Independent Property Group directors Jonathan Charles, Chris Uren, Nicholas Jacob, Mark Wolens and Paul Corrazza. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
“Working with us means working with highly skilled individuals, who have worked successfully in our industry for decades and have the track record to prove it.”
Strong words from Mark Wolens, one of the co-owners leading Independent Property Group in Canberra.
Mark has been in the industry for about 35 years. Over that time, he’s seen just about every kind of team structure. What has he learned? In the real estate world, top-down just doesn’t work.
Independent Property Group first opened its doors in 1958, under the name RO Wellsmore. Like many historic businesses, the company has undergone several transitions in its time, the latest this year in response to changing climates post-pandemic.
A complete business overhaul has resulted in a new model that places an equal, undivided focus on clients and team members.
Together with his co-directors Chris Uren, Jonathan Charles, Nicholas Jacob and Paul Corrazza, Mark is pushing a new agenda for real estate defined by the group’s ultra-tailored, client-focussed approach.
The first step was establishing two major business hubs to address the geographical nature of Canberra and allow individual teams to capitalise on their strengths.
These hubs, Independent Property Group North in Lyneham and Independent Property Group South in Phillip, both oversee residential sales, project marketing and property management. The northern office also manages short-stay property management company, Guested.
The next step was to turn usual top-down structures on their head. From his position at Independent Property Group South, Mark’s leading by example.
“Heavy corporate structures aren’t based on strong relationships with customers or staff, and we don’t think this lends itself for staying connected or relevant,” he says.
“So as well as working ‘on’ the business in a way that fine-tunes our processes and outcomes, our leaders are firmly ‘in’ the business, with each member of the team sharing their knowledge to get great results and mentor the next generation of professionals.
“This keeps us focussed on the client and each of their unique needs, whether they be selling or buying, a landlord or tenant, or running an off-plan project.”
Independent Property Group directors Chris Uren, Narelle Casey and Paul Corrazza. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
A key part of the team heading up Independent Property Group North, Chris Uren says the new structure fosters great staff engagement alongside business success. This translates to better results for clients, particularly where property management is concerned.
“The costs associated with running an investment property are under pressure in the current climate, so ensuring a solid investment return is an obvious priority for our property owners,” he says.
“Our property managers across both hubs are highly experienced and each cares for a smaller portfolio than the industry standard, which frequently sees managers spread too thin.
“We’re combatting that by staying flexible yet focussed on our end goal.”
Staying focussed and agile doesn’t mean Independent Property Group leaders plan to rest on their laurels. They continue to invest in development opportunities such as art.haus, in Turner, and The Gardens at Monash.
“Adapting to market changes has been a challenge for everyone, but if you don’t evolve in this climate, you won’t survive,” Chris says.
“We’ve met the challenge by refocussing our efforts with a robust business plan and highly skilled, motivated team members who feel good about coming into work every day.
“Independent is Canberra born and bred, and we’re proud to continue delivering in our home city. Our future has never looked brighter.”
Looking to buy or sell in the Canberra region? Get in touch with Independent Property Group.
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