Agent Panel with Tara Torkkola

Local real estate professional Tara Torkkola is one of the region’s and country’s most awarded and respected agents.  In 2022 Tara ranked in the Top 50 Women in Real Estate, which celebrates the highest calibre agents in Australia, a credibility she brings to the Byron Shire community.  She has also ranked in the Top 9 Regional Female Agent in Australia.

Tara has been the force in the Byron Shire property market for over 15 years.  Her multi-faceted international approach delivers layers of invisible value and a worldwide savvy that ensures she achieves unrivalled results. A modern and digital selling agent, Tara embraces traditional skills including authentic connections and an extensive database, paired with cutting edge accelerated marketing techniques.  Multiple campaigns for each property across digital and traditional media ensure maximum exposure and interest. As a long standing member of the highly respected First National Byron Bay #1 office in Australasia, Tara fosters a culture built on traditional values and utmost discretion.  Part of the community fabric, they pride themselves on serving both locals and newcomers with thorough knowledge and relationships that have been built over 30 years.  First National Byron Bay is home to the highest achieving agents in the country led by Industry leader Chris Hanley as company principal.  Tara’s colleagues have been her mentors and inspiration for 15 years, she works with the best in the business.

Tara and her team are long term locals who embody the lifestyle that they are selling.  They operate in sync to deliver deeply satisfying results that could not be achieved by one agent alone. Tara is extremely well connected with a down to earth confidence and intuitive sales approach that feed into her negotiations.  She is renowned for consistently achieving over and above, with an instinct for leveraging the highest outcomes and knowing where money is being left on the table. She continues to witness evolution in the Byron Bay region, with the tightly held property mecca attracting both new buyers and agents.  Her unique approach is grounded in community values and trust, and she is a must call for anyone desiring an international selling approach.

Throughout her career, she has consistently delivered record property sales across the shire. Her portfolio includes family homes, coastal retreats and large rural properties. Tara actively engages in high level mentoring programs with industry leaders who inspire her to take her business to the next level.  In recent years Tara has been a keynote speaker at events of over 1000 attendees sharing her journey.  She is committed to continual growth alongside care and compassion to exceed expectations. Tara prides herself on top tier references and testimonials, and can connect you with recent clients for a firsthand and transparent account of selling with team Tara Torkkola.

Tara’s session

Agent Panel

Property Management Panel with Chantelle Collin

Chantelle Collin is one of Australia’s most prominent thought leaders in the property management landscape. With over 25 years’ experience in both Queensland and Sydney, Chantelle has held roles across the residential real estate lifecycle. 

These include portfolio management, client service, business development and leadership. The latter is a craft she has spent the last decade honing, eight of those years spent as BresicWhitney.  Firstly as Head of Business Development and for last five years as Head of Property Management.

Currently overseeing a team of almost 40 specialists across varying disciplines, Chantelle takes a people-first approach to leadership. It’s an ethos that centres on providing meaningful pathways within property management for all who aspire to work in the field, and continued growth and development across all career levels.

Two of Chantelle’s key achievements include growing BresicWhitney’s portfolio of properties under management to over 3,000; while transforming its operations with a centralised cloud-based model. This has delivered significant improvements in team efficiency, client experience and connection.

Chantelle’s session

PM Panel

A Leadership Journey with Jamie Owen

Jamie’s energetic leadership style and innovative approach are clear to see and fundamental to his success as Nelson Alexander’s Chief Operating Officer. Responsible for the efficiency of business, with empathy and vision he ensures that best-practice operational controls, procedures and systems are constantly evolving to keep the business at the forefront of the industry

With a deep understanding of the real estate sector and also with an eye on trends within other industries, Jamie brings his previous experience in sales, management, IT and marketing to Nelson Alexander.  

“I see myself as a change sponsor and understand what is needed to deliver on new initiatives. I am constantly looking ahead, studying future trends and work to understand how these could be effectively applied in our business to make sure we constantly evolve and deliver exceptional end results for our customers.”  

Driven, pragmatic and with an entrepreneurial flair, Jamie has the ability to see business issues from different perspectives and how they might impact across different areas of the organisation. He gets enormous satisfaction from problem solving and helping others to be more successful in what they do.

Jamie is originally from Scotland, although his accent would say otherwise. Travel has been a big part of his life and says it will always be so. Closer to home, he likes nothing better than spending time with his family at their Macedon Ranges property, soaking up the great Australian bush and enjoying nature.

