This move not only solidifies the brand’s presence in the region but also positions the business for even greater growth in 2026.
Chris Hill, Director of Barry Plant Warragul-Drouin, described the acquisition as an exciting opportunity.
“It’s a very established business with a huge customer base, as well as enormous local presence, managing a large portfolio of rental providers,” Chris said.
“It’s a substantial addition to our existing portfolio, which currently sits at 90 managements for Warragul-Drouin and 1500 across our other two businesses. This takes us to roughly 2300 managements in total.”
The acquisition included two offices previously operating under the banner of a national real estate brand, covering Warragul, Drouin, and part of the Moe/Newborough region.
Management functions will be streamlined and brought together in the Warragul office, strengthening operational efficiency and supporting a more unified leadership structure.
Alongside the properties, the team grows significantly, with 12 new staff joining the existing team, bringing the total to 19.
Hill emphasised that the acquisition was about more than just numbers.
“Our focus was on the people,” he said.
“Securing an experienced and passionate team is what makes property management work. We wanted to make sure key team members were fully integrated and supported because, without them, the rent roll itself does not mean much.”
Jessica Windsor, who joined with the acquisition, now heads the property management team. Hill highlighted her leadership as pivotal to the business’s ongoing growth.
“Jess has stepped up brilliantly and is leading the team to the next level. Supporting her allows us to back our staff and enable them to deliver outstanding service, which is the cornerstone of our growth strategy.”
The expansion also strengthens Barry Plant Warragul-Drouin’s foothold in the local market. Hill revealed the business has seen remarkable progress in market share over the past year.
“We started with minimal presence in Warragul, around 1% or 2% market share, and now we’re 4th most dominant agency in the area with about 8.6% in just twelve months. In Drouin, we have jumped from the number four agency to number one, with over 14%. The combination of people, property management, and increased brand visibility is what is driving that incredible growth and success.”
The Warragul-Drouin office’s performance is underpinned by the calibre of its people, a principle Chris says has been central to the business’s growth.
“Without the strong partnership between myself, Dan O’Loughlin, Matt Ketteringham and my wife, Candice Hill, none of this would have been possible. While the partnership is relatively new, it is exceptionally solid, and our shared values and vision are what continues to sustain momentum and drive the business forward.”
The acquisition aligns with a broader strategy to support sustained growth. Hill noted that while sales achievements are important, a solid property management base underpins long-term success.
“Any successful real estate business needs a strong property management team behind it. It stabilises growth and allows us to expand confidently, invest in personal marketing, and get more involved in the community,” he explained.
Barry Plant CEO Lisa Pennell said she has been impressed by the rapid growth of the Warragul-Drouin team.
“When Chris left his Franchise Development Manager role in the corporate team at Barry Plant Head Office to return to the field, we knew success would follow. While I am not surprised Chris and Candice have achieved success so quickly, the scale of growth at Warragul-Drouin has been remarkable,” said Pennell.
“The acquisition of the new offices, the strong team behind them, and the substantial rent roll position the business well for 2026, and I’m confident they will continue to build on this momentum – proving out that strong leadership and a focus on high performance to underpin good culture is a winning formula.”
Barry Plant Warragul-Drouin’s expansion has also unlocked new opportunities in marketing and client engagement.
“Having additional ‘For Lease’ boards and sales boards out there is a huge boost for brand promotion,” Hill said. “It gives us more visibility and creates more opportunities for growth across the entire region.”
Looking ahead, Hill is optimistic about the future.
“We are on track for another record year. With this foundation, we can aim even higher, shooting for numbers we might have thought were impossible a few years ago. The team is motivated, passionate, and ready to innovate. This acquisition gives us the backbone to support them and continue our growth trajectory.”
For Barry Plant Warragul-Drouin, the acquisition is more than a business deal. With a larger, more capable team, a significant boost in properties under management, and a strengthened presence in Warragul, Drouin, and surrounding areas, the agency is poised for unprecedented growth in 2026 and beyond.
