Trueman & Co Realty recently achieved a record sale for the Bay of Plenty, a prestige property worth many millions. The satisfaction gained from this milestone is equally matched by their pleasure in finding people their first properties.
Though only a few years young, this company, established by experienced real estate professional Brent Trueman has carved out a significant niche in a crowded property sales market.
Brent was motivated by his dissatisfaction with traditional real estate practices and a desire to create a more personal and genuine relationship-based business.
He sited the first Trueman & Co office near his rural home, in Ōmokoroa, a rapidly burgeoning area. Architect and interior design input has created a smartly efficient base for staff to work, meetings to be held (Brent handcrafted the board table!) and clients to visit. He handpicked his sales consultants from like-minded people with proven success or obvious potential. While growth is inevitable, he aims to cap sales team numbers at around a dozen.
And Co Means More
While they may appear a stand-alone boutique company, Trueman & Co Realty are part of a national brand, AndCo Realty. Member companies, which all have the suffix, ‘& Co’, have been responsible for some of New Zealand’s highest value sales. Brent says Trueman & Co were proud to join this invitation-only group, and stresses that it is a privilege to represent any vendor, whether their property is high end, entry level or anything in between.
This is clear when you see Trueman & Co’s distinctive marketing. Brent did not want the standard window cards displaying their properties for sale. Instead, the company produces a regular magazine. Portfolio showcases all the properties they represent and illustrates the company’s geographical reach, from Papamoa to Waihī, and its range, from orchards, farms and lifestyle to urban and suburban. You can collect the latest edition from their office or, much easier, ask to be on the emailing list for a digital version.
The internet is an integral part of any marketing these days and Trueman & Co have taken it a step further, developing, due to a serious ‘nerd’ in the family, an innovative algorithm identifying users’ needs and highlighting the properties that meet them.
A Happy Place
Brent’s policy of only employing people the entire staff agrees on fosters a cohesive team. He also ensures all his consultants have strong office backup. “Our sales team each have able and well-qualified assistants which leaves them free to be face to face with people not computers,” he says.
Corinne Brooks is P.A to residential and lifestyle consultant Craig Orr. Corinne has worked in real estate support for over 20 years, and she says this is the best. “We feel like a family,” she explains. “All working to the same goals, sharing information, bouncing ideas off each other. We all want to excel in an atmosphere that is encouraging not competitive.”
The culture at Trueman & Co proves that you can have serious action without acting seriously. They have fun at work, and their company promotion displays a sense of humour. Brent has a menagerie on his small farm, and his team are all animal lovers. Pets feature in their advertising with Pebbles, Brent’s donkey, holding the position of Pet Liaison Manager!
Branching Out
The success of the Ōmokoroa team and the demand from throughout the region has prompted Trueman & Co to open more offices. “Mount Maunganui and Papamoa may merge along the beach, but they can’t be lumped together,” says Brent in planning an office to serve each. The new offices will echo their established sophisticated style and welcoming vibe, and each will be staffed by lean, highly motivated teams, working with Trueman & Co because they believe in it and love it.
Watch this space!
Trueman & Co Realty Licensed REAA 2008
truemanandco.nz