Hamish Doig is a positive person by nature. He sees opportunity where others see challenge. He’s good at spotting the gaps.
It’s a skill that comes naturally but he’s honed it during the 30 years he’s owned the Christchurch office of Colliers.
Today, Doig is one of the most successful property investment brokers in New Zealand, lauded for his solutions-focused approach, knowledge, and ability to build long-term relationships.
“I’m a people person and that’s what this job is all about. Property is a by-product, but first and foremost, it’s about people,” Doig says.
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The Christchurch office has just completed its most successful year yet, and the workforce now numbers more than 30 – having started in 1992 with just five.
Brokers and support staff have changed over the years but what has remained unchanged is the culture.
“I always look for personalities that embrace my ideology of camaraderie, collaborating, and enjoying one another’s success. We’ve always believed in account managing, investing in our clients, and making sure we celebrate successes.”
One of Doig’s greatest pleasures is watching the progression of his two children, Nick and Courtney, who are now shareholders in the business and highly successful salespeople in their own right.
Another highlight is the addition of Mark Macauley, previously from a rival firm, who joined as a business partner and General Manager in 2015. Macauley brought with him two other top-performing property professionals, Sam Staite and Brynn Burrows, to springboard Colliers to a new echelon of success.
Along the three decades, there have been good times and bad, as with any business.
The GFC was incredibly tough, Doig says.
“We were constantly battling to get transactions that the banks would approve. We didn’t have a proven auction capability at the time, so we were probably missing the distressed sales opportunities that were in the market. It became a bit of an issue for us.”
He sees more tough times ahead, but typically is already looking at the opportunities.
“We’re facing headwinds, no question. With rising interest rates, and the high probability that we will have two consecutive quarters of negative growth, which is what characterises a recession, it’s going to be tough.
“Banks are being very selective about their lending and there will be a huge number of investors who are probably starting to breach their interest rates covenants – because of where interest rates are now, their income will no longer be meeting the required multipliers.
“I think we’re going to end up with a lot of activity in that space.”
While he has his succession strategy firmly in place, Doig isn’t going anywhere just yet.
“I regularly get asked how long I want to keep doing what I’m doing now that I’m a superannuitant. The answer is that while I’m enjoying it and think I can add value, I’ll stay. I have no reason to change what I’m doing it. I love the team, I love coming to the office, and I still get a real kick out of the successes we get.
“I really like the fact that you’re dealing with business-minded people and the satisfaction of working out whether an investment proposition is a good one which in turn maximises value for my clients.
“There’s no question that it all comes back to trust. You do so many deals with our customers that you know how they think and what works for their portfolios. I get a kick out of seeing how well they have grown their asset base. Just to have helped contribute to their success is so rewarding – not only financially.
“Christchurch has been good to my family and me. I’m at work in 20 minutes yet I live with stunning views of the sea. There’s not too much to complain about.”
-Article supplied by Colliers
