Inspirational Women | DarwinLife in
Residential Sales Agent - Real Estate Central
Commercial Property Manager - Elders
Gabriella Sawyer is a born and bred Territorian with a passion for real estate. Her local Territory knowledge combined with a background in sales and finance help put her at the top of the real estate game. “I love Darwin, I will never leave,” Gabriella says. “I believe in the future of the Territory and its growth. “Great things are happening here, especially in the property market, and it’s exciting to be a part of it.” Gabriella is originally from Katherine, where her family operated a successful earthworks and construction business, building roads and bridges. The Eugene Betti Bridge, which crosses over the Katherine River is named after her father. And husband Brendan’s family has owned and operated Trans Territory Foods for more than 40 years. “I guess you could say I know a lot of people throughout the Top End,” Gabriella says. “I understand the Territory way of doing things.” After time spent in the sales and finance industry, Gabriella made the move into real estate, working as a residential sales agent for Real Estate Central in Darwin. “I’ve found my niche and I love what I do,” she says. Gabriella believes a practical yet professional
Melissa Chappell got her start in real estate on the sunny south coast of Spain. She spent eight years working across all sectors of the Spanish industry, including sales, rentals, investments and marketing. Returning to Darwin permanently three years ago, she took a role in residential property management with Elders. But after only a few short months she moved into commercial property management. And she hasn’t looked back. “At first, taking on the challenge of the commercial department alone was certainly stepping into the unknown,” Melissa says. “But I haven’t looked back at all.” Melissa’s job involves the leasing and management of commercial properties from Darwin to Katherine, including offices, shops, and industrial premises. And with her portfolio covering such a large area, having excellent time-management and organisation skills come in handy. “There is definitely a lot of time management involved,” Melissa says. “The key is to priortise. And while you do try to stick to a schedule, you need to be flexible as well. “At the end of the day, you need to ensure you are offering the best service you can to your clients.” And what Melissa is doing is definitely working. This year she was awarded the Real
approach is the key to succeeding in real estate in the Territory. “You need to have that professional approach, yet you also need to be practical and adaptable,” she says. “No one day is the same, and if you really focus on your clients and offer the best possible service you will succeed. Gabriella says that while a career in real estate may be busy, it is still possible to have a great work-life balance, and she enjoys spending quality time with sons Benji, 7, and Mac, 6, away from the office. “I wear many hats,” she says. “I’m a wife, mother and committed real estate agent, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. “With strong time management skills and an adaptable approach, you can get that worklife balance right.”
M: 0438 40 48 48 E: gabriella.sawyer@recentral.com.au W: www.recentral.com.au
Estate Institute of the Northern Territory’s (REINT) Commercial Property Manager of the Year. “I have a great retention of clients since commencing in commercial property management, so that’s a really positive position to be in,” she says. “I set challenges for myself and try to meet them, rather than focus on what others are doing. “Striving to meet goals you have set for yourself gives you a real sense of satisfaction.” Melissa says the supportive environment at Elders is also key to her success. “They are a really good group of people to work with, especially (Branch Manager) Diane Davis and (General Manager) Chris Deutrom,” she says. “I’m proud to work for Elders and I believe they are second to none.”
A: 70 Smith Street, Darwin, NT, Australia, 0800 Ph: (08) 89 811 822 F: (08) 89 81 4074 M: 0417 620 043 E: melissa.chappell@elders.com.au W: www.eldersrealestate.com.au November 2013 | DarwinLife Magazine
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