A new national property management platform has launched with a model that allows property managers to build equity in their rent rolls without needing upfront capital.
Podium Property Management, founded by Hannah Gill, soft launched this week with a structure that sees participants start as salaried employees before gaining equity stakes as they hit growth milestones.
“It really was born out of a vision to improve the property management industry,” Hannah said.
“We all know the challenges – churn, frustration from clients, and limited pathways for property managers.
“Fundamentally, it can be done better.”
The model targets three persistent issues Hannah sees across the sector – low remuneration, lack of ownership opportunities, and limited training pathways.
Property managers join as employees with access to systems, support and training.
As they grow their portfolio, they unlock equity – effectively building a business asset they can sell when it suits them, with no lock-in periods.
“The idea is to help property managers build a million-dollar business in around two years,” Hannah said.
“We want to get them to 200 managements while delivering an exceptional experience to both tenants and owners.”
The platform includes a national training program and mentorship structure.
Hayley Mitchell will head up Victoria, providing guidance to operators in that market.
Hannah said flexibility is central to the way the platform works.
Property managers can work remotely and structure their schedules around personal commitments rather than office hours.
“There’s complete autonomy,” Hannah said.
“If you’re a parent with young kids, you can work from home and structure your day around school drop-offs and pickups.”
Podium will focus exclusively on property management, establishing referral partnerships with sales agents, finance brokers and accountants rather than integrating those services in-house.
Hannah said growth will be selective so they can focus on working with leading property managers.
“This model relies on having the very best operators,” she said.
“We’re not looking for hundreds of people for the sake of it. We want the right people in the right places.”
Registrations for the first intake will open soon, with a national rollout planned.