Prior to joining One Agency in January 2016, Rob Groat owned a Ray White franchise.
He wanted to seek a break from the traditional real estate franchise model which was becoming restrictive, increasing in cost and less personal to work under.
Rob, who has been in real estate since January 2003, and his business partner, Tom Paton, opened One Agency Albury Wodonga on the border of Victoria and NSW. The opportunity to gain full control of their business and yet have the support of modern technology and marketing – plus the fact that they retain 100% of commission – were both major draw cards in their decision to join One Agency.
“We briefly thought about starting up as an independent agency,” says Rob, “but the work and worry of setting up the support structures and systems soon ruled that out. After a good deal of research we just couldn’t find any negative reason to not want to join One Agency and we had no concerns from that point that this was the correct move to make for our business.”
Making the decision to commit to a new career move is often terrifying. With a supportive network of fellow One Agency members, however, Rob was both well informed and well prepared when it came to making the final choice. Before opening the Albury Wodonga agency, he said he spoke to “6 to 8 established offices [of One Agency]”, all in various areas of Australia. Along with One Agency’s efficient and streamlined setup, the initial process ran – asserts Rob – ‘smoothly’.
Despite a smooth setup process and a supportive list of contacts, leaving a big agency like Ray White doesn’t come without an inevitable barrage of ‘what if’s?’ For Rob, it was a little under 5 years before he was finally able to put his desire to leave the company into action. Initially, fearing the enormity of setting up as an independent agency, he considered signing a new franchise. Fortunately, that changed when he was made aware of the One Agency brand and the freedom it would allow him as an agent and business owner.
I felt as though a weight had been lifted off my shoulders; that night I think I had the longest sleep I’ve ever had!
“When we later became aware of One Agency,” says Rob, “we were provided with a genuine option to take the path we wanted for our business with the support of a great brand – without the increasing real estate franchise costs.”
“Of course there were plenty of times when the unknown factor caused us a great deal of worry – particularly thinking about the big ‘what if’s’. At about 6 to 8 weeks out from the changeover date, however, we just couldn’t get it to come quick enough. I wasn’t really aware of the amount of stress and anxiety the changeover was causing me until the night we informed Ray White we wouldn’t be renewing the franchise agreement. After that I was flooded with a huge sense of relief – I felt as though a weight had been lifted off my shoulders; that night I think I had the longest sleep I’ve ever had!”
With a key requirement of Rob’s being the independence to run his business on his terms – minus the disruption of restrictions and outside intervention – the structure of the One Agency brand is a perfect fit.
“Now we can build our business the way we want,” he says. “I’m satisfied knowing all the decisions we’ve made from the day we opened are 100% our decisions.”
Since opening his Albury Wodonga agency, Rob has been able to see the immense benefit of starting his dream business with an international brand behind him. Relieved of many of the daunting and expensive aspects of opening an agency has meant he has been primarily able to focus on what generates turnover – listing and selling property.
“The brand is working out so well for our business. Not only has the impact into our market been exceptionally well taken and positive from all areas – including some opposition and all of the community – the systems support from One Agency has meant we have the time to continue with the hands on elements of real estate.”
With fear behind him, Rob is adamant that the best advice he could give to agents wanting a change is simple – be confident. Do your research; figure out what you want out of your business; know your abilities and don’t be afraid to commit to a decision.
“If your decision is to join One Agency, be positive about it. Know that they will support you; that the change can be easy and the immediate benefits you will see will undoubtedly offset any worry that occurs in the lead up to the switch.”
T 0439 334 044
E rob.groat@oneagencygroup.com.au
W oneagencyalburywodonga.com.au
At One Agency we are always open for a conversation, so if you have anything to say in response or have any questions, please contact us.
T 1300 79 23 88
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