Sean Stephens joined the NAI Harcourts team in Hamilton in 2015. Since that time he has built an enviable record of sales and leases, primarily in the industrial sectors of Te Rapa and more recently Hamilton Airport. The timing has co-incided with unprecedented growth in the industrial precincts around Hamilton, buoyed by existing businesses seeking to increase in size, investors realising the value of the growing Waikato market, companies from outside the region making the move here, and new businesses starting up. Waikato has benefitted from its location, but also due to its scope for expansion. “When I first started the new industrial areas in Te Rapa were just getting off the ground. The development growth since has been phenomenal. “It’s the same at the Airport. That area took some time to gain any traction for industrial growth. But once a few businesses made the leap of faith demand has soared.” Ironically the highest rate of growth came in 2020 and 2021, despite the restrictions and lockdowns caused by the Covid 19 pandemic. Successful deals along the way have included multiple multi-million dollar sales (for either existing buildings or vacant land) through to small leases, and everything in between. And with it have come multiple awards “which is nice but is not what drives me.” Seans says the secret to a successful agent is relatively simply. “People want to have confidence you know your market, you know your industry, and most importantly you do what you say you are going to, on time.” Prior to joining NAI Harcourts and Sean had 20+ years management experience, all in the fast- changing media industry. The last eight were at Fairfax Waikato, the final two years as Commercial Manager, responsible for the Waikato Times, 11 community titles across the region and the national Agri division. So commercial real estate was something of a change, but the management experience and skills garnered has held him in good stead. Sean is married to Jo, and they have two children James and Kate.