Taking over a business is a huge undertaking and there is so much to learn. Last year, West Coast born and raised local, Rodney Triffett, purchased Harcourts West Coast and hasn’t looked back.
Rodney almost didn’t become a Property Representative because in 2017 when offered the job, he was on his way to Western Australia to live and work.
“I started all the way back in 2017, just after I returned from a few months in WA,” said Rodney.
“We didn’t last long as it was too hot and flat over there. The position was offered to me prior to heading to WA, and completely by chance, after striking up a lengthy conversation with my former boss Jenelle, while on the checkout at the Railway IGA in Queenstown.”
Rodney initially declined to take the role but when he returned, contacted Jenelle and never looked back.
Harcourts West Coast was put on the market because the former owner was looking to retire, and Rodney didn’t jump right into making the purchase.
“While it was something I had put off for a long time, I just felt as if it was a good next step for my career, especially now I am getting older.”
Working in sales, Rodney enjoys working with people and helping them find the perfect property. Now owning a business, the most enjoyable part has shifted a little.
“Before taking over the business, my favorite thing about real estate was dealing with people. For the most part it was always a new face, and a new story. Now that I’m a business owner, for that side of things my favorite part is the team I work alongside. Being responsible for so many people, I feel like my relationships with everyone have stepped up in a good way.”
At the time of the business handover, Rodney was expecting his first child, and she came into the world right as life was picking up pace.
“It really was a stressful time. When our daughter was born, I didn’t sleep for the rest of the night as there was quite a bit of work to catch up on.
“Not having paternity leave was a bummer, as I was back at work as soon as we got home. But now I have such a great team working alongside me, this has allowed me to spend more time with my family.”
Having been on the West Coast for most of his life, Rodney knows the people, towns and homes like the back of his hand.
“I think the West Coast is a great area where people can get a start into the property market, especially with how expensive everywhere else is.
“A common reason for people escaping to the West Coast is affordability, being sick of the heat, or just wanting a quieter and more relaxed lifestyle.
“I love the West Coast, and I have no doubt I will be here for many more years, but all I can really recommend is to come and experience it for yourself.”
It is now just over a year into owning his own business and while some of the team changed in that time, Rodney believes the people are what makes the business.
“It’s very important to have a great team surrounding you, while also giving back to them as much as you possibly can.
“I would be lost without the great team I work with, so thank you to everyone.”
