8 | Giving back to the community Starship Children’s Hospital, and many sporting and cultural events are all beneficiaries of the company’s philanthropic ethos. T T from page 6 Barfoot & Thompson - Auckland: 100th Anniversary REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Property Law Specialists www.glaister.co.nz Proudly supported by Glaister Ennor 1/26 Lorne Street, Auckland Central 1010 0800 793 154 networkcommunication.co.nz Public relations and corporate a airs specialists, providing strategic counsel and communication solutions to New Zealand’s leading companies since 1971. CDM and Barfoot & Thompson have successfully worked together for almost 26 years. With a solid understanding of the Barfoot & Thompson business, we offer advice from initial design and territorial consenting through to construction and completion. “We own 75% of the buildings that we work out of, and we are mostly debt free. So we are developing at a steady but controlled pace.” Barfoot & Thompson’s real estate operations include specialist teams working in commercial sales, leasing and property management; residential sales and property management; and rural sales. With the advent of Unit Titles, the Body Corporate team is one of the fastest growing entities within the company and this is supported by the Projects team. “We have one of the largest property management divisions in New Zealand, other than the Government. “We are known for our residential property management and that sector is growing significantly, as Auckland continues to grow and people move back to the city for work. There is a significant shortage of rental properties in today’s market.” With over 2500 people working for Barfoot & Thompson, Peter acknowledges that the company’s growth and longevity has largely been through the success of its people. “There are about 1500 independent contractors in the sales network, along with 350 sales associates. We would have 350 people in our property management team spread right across Auckland City. “There are about 150 people in our Support Centre where we provide specialist services like IT, Marketing, Human Resources and the management of our own buildings. “The rest are branch managers and front line people. Many people think real estate is an easy occupation, until they get in and realise that it’s a lot harder than they think. “Unless you are motivated and committed 100% of the time you are not going to get the sales and make the money. “You also have to have a bit of a personality about you, and be able to talk to buyers, sellers and the general public.” Giving back to the community that has supported the business for over 100 years is also a key contributing factor in Barfoot & Thompson’s longevity. Starship Children’s Hospital, and many sporting and cultural events are all beneficiaries of the company’s philanthropic ethos. Barfoot & Thompson officially celebrated its 100th birthday on the 25th of March with what Peter believes to be the largest marquee ever seen in New Zealand erected on the side of Ellerslie Racecourse, with 3900 invited guests in attendance. “We replicated the entrance to the original Barfoot & Thompson office, so that people walked through it to get to the function. “There was a formal sit down dinner, some very strong entertainment, and only a few formal speeches. It was a wonderful celebration.”
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