As Nelson Alexander’s Chief Operating Officer, Jamie’s innovative, constructive and energetic style have earned him the trust and respect of the entire organisation.

Jamie’s session

How Nelson Alexanders is building for the future

Master High Performance with Brendan Di Rago

When you have a passion for assisting people and a genuine love of property, not to mention a well-established reputation in the eastern suburbs as a dedicated and reliable source of property management advice, it is not surprising that Brendan Di Rago has become such a valued part of the team over the years. Brendan Di Rago is the accomplished Director of the Property Management Division at Barry Plant, where his leadership and expertise have significantly contributed to the division’s success. His professional journey commenced in the hospitality sector, where he honed his communication skills and passion for service. This early career choice laid the foundation for his transition into real estate, a field he explored prior to completing his VCE, initially commencing at a family-owned agency before joining the ranks of Barry Plant.

Raised in Bulleen, Brendan has a lifelong connection to the area. His deep roots in the community, combined with an appreciation for its family-friendly feel, lush parks, and vibrant dining scene, enhance his work by providing intimate knowledge of the local property market. Inspired by his father’s property ventures, Brendan’s interest in real estate was sparked at a young age, leading him to pursue a career where he could employ his natural knack for negotiation and client service. Clients describe Brendan as a determined advocate for their interests, highlighting his direct approach and commitment to achieving their goals. His main strengths lie in his extensive knowledge of the real estate market, innovative thinking, exceptional people skills, and realistic yet optimistic outlook. Brendan’s leadership style is marked by a strong, personable approach, ensuring his team is as dedicated and client-focused as he is.

Self-described as a straight shooter, Brendan balances his earnest work ethic with a love for laughter and light-hearted approach ensuring his team receives unparalleled support, fostering a fun workplace where lifelong friendships and relationships are formed. Among his accolades is the “Property Management – Rising Star Award” he received in 2011, a testament to his dedication and skill in the field and his growth into Property Management Director, underscoring his commitment and proficiency in property management, and highlighting his ascent to Director of Property Management—a position he now concentrates on exclusively within the agency. Brendan’s ambitions revolve around achieving a harmonious work/life balance and fostering a positive, engaging work environment for his team at Barry Plant. Beyond his career, Brendan finds joy and fulfillment in spending quality moments with his wife and two sons, dining out, enjoying movies, or bonding over his passion for cars – Formula 1 racing, and football. Placing great importance on nurturing a balanced lifestyle that values both his career and family time.

Brendan’s session

Building a High Performance Culture

Property Management Panel with Tracey Kelly

For the past 15 years, Tracey Kelly has been instrumental in helping drive the growth and success of the Property Management business at Coronis. Her contribution has been significant to the expansion of Coronis’ amazing team of property managers and rent roll, which currently exceeds 12,000 properties. 

Tracey started her career in real estate as a receptionist in 1986 before moving into sales. After purchasing her first investment property at age 20, she found a passion for property management. She became the Regional Rental Manager at Coronis in 2009, and in 2022 was appointed the Property Management State Director at Coronis. In this role, she is in charge of Australia’s second-largest privately-owned rent roll. The 12,000+ strong portfolio is worth over $5.2 billion in property value.

Tracey’s desire to help people has ensured consistency and longevity within the team growth.   She is dedicated to her teams success, ensuring their systems, operations, training and support are always the best they can be which results in clients being happy. Not one to rest on her laurels, Tracey’s willingness to improve and learn has kept her at the forefront of property management in Australia and helps drive the industry forward.

Tracey’s session

PM Panel

Pivot your business and achieve rapid transformation in just 90 days with Brent May

Here he is. Brent May. 29 years’ experience with 15 of these invested in building and leading his own boutique brand from the Hills to the Northern Beaches of Sydney. With his wife and two girls enjoying all the beaches had to offer, Brent accepted his next challenge and took up the role as General Manager of Sales for one of Australia’s leading real estate brands, going on to build the number one franchise group in the network. Having a detailed understanding of the fast-paced world of start-ups, his knowledge of the digital sales process leads him to be the National Sales Director for Purplebricks Group.

It goes without saying that combining all this experience means Brent knows how Real Estate operates and why he is our chief of all things operations, leading our company into a $100m business while maintaining its independence and values.

Brent’s session

The 90 Day Reinvention Sprint

Elevate Your Team’s Performance with Michael Sheargold

With over 20 years’ experience coaching and consulting some of the best real estate leaders and teams, Michael has been a champion of change for the industry – helping transform the reputation and results of Australasian nreal estate professionals.

