Successful salespeople can progress to business ownership without the overheads and headaches of traditional model
The philosophy behind ground-breaking AndCo Realty Group, already one of New Zealand’s most successful boutique real estate brands, is really very simple, says co-founder and licensee Kelly Clark.
“My husband Jason had been working in the industry, in and around Paremata, where he’d lived his whole life. He did very long hours, yet the commission splits to the company he was part of seemed distinctly unbalanced and we simply didn’t believe that they adequately rewarded his value in each transaction.
“He was the one with the contacts. He was the relationship builder – and, above all, he was the one the clients called.
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“When it came down to it, we found ourselves asking just exactly what the overarching brand was actually bringing to the table.”
She says that this particular company was American-based, with its own way of operating.
Yet, she and Jason felt that what worked for that brand in the USA simply didn’t add meaningful value in the Kiwi market and, most specifically, in Wellington.
“So, about 15 years ago I decided to take the plunge and join him in real estate, then five years later, we started our own company: Clark & Co Realty, Kelly explains.
“It launched really well, and we were soon busier than we had ever been before, so it was obvious that we were on the right track!”
“Very quickly we realised that we could offer a better structure - without the traditional franchise model. Ours only involves payment of a small set fee, which encourages our agents to grow their own businesses by putting the money they’ve saved back into them.”
Craig Lowe, Managing Director Andco Realty / Photo Supplied.
Kelly says that early on, Craig Lowe - another very successful local salesperson, approached her and Jason. The Clarks had the blueprint and the know-how; they just needed someone with the same foresight and luckily the synergy between them and Craig was immediately obvious.
As a result of that meeting, the AndCo Realty Group was established in 2014.
Jason and Craig own the company while Kelly – who set it up from the start, now runs it day-to-day - with the invaluable input of her ‘right-hand man’, Cam Hill.
“As our other licensee, he adds to the wrap-around support AndCo Realty Group offers to its company owners,” she says.
Kelly explains that AndCo essentially works by providing a simple framework for company owners - without the fishhooks found in the traditional franchise model, which can include sky-high fees and outdated methodologies.
Jason Clark, Managing Director Andco Realty / Photo Supplied.
“We have the branding, and we supply all the collateral that a new business needs to open their doors, as well as handling the REA’s supervision requirements and other key areas of compliance – including meeting their AML and CFT obligations,” she says.
“On top of that we offer the mentorship our companies need to help them grow their business.
“As new agents join us, we integrate them into our system with all the necessary software to smoothly run their agency, which frees them up to do what they do best: looking after their clients and providing a friendly, bespoke service.”
She says AndCo agencies are guaranteed 24/7 access to expert advice and guidance. With three experienced licensed Agents only a phone call away, there’s always someone available to help.
“Fundamentally, our identity is deeply rooted in being a family company. We make a point of including partners and families wherever we can because we know that the real estate business can be tough on them. Having said that, many of our teams are couples, growing their own companies together, and some are even bringing their children on board as well.”
AndCo now partners with 15 offices, and another new partnership is currently getting underway. Kelly says that with time to draw breath after several extraordinarily busy years, now seems the ideal time to extend the company’s reach.
“Interested salespeople at the top of their game are very welcome to connect with us for a chat.”
She says with AndCo now as far north as Kaitaia, and as far south as Blenheim, they’ve got everything in the mix, from smaller high-achievers to agencies the size of Lowe & Co - Wellington’s fastest growing real estate company, with 40 agents and a total of around 60 staff.
“Most of our agency owners in the regions are somewhere in between, size-wise, and the beauty of the AndCo model is that it can be moulded to suit the appetite of any local market.”
A potential AndCo agent who Kelly spoke to recently, was so excited about its possibilities for himself and his company, he said he just wished he’d made contact much earlier.
“That’s what makes this so rewarding!” she says.
“We have some great success stories - including Adriana Wilton at Wilton & Co in Levin. She’s grown from a team of two to a team of 10, she owns her own office building, and she’s enjoying around 45% share in her local market after just three years.
“Kelly & Co in Otaki is another star performer and Derek should have had his own business, long ago. In just a year he already has four salespeople and an office manager - with around the same market share as Adriana.
“Similarly, Kirsty of Winder & Co in Blenheim started with AndCo two years ago and has since teamed up with two outstanding salespeople, plus some very switched-on assistants who play crucial roles in propelling the business forward.
“They’re a formidable bunch and they punch well above their weight,” says Kelly.
Looking to the future, she says that new agents will find a warm and supportive team culture within the AndCo Realty Group and by keeping their commissions they can feel free to be creative, take risks, and concentrate on elevating their careers – plus they’ll have built a successful business to sell when that time arrives.
“Our core belief is that better salespeople deserve a better deal, and with the blueprint and refined processes we can provide, the sky’s absolutely the limit. All they need to do is get in touch with us!”
