Starting a new business during a downturn was no small feat, but Ben embraced the challenge with determination.
โI thought, well, itโs not going to get any harder,โ he recalled. โIf we can make it in this, weโll make it when the market changes โฆ because it always has cycles.โ
Even the logistical challenges of starting a business, such as securing credit for essentials like power and phone lines, were met with resolve.
โI remember Ergon asking for a bond, and I thought, Iโm not going anywhere!
โBut theyโd seen businesses fail before, so I understood.โ
Despite the uphill battle, within six months Explore Property became the number one agency in Mackay for listings and sales.
Ben attributes this rapid success to perseverance and his commitment to delivering exceptional service.
โPeople need to trust you,โ he said. โWhen youโre new, thereโs a bit of hesitation; people wait to see if youโll last. But we stayed focused, and that trust grew over time.โ
Raising the bar
Benโs vision for Explore Property went beyond selling houses; he wanted to create a workplace where people could thrive.
โI wanted to build a place where people feel happy and valued,โ he explained.
โIf theyโre happy at work, theyโre more likely to go home happy too. And if theyโre struggling at home, work can be a safe place for them.โ
His approach to leadership also had a ripple effect on the local industry.
โWhen we opened our modern office, it motivated other agencies to step up,โ Ben said.
โThey started renovating their spaces and improving their operations. Itโs something I love about real estate – when one agency raises the bar, the whole market improves, and that benefits everyone.โ
Explore Property at Mackay has since achieved more than 4,000 property sales, an impressive milestone for a regional agency.
โItโs a number weโre proud of,โ Ben said. โEspecially in a market like Mackay, which is big but not massive. It shows whatโs possible when you invest in people and stay ahead of the curve.โ
Looking to the future
As Ben celebrates his 10th anniversary with Explore Property, he is already thinking about whatโs next.
โThe next 10 years are about continuing to lead, not chase,โ he said.
โWeโve built our name; now itโs about refining what we do and finding new ways to serve our clients and team.โ
And, while the industry often talks about succession planning, Ben isnโt ready to step away.
โI still love what I do,โ he said. โAs long as I have the energy and passion, Iโll keep going. Itโs not just about running a business, itโs about making a difference in peopleโs lives.โ
As Ben marks this milestone, he reflects on opening an Explore Property in Mackay after many years working at another agency.
โStarting with a clean slate was the best decision I ever made,โ he said.
โItโs been tough, but itโs also been incredibly rewarding. Iโm excited about what the future holds for us.
โWeโve invested in our people, marketing, and community, and thatโs why weโre still here 10 years later.โ