The merger brings O’Brien’s deep local market expertise into the FOUNDIT platform, strengthening the company’s presence in one of Victoria’s fastest-growing regions and extending its national network of trusted, technology-backed buyer’s advocates.
Co-founded by former Domain executive Angus Ferguson and former fund manager Joel Tomaino, FOUNDIT is built to address Australia’s $500 billion buyer-side property gap — the imbalance that leaves buyers with little professional representation while sellers benefit from agents, strategy and exclusive market data. The platform pairs trusted local buyer’s advocates with proprietary research and technology designed to reduce the time it takes to buy a property by up to 50 per cent.
A licensed and accredited estate agent raising his family in Geelong, O’Brien founded Henning Property on the principle that buyers deserve the same expertise, strategy and market access that sellers have long enjoyed. He brings established relationships across the region’s real estate community, including conveyancers, mortgage brokers, building and pest inspectors, and builders.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have John join us,” said Angus Ferguson, Co-Founder of FOUNDIT. “From our very first conversation, we were blown away by the passion and depth of knowledge he brings for Geelong and the greater region. John doesn’t just know the market — he lives it, and that’s exactly the kind of local expertise we’re building FOUNDIT around.”
The timing reflects Geelong’s rapid transformation from a regional town into a thriving sister city to Melbourne. The region is being reshaped by major infrastructure investment, anchored by the $676 million Geelong City Deal, a partnership between the Australian and Victorian governments and the City of Greater Geelong.
The centrepiece of that investment, the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, is scheduled to open on the city’s waterfront in July 2026. The precinct features a 1,000-seat theatre, a 200-room hotel and flexible exhibition space, and is the first convention centre in Australia designed from inception in partnership with Traditional Owners, the Wadawurrung people.
At the same time, Avalon Airport is being positioned as Victoria’s second international gateway, with terminal infrastructure upgrades underway and longer-term advocacy for the Avalon Airport Rail Link to connect the airport to the Melbourne–Geelong rail corridor. Together, these projects are accelerating population growth, investment and buyer demand across the region.
“A growing city needs buyers who can move with confidence,” John O’Brien said. “Joining FOUNDIT means local clients get the on-the-ground knowledge they’ve always had from Henning Property, now backed by national research, data and technology.”
The merger takes effect immediately. Henning Property’s existing clients will continue to be supported by John under the FOUNDIT brand.
For more information please visit FOUNDIT