Tim McDonnell and Stephen Lea join RE/MAX Australia as Business Development Consultants as the network steers its course of strategic growth.
Both have strong real estate and business backgrounds.
“Each brings a different skill set to the role, but both bring energy and commitment” said RE/MAX Australia Franchise Director Joel Davoren.
Tim McDonnell has juggled a real estate career with being an elite athlete since graduating from the University of Queensland in 2009 with a Degree in Business Management, majoring in real estate and development.
He has represented club, state and country in rowing, including representing Australia three times and winning silver at the world championships.
After spending 2015 living between Tasmania and Europe in intensive training and competition, he is disappointed not to be at the next Olympics, but is excited keen to refocus on the real estate industry and bring people to RE/MAX.
“The RE/MAX brand has unsurpassed global recognition through almost 100 countries which provides unrivalled opportunity to its franchise owners and agents to access this global network, along with RE/MAX Australia’s marketing initiatives, professional and personal support, training and technology to drive their own business success in their local markets,” Mr McDonnell said.
Stephen Lea’s experience over the last 35 years includes some of the biggest names in real estate, and he held the Vice President of Marketing role with property portal, Realestate.com.au. He has established new franchises for national and international real estate firms including Raine & Horne, Coldwell Banker, Knight Frank International and RE/MAX Australia, which he now returns too.
“I chose to join a major not-for-profit group as Stakeholder Relationship Manager but I missed the RE/MAX culture and the real estate landscape,” Mr Lea said.
“I enthusiastically come back to strategically and sensitively building the network of RE/MAX offices, where I will be looking for the entrepreneurial to take on leadership in the real estate business environment, and who will measure success by their growing, thriving businesses.”
Mr Davoren said the enquiry level from potential new broker owners was currently high.
“We’ve seen a significant rise in brand awareness on the back of very successful marketing campaigns.
“I lead a team that brings on new business owners and consults with existing franchise owners and sales associates, empowering them to achieve business mastery and increase profitability.
“We recently brought on an experienced and respected real estate identity in Jeff Williams as Franchise Development Manager to work with existing RE/MAX businesses on their culture and profitability.
“Tim’s focus is on network growth in Queensland from basically north of the Brisbane River, while Stephen will be working Brisbane south, through the Gold Coast and into Northern New South Wales.
“I am finalising the appointment of a third Franchise Development Consultant to be Sydney-based, meeting our commitment to further New South Wales expansion, and expect to make that announcement in May.
“RE/MAX sets the bar high for people representing its brand, but it is the right place for real estate entrepreneurs who want a combination of independence, support and unmatched competitive advantages,” said Mr Davoren.