Five years in business: Mike Pero, Mahurangi

Andrew Steens and Angela Wain were one of the original five franchisees to sign with the Mike Pero brand in June 2011. Their office was the first in the country, opening in November of that year. They both work in the business and now have nine licensed salespeople plus four administration staff, two of which are also licensed. Angela normally works 60-70 hours, while Andrew does about 50-60 hours.How has business been over the past five years?
Outstanding, it’s just gone from strength to strength. We started as the smallest and newest agency in town, and now we are the leading agency by number of properties sold each month.

Knowing what you know now, would you have done anything differently?
I think we could have opened the Warkworth office a bit sooner, but we were a bit hesitant about expanding so fast. Otherwise, it’s all gone to plan. We have had a fast and continuous growth rate going from one little office in Point Wells and adding offices in Warkworth, Wellsford and Mangawhai. We now expect the business to mature and the growth rate to slow down. We are currently looking at opening one more office and that will probably be it. We recently sold our Mangawhai office to one of our staff (Alan Corkin), which was a satisfying experience and they are doing well also.

What keeps you motivated?
For Angela, it’s providing absolute top class service and results for our clients. For me, it’s all about marketing, strategy and competition. Fortunately, our different roles in the business match these different motivations.

What do local businesses need to do to prosper?
It’s about service, service, service! Being so close to a major city there is a lot of competition from other businesses within and outside the area, so unless the service you provide is the best in the business, you’re going to get sidelined by someone better.

Where do you see your business in 10 years time?
We’re not getting any younger and these days real estate needs people who are seriously tech savvy, energetic and focused, so over the coming years we’ll gradually sell the other offices and wind back to just Point Wells again so we get some quality of life back.

Any advice for someone starting a business?
Just go for it! Seriously, make sure you have enough capital to keep yourself afloat for at least 12 months. Then as quickly as you can, hire or contract people that make up for your weaknesses. We love doing business in the best part of the country, in the best country in the world!

warkworth.mikepero.com  |  425 8935