‘Think bigger’ was the theme of the 2019 RE/MAX Australia Rally, held this year at The Star, Gold Coast. Managing Director Michael Davoren officially commenced the day, welcoming and encouraging attendees to do just that – think big!
He said as a company, we are succeeding. Recapping on the successes of 2018 and looking to the future, RE/MAX Australia is off to a solid start with the foundations for good growth ahead.
“We’ve chosen ‘think bigger’ for our 2019 rally theme, but it is not just about thinking bigger. It’s about creating more opportunity for our award winners, people who are constantly growing their own businesses,” he said. “Think big for the year. Think bigger for the rest of your career and onwards.”
It’s set to be an exciting year ahead, with the upcoming RE/MAX R4 convention being held in Las Vegas later this month, 2019 Asia Pacific Conference and India study tour, as well as RE/MAX Australia’s new brand awareness campaign kicking off.
Michael Davoren made special mention to team from RE/MAX Excellence, who despite devastating circumstances in Townsville following on from recent floods, were able to attend this year’s rally. The Everyday Hero Award was awarded at the conclusion of the day to a very deserving Cyndi Ward of RE/MAX Gold; an award which has only be given once before.
The rally gave the 200-strong attendees the opportunity to learn, discuss and reflect from leaders and colleagues within the RE/MAX network, as well as highly regarded guest speakers.
Technology was a hot topic at this year’s rally – embracing it, but not becoming it. Technology represents the how, but not the why. It is from experiences that people engage, and the value is in the experience. Newly appointed Business Growth Consultant, Dene Tucker reiterated this in his address to the rally with an engaging reference to a quote from Zig Ziglar – “You will get all you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want.”
Mr Tucker chaired the RE/MAX Think Bigger panel which included: Franchise Director Joel Davoren, RE/MAX Australia; Hayley Van De Ven, RE/MAX Results; Henry Wong, RE/MAX United Vision; and Cyndi Ward, RE/MAX Gold.
From Ms Ward’s resilient attitude, remaining strong yet empathetic during a very tough marketplace, to Mr Wong’s outlook on doing better business by viewing real estate as a business, not just a job, the panellists were eager to share their experiences. Touching on the importance of prioritising the end consumer’s experience, Mr Davoren shared how to amplify human connections through new technology and practice. Ms Van De Ven shared the importance of creating a culture of team work and collaboration in her office, saying “Your competition is not the person next to you – we’re a team”.
The ‘MAX Talks’ sales session gave an opportunity for insight from Adam Purdie of REA, and some of the best within the RE/MAX network: Daniel Burrett, RE/MAX Success; Gaby McEwan, RE/MAX United Vision; Morris Short RE/MAX Xtra; and Rob Levy, RE/MAX Excellence.
RE/MAX property managers were given the opportunity to learn from award-winning property management coach and consultant, Vasili Hadzellis.
With a standout organically built rent roll from zero to 1000 in just three years, and over 18 years industry experience, fresh thinking Mr Hadzellis inspired property managers to go beyond expectation. From going back to basics providing a holistic experience for clients, to incorporating technology and new forms of communication within practice, Mr Hadzellis provided an energetic discussion.
As the day grew bigger, a new level of energy was injected with one of the country’s most in demand real estate speakers and author, keynote speaker Chris Helder, who delved into creating the right mindset for success, cutting the noise and the art of communication.
You decide what you want to see and you make your own reality, he said. Energy is a decision; energy is a choice. And true to his word his energy was infectious, leaving cheeks sore with laughter after an inspiring session.
10, 15 and 20 year service pins were handed out and in a very special – and emotional – end to the day, Michael Davoren took to the stage to award the prestigious Everyday Hero Award to Cyndi Ward.
“There is no criteria as the recipients of this type of award are people who have no boundaries,” he said. “Their business life is generally way beyond the ordinary and their private life is generally just that. It is private but exceptionally special”.
Devoting hours of her time promoting property management within the network, serving as a current member of the PAM Chapter Committee and building an amazing property management business in one of the toughest market places in Australia, all the while leading an exceptionally generous personal life, raising her young family and opening up her home as a foster carer.
Welcomed to the stage with standing ovation, Ms Ward was incredibly humbled to receive the award, saying “I’m not a hero. I’m just trying to make a difference”.
Michael Davoren concluded the day encouraging attendees to look to the future, putting strategies in place to not only achieve goals, but exceed them.
RE/MAX Australia’s highest achievers – members of Platinum Plus – enjoyed an invitation-only cocktail party as a warm up to the evening’s main event, the annual awards gala, which rose to a crowd of over 400, celebrating RE/MAX successes for 2018.
Media contact:
Lyn Cox, Public Relations, RE/MAX Australia M. 0418 793 096
Jennifer Kent, Public Relations, RE/MAX Australia M. 0434 045 046
About RE/MAX: RE/MAX was founded in 1973 by Dave and Gail Liniger with an innovative, entrepreneurial culture affording its agents and franchisees the flexibility to operate their businesses with great independence. With more than 120,000 agents and 8000 offices globally, nobody sells more real estate than RE/MAX.