In an industry where numbers often dominate the narrative, Hayley Van de Ven takes a different approach. As the CEO and agent growth specialist behind several high-performing REMAX offices, Hayley has built a reputation not just for results, but for redefining what those results actually mean. To her, a $2.5 million GCI team is impressive, but not if it takes eight people to get there.
“The difference between a high-performance business and one that just looks busy comes down to structure, mindset and leadership,” she says. “You don’t need a big team. You need the right one.”
Turning agents into businesses
Hayley’s focus is on scaling people, not just numbers. Her work centres on helping established agents, those writing around $300,000 GCI, transform into business owners who can eventually scale to seven figures and beyond.
“Anyone can learn to list and sell,” she says. “But turning that into a profitable, sustainable business is where the real work begins. That’s where I come in.”
Her approach is highly individualised. Rather than applying a fixed blueprint, Hayley looks at each agent’s natural strengths and weaknesses, whether they’re process-driven, people-first, or somewhere in between, and tailors her strategies accordingly.
“It’s about playing the player, not the game. Some agents need help with systems. Others just need someone who believes in them,” she explains.
Profitability over vanity
Today, where social media often rewards perception over substance, Hayley is unapologetically focused on what matters: profitability and sustainability.
She takes a firm stance against bloated teams producing lacklustre results.
“Four people writing $2 million? That’s a great business. Eight people writing $2 million? That’s a vanity metric. It’s not a profitable model,” she says. “I’m not here to make you look busy. I’m here to help you build something that lasts.”
The power of belief is a recurring theme in Hayley’s leadership style. Over and over, she shares stories of agents who came into her business with potential but limited self-belief – until someone gave them permission to think bigger.
One standout example is Leanne Druery, who Hayley explains came to her after a toxic workplace experience, where she was already writing $800,000.
“She was good,” Hayley recalls. “But I knew she could be great.” With Hayley’s support, Leanne now writes $2 million a year and takes 12 weeks off annually, supported by a tight, effective team.
“There’s nothing magical about it,” Hayley insists. “You just need someone to hold the belief for you until you’re ready to hold it for yourself.”
Adaptability and empathy
What sets Hayley apart is her ability to adapt, not just to market changes or industry trends, but to the individual needs of her agents. Whether it’s a single mum navigating domestic violence or an agent battling health issues, Hayley meets her team where they are.
“I’ve got one agent who was fighting cancer and still wrote $2 million,” she says. “We put a whole plan in place so that no one outside the business even knew she was away. Because that’s what support looks like.”
Her commitment to building a culture of trust, care and connection runs deep. “We’ve got about 48 agents, and I know all their stories. Their families, their kids, their struggles. We’re not a factory – we’re a team.”
Hayley also doesn’t shy away from the tough conversations. From holding agents accountable to confronting substance misuse issues head-on, she draws a clear line between support and standards.
“If someone turns up to an open home high, they’re out. Full stop. I believe in second chances, but there’s a line, and it doesn’t get crossed at work,” she says.
But even in discipline, there’s compassion. One agent, once at rock bottom, is now on track for $1 million GCI, because Hayley was willing to hold him to a higher standard, while helping him rebuild.
The secret sauce? Human leadership
For Hayley, leadership isn’t about micromanaging or driving results through fear. It’s about creating a space where people can grow, personally and professionally.
“I’m not trying to turn everyone into a million-dollar writer. Some people are happy at $600,000 because it gives them balance. And that’s okay,” she says. “But if you want it, and you’re willing to work for it, I’ll get you there.”
The results speak for themselves. Her offices boast some of the highest retention rates in the business, and a culture that’s more grounded in authenticity and impact than awards and ego.
“I don’t care about the bells and whistles,” she says. “I care that my people are doing meaningful work, building real businesses, and living lives they’re proud of.”
