23 Apr 2019
Words ResortBrokers Informer Issue 93

Brent Staker: Broker – Brisbane North

Our agents pride themselves on their specialist industry expertise and the detailed knowledge they have accumulated about the markets in which they operate. They usually also bring loads of ‘off field’ experience and talent. In this issue, we meet someone who’s always on his game.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT RESORTBROKERS?

I joined RESORTBROKERS in February 2016, so have just notched up three years with the team. It feels like those years have passed in super-quick time. Yet, I’ve learned so much. I have developed a whole new understanding of the management rights industry and appreciate the world of owning and operating a business so much more.

This industry is big business, so it amazes me to think there are people in some parts of Australia who don’t really yet know it exists.

WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND?

My background is a little different to most. I grew up in far western NSW in the small country town of Broken Hill. My parents, who were both born and bred in what is arguably Australia’s most famous mining town, raised me and my younger sister there.

I left home when I was 16 years of age to pursue my football (Aussie Rules) dreams, and starting with a two-year stint in Canberra. For year one, I happily accepted a football scholarship at Erindale College, playing footy for the NSW/ACT Rams. In year two, I worked as a green keeper at Murrumbidgee Country Club.

It was two years before my dream came true, being drafted into the AFL in late 2002 by the West Coast Eagles. I spent seven amazing years in sunny Perth, playing in the AFL before moving to Brisbane to play for the mighty Brisbane Lions from 2010 to 2015.

During my time in Brisbane, I suffered some severe injuries, which led to my retirement in November 2015. I took six months off before being recruited by ResortBrokers. I have been a broker ever since, and throw myself into being the best broker I can be.

I picked up many certificate and diplomas during my time in sport. Sport is an amazing world to be part of, and it taught me some life lessons I don’t think I would have ever gained without it.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR AREA

I cover a very broad territory in the east and north of Brisbane. It stretches from Redland Bay right up to Bribie Island, and includes northern suburbs such as Aspley and Carseldine and inner eastern Kangaroo Point, Hawthorne, Bulimba and Cannon Hill.

My area includes quite a lot of traditional management rights businesses, that is larger townhouse complexes with a requirement to reside onsite and buy real estate. Some suburbs closer to the city, like Kangaroo Point and Stones Corner, have more highrise apartments, so I do handle quite a cross section of businesses.

North Lakes, Mango Hill and Redcliffe are suburbs that will see even further growth in time.

TELL US ABOUT AN ISSUE WITH A SALE THAT YOU HAVE OVERCOME, AND WHAT YOU LEARNED FROM THAT?

I have actually been quite lucky. Not too many tough situations come to mind. Some smaller situations include having tough conversations with both buyers and sellers to explain how and why some things can hold up deals, and helping them to understand the process. I’ve learned being upfront and letting each party know exactly what is going on is very important.

One deal that does come to mind was one where I had to be there on settlement day and clean the house and empty a whole garage. This is not our job as brokers, but it had to be done as the developer had obviously forgotten.

I didn’t complain, but noted how I could avoid this next time. A buyer wants to walk into a brand new residence and for it to feel amazing. My focus from there has been to remind all vendors that a new operator needs to feel happy upon arrival, especially since they’ve just invested a lot of money in their own business.

I learned that, sometimes, to remind a vendor/developer each day about the smaller things that must be completed by them prior to settlement is extremely important.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST SUCCESS SINCE STARTING AT RESORT BROKERS?

I think my biggest success has been helping people. Having the ability to make people feel comfortable to work with me is very important. Sellers need to trust their broker. Success for me is my ability to understand their needs then share my thoughts about the plan to move forward and sell.

In terms of deals, I have negotiated some sizable transactions that are certainly rewarding. Those deals are cherished because they don’t come around every day. So when they do, I definitely thank my lucky stars for the opportunity to act on the sale.

WHAT ANNOYS YOU?

In day-to-day life, it’s people who are lazy (oh, and people who throw cigarette butts out of car windows). I am all about effort. If you are lazy in life, then things just won’t happen for you. It’s brutal, but I think it’s quite simple.

In my job, the one thing that annoys me is when vendors undervalue or underestimate the value of a good broker. We play a vital role in your quest to exit your business. We offer different perspectives on how to sell, and will share tips to build a strategy that will achieve the best outcome. Plus, our contacts and connections to active buyers are second to none.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE?

In my personal life, I love trying new things and I especially love exploring on holidays. Time to just switch off is very important.

I am a part time football coach, assisting the Brisbane Lions AFLW team. I think it’s great to have a pastime or passion that takes your mind to different places.

Keeping fit is something I continue to do now that professional sport is behind me. It’s important to me to look after my body.

In my job, I love the final outcome on settlement day. Two reasons for this: the vendor is happy because I have played a role helping them move onto the next phase of their life and, of course, it’s pay day. Who doesn’t love pay day?

DO YOU HAVE A NICKNAME?

I do. My nickname, as most people know, is ‘Stakes. But the nickname most won’t know is ‘Badger’. My Dad, in his teens, was called Badger so, when I came along I ended up being called ‘young Badger’. As I got older, I realised it’s been pretty cool to carry my Dad’s nickname and, hopefully one day, I can pass that onto my son.

WHAT TO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

I actually do quite a lot. I have an active mind so I like to be very busy. We’ll have plenty of time to lie down when we’re dead so, whilst we are alive, I think it’s pivotal to stay busy and enjoy as much as we can.

I do some women’s assistant coaching, as mentioned earlier. During the AFL season, I also help call games for Crocmedia here in Queensland, providing special commentary for Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns games. So tune in and you may hear me.

I also have a budding interest is doing triathlons, so training for that keeps me busy as well.

Recently I’ve also launched my own little website built around AFL coaching www.brentstaker.com. This just allows me to work with kids, mostly playing AFL, sharing tips to help them achieve their dreams.