Raine & Horne Newcastle & Stockton and Raine & Horne Commercial Newcastle were named the region’s “Local business of the Year” as well as “Outstanding Real Estate Agency” recently in a dual celebration for principals Jason Maxwell, Steve Dick and Jason Morris, who have been business partners for over 20 years.
Earlier this year, Raine & Horne Commercial Newcastle was named the global network’s Top Office in NSW, while it is rated number one for leasing numbers nationally and second for sales.
“We must be doing something right as a business as our staff, led by Danielle MacAskill, Associate Director – Commercial & Residential Property Management, led the charge on submitting for the awards,” Mr Dick said.
“Our staff took the initiative with the submission, and for this reason, Jason and I allowed our staff to accept the awards.
“Over the years, we have won our share of real estate industry awards, which are fantastic.
“However, it’s a huge honour to be recognised as a leading small business and be benchmarked ahead of hundreds of local companies from a broad range of categories, whether they’re law firms, cafes or accountants.
“This win just reinforces to us that we are doing well and that there are plenty of people invested in our business.”
Mr Dick added that apart from drawing the spotlight to Raine & Horne Newcastle & Stockton, the award underlines his firm’s commitment to doing business in the Hunter.
“We support local businesses and never outsource any of our work offshore. Our signage and printing are manufactured and produced in Newcastle.
“Our video marketing is prepared in the Hunter by a local small business, while our office maintenance and upkeep are taken care of by a local firm.”
Raine & Horne Newcastle & Stockton and Raine & Horne Commercial Newcastle have a long and established history of business success in the Newcastle region.
“From humble beginnings with less than five staff members, we now employ more than 30 specialist staff in two successful offices,” Mr Maxwell said.
“Our long-term business success is directly attributable to our dedication to client satisfaction, which is built on a commitment to regular positive feedback and repeat business.
“We are setting the standard for our real estate competitors and other businesses in Newcastle and the region based on our expertise.
“However, we also pride ourselves on combining this high level of professionalism with empathetic support for our customers. This approach to business results in high levels of repeat and referral business.”
Internally, Mr Maxwell said the culture within Raine & Horne Newcastle & Stockton is driving the firm’s award-winning ways.
“It’s essential to Steve and I that our staff enjoy coming to work. We have achieved this, and this level of internal satisfaction is leading to customer satisfaction and hence, plenty of repeat business.
“We also do personality profiling of every employee who joins our business to make sure they fit into the culture we are trying to create.”
Integrity is also a strong suit that is contributing to Raine & Horne Newcastle & Stockton‘s success, according to Mr Maxwell.
“If you don’t know the answer to a customer’s query, don’t say you do. Ask for some time and come back later with the right solution.
“It’s important to be honest, and not take short cuts. If you take short cuts with customers, you’ll shoot yourself and the business in the foot.”
Steve Dick and Jason Maxwell’s five tips for business success
- Attract the right people and keep them –Â use profiling to make sure your staff will fit your culture
- Work with trustworthy and dependable suppliers – recognise areas of business you need help, whether it’s a sign writer or graphic designer and know where to find them
- Get up to speed with the numbers – have a consistent cash flow. This is the reason we built a successful property management business. Income from a rent roll is reliable, but sales fluctuate.
- Manage the costs –Â we focus on expenses rather than income, and mainly when we were in earlier growth stages. Income comes if you’re doing the right thing such as prospecting for appraisals, listings and sales.
- Working with a business partner –Â there can be differences from time to time, but if there are sound commercial synergies and defined roles within the business, long-term business success will ensue. The best companies are businesses you don’t need to work in, and this is where owners can step up and support each other when a partner needs to take a break or for different reasons.
