Jacki Williams, the newly appointed Head of Network Growth for Richardson & Wrench, grew up literally dining out on real estate.
Her family has been in the business for most of her life, so property has been a common topic of conversation around the dinner table.
“I learnt early on to love the thrill of negotiation; the back and forwards between buyer and vendor,” Jacki, whose step-father founded the eponymous independent Sydney agency, Warwick Williams Real Estate, says.
She began working in the business as a teenager, moved into the fast-paced equities lending arena at Macquarie Bank for five years while simultaneously gaining a degree in property economics, before stepping back into the family fold for 20 years.
“Seeing Dad do what he was so good at was exciting, but it was also his involvement in the community that appealed to me,” Jacki explains.
“That’s when I realised what an incredible position a local real estate agent can hold.
“It’s that old adage, ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’. It was very much the philosophy passed down to me, so it’s the way I continue to do business today.”
Breaking down the stereotypes of modern real estate agents has been a driving force throughout Jacki’s career and with the move to a new business the motivation has never been stronger.
“Real estate is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a business driven by relationships where important emotional connections for vendors, buyers, landlords, tenants and community groups are the foundation for a thriving and long-lasting career,” she says.
Branching out beyond the family business was a very personal decision, but one driven by a desire to share more than two decades of experience with as many people as possible.
“The days of having one career your entire working life isn’t as common for my generation as it has been for Baby Boomers,” Jacki says.
“I know agents out there have been with the same agency since the 1970s – which is great – but after 20 years of working and living in one place, it was time for a change.
“I’ve loved every minute of it, and it’s been very fulfilling. However, during Covid, I thought about what I’d like to do with my next 20 years professionally.
“I’m excited about using my skillset in the corporate space and working with a broader spectrum of talents.”
With decades of experience in effective communication, strategic business planning, brand management, people engagement and innovative marketing solutions, Jacki has a diverse career tool belt.
Working in an independent agency for most of her career, Jacki has grown to understand the benefits born from being part of a franchise network such as Richardson & Wrench.
With economies of scale on their side, these networks can respond swiftly to changes in legislation while also embracing new and – at times costly – marketing initiatives.
Richardson & Wrench Managing Director Andrew Cocks says Jacki is a perfect match for the group thanks to her combined experiences in sales and business management.
“She knows the ups and downs of what this business involves, along with a high level of commercial knowledge and expertise. We’re really looking forward to her bringing all of that to our network,” he says.
“Jacki will be working closely with existing Richardson & Wrench operators while also talking to people seeking something new in franchising.
“She’ll be able to really provide that value and insight to inspire others.”
The new Head of Network Growth position was created to give Richardson & Wrench offices, and newcomers, a springboard to improve their position in the market and their own careers.
“It was really important to us that we continue to add real commercial value to our operators and help them grow their businesses,” Andrew says.
“At the same time, it’s really about focusing on how we can better communicate the diverse franchise opportunities.
“That’s why it was great to have someone join the team with Jacki’s background.”
Looking to the future, Jacki says the growing trend of principals and agents considering an alignment with a trusted franchise group will continue as increased running costs form a bigger percentage of a company’s bottom line.
“The exciting part about this role is I’ll be working one on one with Andrew as well as principals, salespeople and support teams throughout the network,” she says.
“I’ll learn what they need from us to grow market share, profitability or better build their relationships within their community.
“Ultimately, I chose to join the team because I believe in their business model, which differs from other franchise offerings out there.
“I wanted to join a brand with substance and history, and Richardson & Wrench has that in spades.”
