One of Queensland’s most respected and much-loved real estate agents, Judi O’Dea, has decided to make 2019 great and move her business to Ray White Paddington.
With more than 15 years’ experience, Ms O’Dea was one of only a handful of agents to have been named on Queensland’s coveted A-List for five years in a row.
Ms O’Dea, a former fashion industry icon with a strong retail background, has become a prestige property specialist in the affluent western suburbs of Brisbane, with a keen eye for style.
Ray White Group chairman Brian White said he was thrilled to welcome Judi O’Dea and her team to the leading family-owned and -led network.
“I have long admired Judi’s sales success and I am looking forward to supporting her ambitions into the future,” Mr White said.
“We are in the people business and always looking for great leaders in all markets.”
Ms O’Dea said she loved the family connection at Ray White.
“I understand that some of the most successful real estate agencies in the world – particularly in Europe – are all family groups,” she said.
“Real estate is an intense role and you need experienced people backing you up as an agent, and I think that’s a central part of my success.”
Ms O’Dea’s daughter Harriet Went keeps the business running efficiently, while her sales associate Michael Kleimeyer is her right hand after working with her for more than 15 years – as an agent and in her previous fashion business.
“I feel excited to be joining one of the most significant, well recognised and professional real estate companies in the world,” Ms O’Dea said.
“I’m the same familiar face with impeccable service, now in yellow. Yellow is my new colour for 2019.
“I feel privileged, honoured and excited to be joining Ray White, with Brian White as the head of the family and George Hadgelias as one of the most long-established business leaders at Ray White Paddington.
“It’s the right time for me to join Ray White and explore our potential together.
“I say, ‘it’s never too late to be great’. Whether you are new to the industry or [have] been in it for a long time, it’s never too late to be great. There’s no show without Judi.”
Ms O’Dea said her secret to success was simple. “You need iron-clad persistence and a great frock,” she laughed.
Her advice to young agents was to always “work on the things that you know you are good at and find the right opportunity”.
“You are not an island; my team is so important and Michael has been with me from the start.”
Ray White Queensland CEO Tony Warland said that Judi O’Dea and her team were like rare gems.
“In my 30-year career at Ray White people like Judi only come around every so often. Judi and her team will be delighted with the leadership of George Hadgelias at our famous Ray White Paddington office in Brisbane.”
