On 1 June 1986, Property Brokers opened its doors for the very first time.
There was no grand master plan to become one of New Zealand's most recognised real estate brands. There were just three people, an old house on Broadway Avenue in Palmerston North and a belief that provincial New Zealand deserved a real estate company dedicated to serving its communities.
Forty years later, Property Brokers has grown into New Zealand's largest family-owned provincial real estate company, with more than 90 offices and around 1,000 people working across the country.
Yet despite the growth, the reason Property Brokers exists remains much the same as it was in 1986.
It's about people. It's about relationships. And it's about being proud to be here.
Built for provincial New Zealand
Unlike many real estate businesses, Property Brokers was never built with ambitions of dominating New Zealand's largest cities.
In fact, the opposite was true.
From the outset, Tim Mordaunt and Don Brown saw an opportunity to create something different. Rather than chasing growth in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch, they focused on the communities that make up the backbone of New Zealand.
Small towns. Rural communities. Regional centres.
The places where relationships matter and reputation is earned over time.
"We wanted to be provincial," recalls Tim.
"We wanted to have relationships. We wanted to contribute to small-town New Zealand."
That philosophy shaped everything that followed.
As Property Brokers expanded, it did so with a commitment to serving the full spectrum of property needs within local communities. From family homes and lifestyle properties through to farms, commercial buildings and rental properties, the company grew alongside the people it served.
Ask Tim what he's most proud of after 40 years and it isn't market share, awards or office numbers.
It's people. The customers who trusted the company with some of life's biggest decisions. The communities that welcomed Property Brokers into their towns.
And the team members who dedicated years, and in many cases decades, to helping build the business.
"I've been so lucky in this business to have attracted so many loyal people," says Tim.
"We've got hundreds of people who have been with this company for more than 10 years. They believe in the company, they believe in our values and they believe in what we're doing."
That loyalty has helped create something unique.
While the business has grown substantially over four decades, it has never lost the family values that helped shape its beginnings.
"We're not a corporate," says Tim.
"We're a family business that wants to look after people and contribute positively to our communities."
Community support has been part of the Property Brokers story from the beginning.
Over the years, the company has proudly supported thousands of local initiatives, schools, sports clubs, charities, community groups and fundraising events throughout regional New Zealand.
But Tim is quick to point out that the relationship works both ways.
"We've always tried to give back to our communities, but the great thing is the community understands that and they contribute to us."
"They've trusted us, supported us and helped us grow."
It's a sentiment that remains deeply woven into the culture of Property Brokers today.
Because while property transactions come and go, communities endure.
Today, the business looks very different to the one that started in Palmerston North four decades ago.
Technology has transformed the industry. Customer expectations have evolved. Markets have changed.
Property Brokers has evolved too.
The company has invested heavily in innovation, technology and customer experience while continuing to expand its footprint throughout provincial New Zealand.
For Managing Director Guy Mordaunt, the challenge is to continue building on the foundations laid by those who came before.
"This business has been built on a clear vision and a strong set of values," says Guy.
"Our responsibility now is to carry that forward while ensuring Property Brokers continues to evolve and remain relevant for future generations."
As Property Brokers celebrates its 40th birthday, there is a strong sense of gratitude.
Gratitude for the people who built the company. Gratitude for the customers who trusted it. And gratitude for the communities that continue to support it.
"When I look at how this business has evolved, it's been amazing," says Tim.
"So many special people have put their shoulder to the wheel."
Standing here 40 years later, he says, seeing the next generation step forward is particularly meaningful.
"A little older and a lot wiser, and with my sons now taking over the business, it's very special."
His message to regional New Zealand is simple.
Thank you. Thank you for welcoming Property Brokers into your communities. Thank you for being part of the journey.
And thank you for allowing us to be proud to be here for the past 40 years. Here's to the next 40.