As CEO of Australasia’s leading network of Independent real estate agencies – Real Estate Results Network – and Founder of DRIVE Performance, Michael is one of the most well recognised and respected thought leaders in the Australasian real estate landscape.

Michael’s session

Unlocking a High-Performance Culture

30X in 30 Months: McGrath’s Success Formula

With over 20 years experience leading teams of high performing sales executives, Kon Stathopoulos brings a unique perspective to the role as Principal and Owner of McGrath West, Northwest & Hawkesbury. Having been hand-picked by John McGrath as the Head of Sales for company-owned McGrath Estate Agent offices and leading over 300 agents in 32 offices, Kon has a deep understanding of how to achieve the best results from his team and for his clients.

Kon’s exposure to different markets and agents brings a strategic approach to all aspects of the property market. In an industry that fluctuates, having strong strategic management skills that focuses on driving exceptional results, Kon Stathopoulos is a proven leader who stands apart from his peers.

Kon’s session

30X in 30 Months

Reinventing Your Business: The Coastal Way

Dane Atherton is a rare alchemy of energy and experience. With his partner, Kym Atherton, he founded harcourts Coastal at Broadbeach in 2011, with an aspirational brand of positive leadership.  An innate showmanship balances gravity and quick humour in Dane; a style that has carved his place in the upper echelons of Australian auction history and he is titled as Queensland’s best auctioneer.

His people-first approach to real estate has called the very best agents to Coastal and their sustained success, collectively, tells the story of effective leadership. With all this success, Dane does not stop reinventing the business. In this session he will share his thoughts and strategies that led him to make big changes this year.

Dane’s session

Reinventing your business

Jellis Craig: A Case Study on a Great Brand

Appointed to the role of CEO in March 2024, Andrew McCann’s leadership positions Jellis Craig for continued success.

With more than 25 years’ experience in the real estate industry, most recently as the Managing Director at Jellis Craig Stonnington and Yarra, Andrew comes to the role with immense internal and industry credibility, delivering expertise, progressive ideas, and new energy that will serve to strengthen the company’s long-held industry-leading reputation.

Andrew’s focus on real estate best practices, professionalism, and service excellence has always been in step with the company’s ethical foundations.

Andrew’s session

Jellis Craig – A Case Study on a Great Brand

AI Fear & Fascination: The Dual Edge of Innovation

Australia’s most inspirational digital marketing advisor and keynote speaker to the real estate industry. Josh is a trusted digital marketing advisor to Australia’s leading real estate agents and agency brands.

Josh has been named as a finalist in the REB Awards for Industry Thought Leader of The Year multiple years in a row and the winner of Brisbane Young Entrepreneur of The Year – Marketing, PR & Events and a finalist in 2020 and 2021. In addition to website design and development and digital marketing consulting, Stepps operates a training and education company that produces an iTunes top-ranked podcast, training events, Industry Index and a weekly email with over 50,000 real estate agents from across the globe, focused on digital marketing in real estate.

Josh‘s session

AI Fear & Fascination: Why the real estate industry should be both worried and excited about AI

30X in 30 Months: McGrath’s Success Formula

With over 20 years experience leading teams of high performing sales executives, Kon Stathopoulos brings a unique perspective to the role as Principal and Owner of McGrath West, Northwest & Hawkesbury. Having been hand-picked by John McGrath as the Head of Sales for company-owned McGrath Estate Agent offices and leading over 300 agents in 32 offices, Kon has a deep understanding of how to achieve the best results from his team and for his clients.

Kon’s exposure to different markets and agents brings a strategic approach to all aspects of the property market. In an industry that fluctuates, having strong strategic management skills that focuses on driving exceptional results, Kon Stathopoulos is a proven leader who stands apart from his peers.

Kon’s session

30X in 30 Months

Navigate Market Trends with Sadhana Smiles

Sadhana Smiles is the CEO for Real Estate Industry Partners (REIP), Director of Harcourts Move, Podcaster and Founder of Links Fiji.

As CEO of REIP, Sadhana is part of a collective of like-minded leaders committed to empowering and uniting the industry.

In a market driven by data and analytics, understanding trends and market share dynamics is paramount for success. It enables you to leverage the power of data in real time, which is critical for decision making.

Imagine a world where you can provide property and market trends to clients as they happen, rather than months later.

