After eight and a half years in the industry, Matt has established himself as a versatile agent handling everything from residential properties to rural and lifestyle sales across the South Gippsland and Bass Coast region.
Matt’s journey into real estate began unexpectedly while working at a bank, when he was approached to assist with digital marketing and general duties for a real estate office.
“I felt the bank wasn’t entirely a great fit for me, and I was excited by the idea of a change,” Matt said.
What started as an office role quickly evolved as he began assisting sales agents, eventually progressing to become a well-rounded agent himself.
“Once people found out I was in real estate, organically, I may have received a lead or someone said, ‘Do you want to sell my property?’ So then I took the reins and went from there,” he said.
Deep roots in South Gippsland
Growing up on a dairy farm in the region has given Matt a distinct advantage when working with the local community.
“I’ve got a skillset and knowledge of farming practices from growing up on a dairy farm, which spreads into acreage properties and then obviously residential as well,” Matt said.
His reach extends throughout South Gippsland and into the Bass Coast area, where he currently lives in Inverloch.
The power of reputation
Unlike metro markets, Matt’s business in South Gippsland is built almost entirely on word-of-mouth and personal connections.
“It’s all just word of mouth, really, shaped by doing the right thing, and maintaining a sharp, clean image,” he said.
“I’ve always had my car branded, and I like to keep it spotless.
“It acts as a moving billboard, and I’m always seen.”
This community-based approach was made clear to him when Matt briefly explored a career move to Melbourne several years ago.
“I moved to an agency in Melbourne, and part of the role was prospecting, which I’d never done before. I was handed a long list of random numbers and spent the entire time cold calling, getting hung up on constantly,” he said.
“I quickly realised it wasn’t in my nature. I missed the country town community feel and being able to walk down the main street of Leongatha and see familiar faces.
“After two days, I knew it wasn’t the right fit.
“So, I took my job back and started the following week at my old office.”
Joining Area Specialist
When considering his next career move, Matt was drawn to Area Specialist in part because the brand was already well established in the region by Jack Gilchrist, currently one of South Gippsland’s top-performing agents, operating out of Korumburra.
“I reached out and asked Jack if I could jump on board as well,” Matt said.
Jack welcomed the opportunity to work closely together, recognising the shared values and local experience.
That connection soon led to a conversation with Michael Choi, the founder of Area Specialist.
Matt was warmly welcomed, and their discussion confirmed that Michael’s business model was a perfect fit, offering the right balance of independence, brand support, and client-first service that aligned perfectly with Matt’s own approach.
“The business model of Area Specialist is very much focused on your name… all the marketing is about your identity.
“The logo ‘Area Specialist’ is actually quite subtle, so it naturally highlights the agent and your personal brand.”
A life-changing move
Since joining Area Specialist, Matt has experienced a major improvement in both work-life balance and business flexibility.
“Working from both home and occasionally at my office in Leongatha provides me with the flexibility to keep on top of work at any given moment,” he said.
“I’m actively on call and keep my laptop with me at most times.
“Staying on top of things also allows me to enjoy short breaks throughout the day when needed.”
Matt and Jack are working closely together to continue building the Area Specialist brand in South Gippsland and the Bass Coast.
Going the extra mile
What sets Matt apart is his hands-on support for vendors when preparing homes for sale.
“I am known to go the extra mile to help people, whether it’s lending a hand with small improvement jobs or offering low-cost tips to maximise their sale price,” he said.
The support from Area Specialist has reinforced this client-focused approach.
“In terms of how I’ve found Area Specialist so far, it’s been great,” Matt said.
“The support’s been fantastic. They check in regularly, the admin team is excellent, and the marketing is sharp, smart, and stands out.
“The pitch is ‘be your own boss’ and ‘lifestyle flexibility’, and I’ve found it’s been a great change.”
Area Specialist is a real estate platform for top-performing agents, providing the systems, tools and technology they need to create, grow and power their business. For more information, visit beyourboss.com.au
