Shane Stone has launched First National Stone & Associates, a new agency offering sales, property management and auction services across Heathmont and the wider Maroondah area.
Mr Stone was born and raised in Heathmont, with ties to the area stretching from day care and kindergarten in Viviani Crescent through Heathmont Primary School, Ringwood Technical School and the Heathmont Football Club.
“Owning a real estate agency in the community I call home has been a goal for most of my life,” he said.
“My parents were active members of the local community, and continuing their legacy is very important to me. I want this agency to be known for its involvement in Heathmont, its accessibility and the trust it earns from local people.”
Mr Stone entered real estate at 31 after a career in finance and fraud investigation. Over the following three decades he led and expanded property management departments, worked in residential sales and conducted auctions.
He also served on industry committees and taught real estate qualifications part-time at Swinburne University for five years, and continues to run a boutique training business coaching property managers and agency leaders around Australia.
A stint working in Albury-Wodonga introduced Stone to First National through his association with First National Bonnici & Associates and its director, Will Bonnici.
He said the network’s cooperative structure, which supports independent agency ownership, made First National the right fit for his new business.
“First National members share knowledge and help each other, while each agency remains independently owned and closely connected to its local community.
“That gives us the support of a national network without losing the personal accountability that comes with running a local business.”
Mr Stone said the agency’s approach would centre on clear communication, practical advice and reliable follow-through.
“Good service begins with doing the basics properly. We will return calls, keep clients informed and make every interaction as straightforward and pleasant as possible,” he said.
“Our team brings 60 years of combined local knowledge, supported by current industry training and a genuine enthusiasm for helping people.”