In this session Sadhana shares the latest market update and trends

Sadhana’s session

Unleashing Insights, Data Trends and Market Share Analysis

Boost Your Marketing Game with Emily Turnbull

Emily Turnbull is the Audience Director for Trade Me Property. She has over 25 years of experience across media, marketing, coaching and leadership having worked in NZ, the UK, Europe and Malaysia. Emily is unreservedly passionate and curious about people – what makes us tick, what drives our decisions, what draws us to brands and to other humans. She’s a keen storyteller and a firm believer that being “authentically yourself” not only brings more joy in life, but drives greater business outcomes.

Emily’s here to help you answer “Who is Brand You?”

She will share how defining your personal brand and really owning it, can be a key enabler to success (and why she’s forever grateful social media and digital cameras didn’t exist when she was growing up and making memories (or mistakes).

Emily’s session

Who is Brand You?

High Performance Insights from a Behavioural Scientist

As a leader in real estate, you know success isn’t just about properties – it’s about people. Milo Wilkinson, the renowned Mindset Performance Coach for the Sydney Swans will be a leading speaker at The Business of Real Estate.

In her session, Milo will reveal the secrets to:

• Building unwavering confidence in your team
• Overcoming setbacks and maintaining momentum
• Cultivating a winning mindset at every level of your organisation

As a Behavioural Scientist, Milo Wilkinson is a highly sought-after Mindset Performance Coach who has helped athletes and business leaders achieve peak performance. With her wealth of experience working with corporate and sports teams, as well as her groundbreaking collaboration with Harvard’s Neuroscience Department, Milo is a true leader in her field. As the current Mindset Performance Coach for the Sydney Swans, she has a proven track record of developing winning mindsets and fostering high-performance cultures. Milo’s expertise in psychology, neuroscience, and human behaviour allows her to deliver practical, actionable strategies that drive real results.

Milo’s session

Insights into High Performance from a Behavioural Scientist

Scale Your Success with Steve Maserow

Steve has been a dedicated real estate professional for nearly 20 years. After relocating his family from South Africa in 1997, he joined Barfoot & Thompson and has since focused on serving the East Auckland area. In April 2005, he took over the Howick branch, where he continues to oversee a dynamic team, passionately engaging with the daily challenges of the real estate industry and ensuring the housing needs of the community are met.

Under Steve’s leadership, the Howick branch boasts 25 top-performing, self-motivated, and experienced salespeople along with two property managers. Collectively, they bring nearly 250 years of local knowledge and real estate expertise to the table. This team understands the East Auckland market thoroughly and consistently delivers excellent results. Regardless of the season, their marketing skills effectively bring buyers and sellers together, ensuring satisfaction for all parties involved.

Steve’s session

Creating and Maintaining a Great Culture at Scale

Master High Performance with Spiro Drossos

Spiro Drossos is a highly successful Principal at Barry Plant, known for his achievements in Melbourne’s North-Eastern and Eastern suburbs.

As Managing Director of the Barry Plant Eastern Group, he oversees four offices, including the award-winning Barry Plant Manningham. Spiro has set multiple sales records and has been recognized as Victoria’s Salesperson of the Year three times. An accomplished auctioneer, he has conducted hundreds of successful auctions. Spiro’s leadership and mentoring have built a top-performing team, earning numerous accolades, including the AREA Australian Residential Agency of the Year Award twice.

Spiro’s commitment to innovation and excellence continues to drive his and his team’s success.

Spiro’s session

Building a High Performance Culture

Unlock Profit Potential with Kylie Walsh

Kylie Walsh is the Founder and Director of REGROWTH, a coaching and consulting business founded in March 2021 after she divested her shareholding in Di Jones Real Estate. REGROWTH was born from the desire to create a 360 solution for the Property Profession, which provided not only high-performance coaching but helping support a more sustainable life and business practices for industry after experiencing cancer and a marriage breakdown.

REGROWTH specialises in Leadership, Mastery of Client Experience, High performance EBU and Business Development Management for property agencies and the franchisors, deployment, and integration of best in sector induction and onboarding to ensure greater retention and productivity.

In the last 2 years REGWORTH have undertaken Health Checks and DDs on over 100,000 rental properties to minimise risk and leakage and identify better efficiencies and revenue. Kylie is also the co-founder and shareholder of Recruit RE, an online marketplace that has the vision of being the go-to ecosystem for property recruitment and world class induction.

