga in 2001, and branch manager of Howick a few years later, in 2005. Here I am still, nearly 20 years on! With my mission remaining firm – to elevate my team, and be the best we possibly can be. In March 2024, Howick was in fact recognised as the company’s #1 branch, achieving almost a billion dollars in sales in the previous 12 months – a feat of which I am particularly proud.

Every day I am grateful for my place of work, and I appreciate the people I work with. In particular, my leadership team of Paul Judd Head of Sales, Sumwai Wong Head of Awesome, and Kun Lu Head of Property Management. Together, we bring so much experience, knowledge and skills to the table, and we are all deeply committed to helping our clients achieve their goals.

I also think back, with fondness, to the hectic schedule we had when we first arrived in New Zealand – with young kids, school during the week and fitting in open homes, soccer, netball, cricket, cycling and birthday parties on the weekends. All three of our kids, including one grandson, are living successful lives overseas, and so these days most of our holidays involve visiting them when we can. Luckily our two dogs have not immigrated and we get great joy taking them for their daily run on the beach. Just one of the things that makes Howick such a great place to be.

I believe that real estate should be fun – whether you are a buyer, a seller or a salesperson, my goal and my team’s goal is to make your journey enriching and stress-free. It's about building lasting, positive and productive relationships – helping you navigate the world of real estate with confidence and ease.