By HEDGIE GUNDRY
Established in 1972 in Sydney’s Inner West, Harris Tripp proudly celebrated 50 years in business last year – and this thriving family-owned agency continues to evolve and stay one step ahead of the competition. With an office in Summer Hill servicing the surrounding communities, Harris Tripp was a finalist in the 2022 REINSW Awards for Excellence Residential Property Management category and winner of the Business Development Manager category.
When Director Grayden King bought the business in 1983 from locals Frank Harris and Robert Tripp, it was a small agency.
“Harris Tripp had 60 properties under management, but had already established a strong sales team which we then developed,” Grayden recalled.
“During the 80s, the Inner West was much more run down than now, but the properties were always interesting. We sold them to people who wanted to renovate and the area gradually improved. Harris Tripp was part of the revival of these suburbs and, thankfully, we haven’t lost the village atmosphere we still enjoy today.”
New generation
In 2010, Grayden’s son Jay King joined the business and is now Head of Sales. And, in 2015, his daughter Natasha MacDonald came on board after a 10-year stint in London. She is now General Manager, overseeing a cohesive team of 45 people across residential sales and property management. Maria Pakis, Head of Property Management, also joined around the same time and the newly energised leadership team is taking the business to the next level.
“It’s been so exciting to give this opportunity to Jay and Natasha, as I step back from day-to-day operations,” Grayden said. “Sometimes, I’m sure they wonder whether it’s worth all the hard work, but I’m certainly very proud of what they’ve achieved.”
“I feel very fortunate to work alongside Grayden and Jay,” Natasha added. “Because we’re family, we all have a high care factor. We want to do the best job we can and this filters across the business. And having the right people on board who are aligned with our family values is so important to us.”
During the 80s, the Inner West was much more run down than now, but the properties were always interesting. Harris Tripp was part of the revival of these suburbs and, thankfully, we haven’t lost the village atmosphere we still enjoy today.
– Grayden King
Secret to success
Other than solid family ties and an incredible team, Jay also attributes the success of Harris Tripp to exceptional customer relationships and staying ahead of the competition.
“Whether it’s a vendor, purchaser, landlord or tenant, we always work with our customers and prospects as closely as possible to develop positive relationships,” Jay said. “We’ve earned respect within the community by consistently delivering the best service and doing the right thing for others. Several new players have moved into the area in the last few years, especially in Summer Hill. But it’s hard to compete with 50 years of history and experience.
“I believe our success is due in equal parts to our ongoing focus on the future. We’re always looking at how to keep two, three or four steps ahead of the competition, whether with the latest software or new processes, procedures and branding, or even updating our office. And we do this as an integrated team. We communicate and collaborate across our respective departments, which also helps move the business forward.
Property management innovation
This focus on innovation is evident within the property management team, where Natasha and Maria have been working hard to modernise and evolve the roles and skills required.
“We’ve given our property management team more strategic direction over the last eight years,” Natasha said. “And, as a result, we’re more focused now.
“We've onboarded a range of new technology and have evolved from an old-school style of management into a much more modern way of managing properties.”
“In the past, our property managers were wearing too many hats and the mental load just became too stressful – especially after COVID,” Maria added. “So we've created new roles where they’re not wearing eight or 10 hats. Instead, they’re more task-focused and deliver better services. Our property managers are enjoying their roles now and we’re proud of our collaborative approach.”
Because we’re family, we all have a high care factor. We want to do the best job we can and this filters across the business. And having the right people on board who are aligned with our family values is so important to us.
– Natasha MacDonald
Giving back
Like most real estate agencies, Harris Tripp has always supported local charities and organisations, and given back when possible. And, for the last few years, Natasha and her team have thrown their support behind Summer Hill’s Little Big House – a not-for-profit centre combatting loneliness and creating a happier, healthier community.
“Little Big House started a few years ago as a space where people can connect, meet their neighbours and reduce loneliness, which became even more of an issue during and after the pandemic,” Natasha said.
“We supported some amazing events last year and engaged with local suppliers to boost our small businesses. Bringing the community together in this way resonates with us and aligns with our business values. It’s a wonderful opportunity to be part of something bigger.”
Looking to the future
So what does the future hold for the team at Harris Tripp?
“The next 12 months or so will be interesting due to the uncertainty in the market,” Jay said. “From a rental perspective, we’re facing the tightest market in over 15 years, so our property management team is now buoyed after a couple of difficult years with COVID.
“But with sales, it's a very different picture. There's been a softening in the volume of listings, and obviously it’s becoming harder for people to borrow. Well-presented properties are still selling, but those requiring more renovation work or value add are a bit more challenging.
“So it’s a bit of a two-speed market at the moment – but it’s certainly not all the doom and gloom that some media outlets are portraying.”
Natasha added that the agency has been on a technology journey over the last few years.
“We’re constantly looking at how this is evolving and how we can optimise the benefits for our business” she said. “So, while sales are a challenge, we’re expecting a huge opportunity towards the end of this year – and we're in an excellent position to take advantage of that.
“We're focused on growth for the next 12 months and beyond.”