Kylie’s session

10 Key Lessons for Profit Performance

Key Insights to Profitability with Cathie Crampton

It’s never been harder than now to ensure you have both a commercially viable and prosperous rent roll. Between increasingly difficult economic conditions coupled with bureaucratic impediments, rent rolls have become a difficult proposition that requires a specialised approach. In this session, we will give both a road map as well as specific case study examples that will both resonate and assist you with the best practice approach for now and the next 3-5 years.

Cathie Crampton returns to Belle Property, bringing with her a successful 20-year background in property management across all national markets. She has vast experience in real estate, along with exceptional empathy and business acumen, which are well-suited to her position as our National Head of PM Growth & Performance. Cathie thrives on the challenge of working with principals at the business level to help them optimise and grow their PM business returns. Her strong leadership qualities, along with a love of mentoring and helping people grow, enable her to assist business owners in enhancing their performance and operating styles while having fun along the way. She is also a regular speaker at industry events and training engagements.

Cathie’s session

Deep Dive into Profitability, Efficiency and Growth

From One Office to Eighteen: The Journey of David Gray and Elders Lifestyle Group

David Gray, Director of the Elders Lifestyle Group, has significantly expanded his presence across the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast regions. Starting with a single office in Port Macquarie, he has grown the group to encompass a network of 18 offices spanning from Brunswick Heads to Forster.

David is a multifaceted entrepreneur, owning businesses not only in real estate but also in the financial, accommodation and hospitality sectors. He brings extensive expertise as an investor, developer, and auctioneer. His dynamic leadership continues to foster growth and innovation within the Elders Lifestyle Group and beyond

David’s session

Leadership and Innovation: The Elders Lifestyle Group Story

Jordan Strudwick: Redefining Real Estate Success at STRUD Property

As Principal of STRUD Property, Jordan is a dedicated real estate professional, who has cemented himself as a top agent not just in his region but Australia more broadly. Being nominated ‘Newcomer of the Year’ by Real Estate Business Australia and having been interviewed by the best real estate coach in the country (Tom Panos), in 2021 Jordan placed 12th in the Top 50 Dealmakers in Australia, voted by Real Estate Business Australia. Though it’s not the accolades that keep him going. For Jordan, the real award is being able to help the community he grew up in. The city of Ipswich. Recognising just how much the city is growing and diversifying, Jordan prides himself on being of benefit to his community and touts his beautiful partner, family, friends, and of course, his valued clients as being the reason for his success.

A true believer that real estate is fundamentally about relationships, Jordan is not simply focused on listing and selling. It’s about loving what you do, creating a happy, nurtured team and establishing a work culture you’re proud of. And, always respecting and understanding your clients’ needs, wishes and wants. In his spare time, you’ll find Jordan spending time with his family, friends, partner and his two mischievous sausage dogs. If you are looking for an agent with a genuine difference, Reach out to Jordan today.

David’s session

From Newcomer to Leader: Jordan Strudwick’s Journey in Real Estate

Steve Kemp: Award-Winning Real Estate Expert and Community Leader

Steve was born and bred in Port Lincoln and raised in a real estate family. He has worked in the Port Lincoln real estate industry since 1987 and has been Principal of the company since 2000 after taking over from his father and founder of the business, Reg Kemp. Steve has an exceptional knowledge of the industry and specialises in all aspects of real estate sales and developments in Port Lincoln and surrounding areas of the Lower Eyre Peninsula. Steve has always taken great satisfaction and personal pride in achieving the high goals he sets for himself. He believes that success in sales depends on one’s ability to listen to the needs of both sellers and buyers.

Having a wealth of knowledge to pass on to both buyers and sellers, Steve is recognised as an industry leader and successful auctioneer. Never one for complacency, Steve is continually improving and evolving to suit business and market needs and recognises the value in self-development and training for himself and his team. Steve is a member of the Real Estate Institute of South Australia (RESIA) and has also served as a director on the board of the REISA for 7 years, further developing his knowledge of the industry and providing a vital role in the real estate industry. In 2016 Steve was awarded the highest honour South Australian real estate, The Sir Robert Torrens Award by the South Australian governing body Real Estate Institute of South Australia. Currently, Steve gives his time as Chairman of the Board for Matthew Flinders Home, which is Port Lincoln’s local high care residential aged care facility. Steve regularly donates to Royal Flying Doctor Service and community groups by donating his time through auctions or speaking events.

Steve’s session

Leadership in Real Estate: Lessons from Steve Kemp