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Ben Chick celebrates 10 years with Explore Property

When Ben Chick opened the doors to Explore Property in January 2015, Mackay was reeling from a mining downturn, and the economy was at its lowest point. Despite the odds, Ben saw an opportunity to build something meaningful. Ten years later, Explore Property has grown from a small team of four to a thriving business of 30, establishing itself as the leading real estate agency in the region.

Starting a new business during a downturn was no small feat, but Ben embraced the challenge with determination.

โ€œI thought, well, itโ€™s not going to get any harder,โ€ he recalled. โ€œIf we can make it in this, weโ€™ll make it when the market changes โ€ฆ 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.

โ€œI remember Ergon asking for a bond, and I thought, Iโ€™m not going anywhere!

โ€œBut theyโ€™d 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.

โ€œPeople need to trust you,โ€ he said. โ€œWhen youโ€™re new, thereโ€™s a bit of hesitation; people wait to see if youโ€™ll last. But we stayed focused, and that trust grew over time.โ€

Raising the bar

Benโ€™s vision for Explore Property went beyond selling houses; he wanted to create a workplace where people could thrive.

โ€œI wanted to build a place where people feel happy and valued,โ€ he explained.

โ€œIf theyโ€™re happy at work, theyโ€™re more likely to go home happy too. And if theyโ€™re 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.

โ€œWhen we opened our modern office, it motivated other agencies to step up,โ€ Ben said. 

โ€œThey started renovating their spaces and improving their operations. Itโ€™s 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.

โ€œItโ€™s a number weโ€™re proud of,โ€ Ben said. โ€œEspecially in a market like Mackay, which is big but not massive. It shows whatโ€™s 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 whatโ€™s next.

โ€œThe next 10 years are about continuing to lead, not chase,โ€ he said.

โ€œWeโ€™ve built our name; now itโ€™s 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 isnโ€™t ready to step away.

โ€œI still love what I do,โ€ he said. โ€œAs long as I have the energy and passion, Iโ€™ll keep going. Itโ€™s not just about running a business, itโ€™s about making a difference in peopleโ€™s lives.โ€

As Ben marks this milestone, he reflects on opening an Explore Property in Mackay after many years working at another agency.

โ€œStarting with a clean slate was the best decision I ever made,โ€ he said.

โ€œItโ€™s been tough, but itโ€™s also been incredibly rewarding. Iโ€™m excited about what the future holds for us.

โ€œWeโ€™ve invested in our people, marketing, and community, and thatโ€™s why weโ€™re still here 10 years later.โ€

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Catherine Nikas-Boulos

Catherine Nikas-Boulos is the Digital Editor at Elite Agent and has spent the last 20 years covering (and coveting) real estate around the country.