Agency news

FN Goulburn turns 20 

A huge round of applause for Heidi and Barry McEntee of FN Goulburn (NSW) who have just celebrated their 20th anniversary of membership with First National Real Estate.

After a stint as a well-respected NSW Regional Manager at First National, Barry and Heidi McEntee opened their business on September 10, 2004, and with the business' 20th anniversary falling on the same day as some scheduled training in Sydney, he and Heidi took the entire team out for dinner.

‘We are grateful to the Goulburn community for supporting our business over the past two decades’ said Barry.

‘Special thanks to the hundreds of Goulburn property owners who have chosen to sell through First National along with our loyal group of landlords. We’re looking forward to the next 20 years’

Four personalities, a tiny Toyota Yaris, and a busy agenda

Last week, David Edwards (CEO), Rob Westwood (Chair), Ed Atkinson (COO) and Amy Bruce (NSW BGM) hit the road, fitting themselves (and some notably long legs) into a Toyota Yaris for the drive from Sydney to the NSW Principals' Retreat.

Their first stops incorporated Central Coast Zone offices, giving everyone a chance to stretch out and catch up with the local teams. Next they headed to the beautiful Anchorage, a lovely waterfront venue that offered the perfect backdrop for a lively dinner with principals from across NSW.

The following morning, attendees had the opportunity to hear directly from David about the First National’s 3-year plan. The session sparked engaging discussions and excitement about the future ahead. followed by discussions on growth and planning strategies with Michael Sheargold.

The team then met with FN Port Stephens, who continue to achieve impressive success. To wrap up the trip, David and Amy undertook the ambitious task of visiting six offices from Newcastle down to the North Shore and beyond the Northern Beaches. David made the most of his time, learning about what’s important to each office. It was a busy, productive few days!

FN Candappa strengthens its community presence 

Being stronger together is the essence of First National Real Estate, so CEO David Edwards was on hand to proudly cut the ribbon when FN Candappa (Drouin, VIC) Principals, Suzy and Shane Candappa completed their expansion into the shopfront adjacent to their foundational business. 

Since joining First National in 2017, Suzy and Shane have built a dedicated team, whose loyalty and enthusiasm have contributed significantly to the agency’s growth. Regular participants in the network's training and conventions, their team holds dear the values of continuous improvement and collaboration that are at the heart of First National’s success.

Now we are five  

FN Warwick principal Tori DeMamiel has celebrated her fifth anniversary, selling and managing real estate in Queensland’s Darling Downs. Tori has faced down a pandemic and some significant challenges to build a thriving young business that is going places. 

Congratulations, Tori.

FN Central KW celebrates a year of dynamic growth 

Our warm congratulations to Frank Palermo and Brooke Harbour of FN Central KW who have just celebrated their first anniversary of membership. 

It has been a remarkable year for the duo who made a powerful entrance in Morwell, Victoria. Their grand opening left a lasting impression, featuring a live broadcast from the local radio station right outside their office. 

Frank and Brooke have fully embraced all that the network has to offer, including adopting FN Commercial branding, further showcasing their commitment to delivering excellence in the Morwell community.

David Edwards and Victorian BGM, James Bateman, called in to honour of the occasion.

Making the brand grand in Toowoomba

Business Growth Manager, Michael Keith says he has enjoyed the past 9 months getting to know Andrew, Tayla and the team from FN Toowoomba (QLD).

‘Since coming across to First National at the start of the year, they have faced challenges like everyone in the industry, but they are making the brand great again in Toowoomba’.

Celebrating 60

First National chair, Rob Westwood, has just celebrated his 60th birthday and took a well-earned couple of day’s break before heading to our New South Wales Principals’ Retreat. 

Congratulations and happy birthday from your friends and colleagues throughout the network, Rob.

Could FN Commercial strengthen your agency?

National Commercial Growth Manager, Anne Donchos has continued her visits to Queensland and New South Wales offices, discussing the benefits of adding a commercial arm with the support of FN Commercial branding and resources. 

Last week, she visited several more New South Wales offices - FN Yamba, FN Wal Murray & Co (Lismore), FN Byron Bay and FN Armidale.

‘The research, clarity and evidence to back up my queries was way and above what was expected. It is so very comforting that we have somebody that spends the time answering tricky questions. I had nowhere else to go and you nailed it!’

Jeni Capaldo

FN Commercial Treeby (Ringwood, VIC)

Ipswich’s most trusted agency

FN Action Realty Ipswich’s (QLD) Glenn Ball and Steven Baldwin are finalists for the Ipswich region’s Business Excellence Awards – Bishopp Property & Real Estate Award. 

Congratulations and best of luck, gentlemen.

Wonderful welcome

The FN Latrobe (Traralgon, VIC) made CEO David Edwards and BGM James Bateman feel very welcome when they called in for the CEO’s first time. 

Thank you for your hospitality.

‘Would fall apart without you…’

It’s a very happy birthday from the network to FN Murray Bridge’s (SA) long-term Administrator, Laura Ullucci. Principal Sylvia Presepio says ‘the office would fall apart without you. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication throughout the years’. A very happy birthday from all of your friends at First National too, Laura.

New team photo for Warragul

The FN Warragul (VIC) team has updated its team photo with this latest professional shot. A mighty fine team, we dare say!

Kylie Walsh Accountability Sessions 

Following their recent commitment to enhance customer experience after the Kylie Walsh training session, representatives from Forster/Tuncurry, Mudgee, Coastwide, and Engage Eastlakes met with BGM Amy Bruce to discuss their progress.

During the meeting, they reviewed efforts to maintain client contact post-settlement and enhance the overall client experience throughout the process. Key focuses included improving listing presentations by incorporating more data and statistics, personalising vendor communication, and developing a comprehensive client eBook to guide clients through the sales journey. 

Additionally, they increased event sponsorship efforts and introduced colouring books and cookies for attendees at open houses. The representatives also evaluated client feedback to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

In a show of true collaboration, offices generously shared templates and resources, epitomizing what it means to be part of a supportive network of offices that work together, not in competition.

Central Coast Zone Campaigns

In NSW, the Central Coast Zone has collaborated on a region-wide campaign, with each office to develop personalized strategies that aligned with their unique goals.

FN Charmhaven and FN Coastwide (Wyong) decided to feature prominently on local bus routes, taking advantage of their proximity to double brand visibility across both areas - a fantastic outcome for their teams.

Meanwhile, FN GL Jackson (Ettalong) adopted a two-pronged approach, placing eye-catching signage at a new bus stop near the ferry, which is a high-traffic spot for locals, weekenders, and holidaymakers alike. They also produced a dynamic video showcasing the beauty of Ettalong and its surrounds. The video is a flexible tool that can be repurposed for property campaigns, local festivals, events, and broader office marketing initiatives.

'We’re thrilled with how each campaign has come together, highlighting the diversity and creativity of our Central Coast offices' says NSW BGM, Amy Bruce.