21 September 2019

Suzi Wells: changing real estate stereotypes

| Karyn Starmer
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Suzi Wells

Local Leader Suzi Wells. Photos: Supplied.

Moving from the country to the bright lights of Canberra as a young school leaver, Local Leader Suzi Wells has forged a successful career in real estate and not looked back.

Originally from Cootamundra, Suzi set her sights on a career in real estate while at boarding school in Goulburn.

“I know it may seem unusual for a schoolgirl to want to work in real estate, but I used to read the papers on the weekend and I fell in love with the property section. I have always been drawn to property and I am a people person, so real estate was a perfect fit,” Suzi explained.

“My family has lived in the one house my whole life so I know how important a house can be. Working in real estate, you are a part of a big decision in people’s lives – a decision that can last for generations.”

Suzi originally saw moving to Canberra as a steppingstone from the country and expected to move on to a bigger city just like her five siblings but 14 years later, “I am still here; I love Canberra”.

Now General Manager of McGrath Belconnen/Gungahlin, Suzi manages a team of 35 people and is a partner in the very business she has assisted grow.

Suzi started out as a personal assistant for an agent in Belconnen but after four years she decided to take a break from real estate.

“I loved my job, I loved the industry but I thought I should go and try something else. What I really learned was that I missed real estate,” she said.

“When I heard McGrath was opening in Canberra, I knew I wanted to be a part of the company. I had been to a real estate seminar in Sydney and I remember being so impressed with the quality of their business, I wanted in.”

After 12 years, Suzi has worked in almost every facet of the industry: in administration and marketing, as well as sales, and in recent years has managed new project developments all the way from launch to settlement.

With such a passion for real estate it is no surprise that Suzi is now a partner of the business and General Manager of McGrath Estate Agents in Gungahlin.

“People don’t realise that a career in real estate is not just sales and property management. My day-to-day work life is all about problem-solving. My job is to support the team and make other people’s jobs easier. I deal with a variety of things such as IT support, marketing and accounts. We have a dynamic team with a great culture and I love helping my team to be the best at what they do. Every day is different and challenging but that’s what makes my position so satisfying,” Suzi said.

Suzi prides herself on her dedication and work ethic.

“My family encouraged me to work hard and I have worked very hard at times, but I get to enjoy the benefits. I am proud of where McGrath Belconnen/Gungahlin is today after being in Canberra only 10 years,” Suzi said.

McGrath Belconnen/Gungahlin Principal Craig Chapman agrees a career in real estate rewards people who work hard.

“Suzi is a great example of where you can get to. I have found that women are particularly suited to real estate because they tend to have good emotional intelligence. Combining those emotive qualities with good business acumen is a recipe for success in this industry,” Craig said.

You can contact Suzi and the team at McGrath Belconnen/Gungahlin on 6123 8000.

McGrath Belconnen Gungahlin wins Office of the year Award for 2019.

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