In an increasingly competitive real estate market, Hannah Gill, Director of The Property Collective, is redefining industry standards. With over 15 years of experience, her mission extends beyond merely closing deals; she is determined to transform the way property management is perceived and practiced.
“It’s about putting people first, always,” Hannah asserts. For her, true success transcends financial gains; it revolves around cultivating a sustainable team culture that fosters employee well-being and delivers exceptional client service. This philosophy is woven into the fabric of The Property Collective, empowering it to challenge conventional real estate practices effectively.
Hannah’s journey into real estate was anything but straightforward. She entered the field somewhat by chance at the age of 21. “I was simply looking for a job,” she admits, recalling how a newspaper advertisement caught her eye. “I liked the logo and thought, why not give it a try?”
Today, as the leader of a thriving real estate agency, she has transformed initial uncertainty into a compelling vision that is revolutionizing the industry.
A Rapid Ascent: From Property Manager to Director
Hannah’s rise within the industry has been remarkably swift. Following a brief period in property management, she discovered her passion for business development.
“I thrived on meeting new people, finalizing deals, and witnessing the tangible results of our hard work,” she reflects. Her talent for relationship building and driving growth quickly caught the attention of her peers, leading her to oversee teams and reshape the agency’s operational strategies.
“When I assumed the role of general manager, my first focus was to overhaul our operations,” she explains. “It was essential to establish more sustainable processes for both our team and our clients. Efficiency and a strong team culture became our foundation.”
In this context, Hannah introduced her innovative “Culture Playbook,” a strategic document outlining clear expectations for team behavior, collaboration, and accountability. “It wasn’t rocket science; it was about doing the right thing, even when no one was watching,” she notes.
The impact was significant: improved team cohesion, higher retention rates, and clients who felt connected to a larger mission.
Fostering a Positive Culture
Hannah’s leadership strategy centers on creating an environment where employees feel appreciated and empowered. “People want to feel heard and understood. That’s a major hurdle in this industry,” she points out.
Her efforts to revamp company culture not only enhanced team dynamics but also transformed client interactions. “The change was immediate. Team members who once felt like mere cogs in the machine began to see themselves as integral contributors,” she adds.
While many may consider cultural development a secondary concern in real estate, Hannah emphasizes its crucial role in ensuring long-term success. “We are in a people-oriented business. If your team isn’t happy, how can you expect your clients to be?”
This philosophy extends to her agency’s approach to client relationships. The Property Collective positions itself as a comprehensive service provider, offering not just property management but also maintenance, finance, and marketing support. “We aim to create a one-stop shop for our clients. It’s about being a trusted advisor for every aspect of their investments,” she states.
Navigating Growth Challenges
Despite her success, the journey has not been without obstacles. The past year has been particularly challenging for Hannah as The Property Collective experienced rapid expansion, leading to what she describes as “growing pains.”
Balancing growth amid the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges. “The hardest part was finding the equilibrium between managing the day-to-day operations and developing the business,” she reflects. “We were growing at an incredible pace, and I needed to step back and focus on the bigger picture.”
Nonetheless, she attributes the company’s achievements to her commitment to prioritizing team culture and client needs over short-term profits. “Our growth is not just for growth’s sake,” she insists. “It’s about intelligent expansion that strengthens both our clients’ positions and our team’s capabilities.”
Hannah acknowledges that while rapid expansion was daunting, it also signified that her strategy was effective. “We’ve transformed from a startup into a company with 45 staff and a presence across multiple locations in just a few years. This would not have been possible without a cohesive team and a clear vision.”
Looking Ahead: Ambitious Plans for the Future
As she gazes into the future, Hannah has ambitious goals for The Property Collective. “In the next five years, I envision us expanding our national reach, particularly in property management,” she reveals. Her ultimate aim is to provide clients with a seamless experience, regardless of their geographical location in Australia.
“If a client owns properties in various cities, they should have one point of contact managing everything. That’s the future we are working towards,” she asserts. However, for Hannah, growth is not merely about increasing size; it’s about preserving the unique culture she has fostered.
“We must not lose sight of what makes us special. Regardless of how large we become, our core values and our people-centric approach must remain unchanged.”
Her advice for industry peers is straightforward: “Engage with people. Whether they are your team, clients, or partners, have those conversations. Real estate is fundamentally a relationship-driven business. By building strong, meaningful connections, everything else will fall into place.”
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