I joined the Place family almost 4 years ago, to the day.
Since joining Place, I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside some incredible people, but very closely with Pete Burgin, our Chief Auctioneer and one of the most amazing humans.
Within my first month, Pete and I jumped on a plane to Queenstown to participate in what would be my first annual Place Leaders Retreat. When I arrived, I posted on my Facebook page, “Love Queenstown! Never been here before. Can’t wait for the Leaders Retreat!" Someone immediately commented, “what do your staff get?” I responded, “Better leaders.”
During those two days in Queenstown, I learned more about leadership than I ever had in my entire life. I say at the table across from Paul Curtain, watching his mannerisms, seeing the way he spoke and engaged everyone in that room. Truth be told, I’d never felt so connected and motivated.
It took us a further 12 months to convince my (now) work wife, Drew Davies, to jump ship and do this with me.
The moment Drew officially ‘signed his life away’ Sarah Hackett called and said, "this is truly a situation where 1 + 1 = 3!" She couldn’t have been more on the money! Since Drew came on board three years ago, together we have increased our business 8-fold.
Whilst Drew and I are very different - I’m often called the accelerator and he the handbrake – we work together in the best possible way. He always champions me in the right direction and has my back, in every situation.
Together, we have watched our team grow and worked alongside them in reaching their financial and personal goals.
There’s no secret to what we do. We both work extremely hard and are wholeheartedly committed to growth. Growth for ourselves and our business but most importantly for our team. We are supported by an amazing brand, who have in turn, become our family.
Damian Hackett, what a man, the CEO of Place and the man who started this whole journey and brought me on board. A wise man once told me “If you hang around the barbershop long enough, you’re going to get a haircut.” I couldn’t think of a better Barber than Damian Hackett.
I write this as I am sitting at Spicers in Maleny alongside Drew and all the other Place Leaders and Office Directors in what will be by 4th Leaders Retreat. This is an annual event where Damian, Paul and Sarah challenge us to evaluate how our business is progressing and how we can work together to make it even better. The industry we work in is one driven by competition and growth – now more than ever, it is important to stop and take time to evaluate, engage and inspire a clear vision to define our business for the next 12 months.
That’s the Place Way. The way I have come to know and love and instil in my team to carry with them as they build their businesses. It’s something Drew and I take pride in.
This retreat could not have come at a better time for us! We’ve got some exciting news coming for our pocket of Brisbane and welcome the opportunity to have a confidential discussion about what life at Place could look like for you.