| 65 T T Kelly Deeks A people-first approach James Group’s core strength is in transactional commercial and industrial real estate. James Group Real Estate DEVELOPMENT From its early days as a single-broker operation in East Tamaki, James Group Real Estate has grown into a significant independent force in Auckland’s commercial and industrial property sector, now led by a new generation of directors focused on sustainable growth and strong client outcomes. Founded in 2012 by Blair James, the business was built on a desire to offer a more transparent, relationship-driven alternative to the corporate real estate model. Starting alone in East Tamaki specialising in industrial leasing, Blair steadily grew the company into one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing agencies, earning Deloitte Fast50 recognition in 2016 after achieving more than 300 percent year-on-year growth for three consecutive years. Today, the business is led by three directors, including Commercial Director Steven Hook, who says the company’s evolution has been shaped as much by people as by property. “We’re still a young company, and a lot of us now have young families,” he says. “That’s changed how we operate, and it’s something we’re really proud of. We’re building the business together, and we want it to support people at every stage of their lives.” James Group employs a broad mix of experienced brokers, recent graduates, and emerging agents, creating what Steven describes as a full-spectrum team. Graduates from the University of Auckland’s property programme sit alongside senior brokers with decades of market knowledge, supported by a structured mentoring and training environment. Property can be a tough industry for newcomers, Steven says, often operating on a sink-or-swim model. James Group has deliberately taken a different approach. “We don’t believe in throwing people in the deep end. Our job is to give them the tools, the support, and the guidance to succeed,” he says. Weekly training sessions, led by Industrial Director Scott Buswell, focus on practical skills, market understanding, and deal execution, while junior brokers work closely with senior agents on live transactions. The result has been rapid development and strong early success for several young agents, including recent graduates and career-changers who have progressed quickly through the ranks. Steven joined James Group nine years ago after working in industrial property management for several years, reconnecting with Blair through longstanding personal ties. Over time, the partnership grew, and in October last year, Steven and fellow directors acquired the remaining shareholding of the business, completing a planned leadership transition. Blair remains actively involved as an advisor and mentor, providing strategic oversight and drawing on his experience navigating multiple market cycles. “Property can grow rapidly and contract just as quickly,” Steven says. “Blair has seen the highs and the lows, and that perspective is incredibly valuable when we’re making big-picture decisions about where to invest our time and energy.” With more than 2500 sales and lease transactions completed since inception, James Group has refocused firmly on its core strength in transactional commercial and industrial real estate, following the sale of its property management arm. Looking ahead, Steven says the priority is sustainable growth built on integrity, consistency, and repeat relationships. “We’re proud of our values. Doing the right thing for clients matters, even if it’s not the fastest deal,” he says. “If you look after people properly, they come back, and that’s how we want to keep building this business.” Office Retail Industrial Storage Car Parking for all your leasing needs www.tournament.co.nz enquiries@tournament.co.nz Need a Yard? Flexible Yard Storage O ering yard space across NZ to make storage easy for you! Storage available for: Containers • Excavators • Loose Products Tractors • Poles • Sca olding • Steel • Vehicles & more. Metalled yards in multiple locations from 1,000m2 - 50,000m2 Contact: Matt Doughney - matt@ existore.co.nz - 021 303 866 Mickey Haines - mickey@ existore.co.nz - 021 229 7407 | www. existore.co.nz
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