Their journey, spanning from early challenges in retail management to becoming pillars of the Ray White Rural network, reflects a rare combination of resilience, vision, and commitment to their people.
Ron Berkley’s professional story began far from the property market. Raised in a nomadic household, moving 16 times and attending 11 schools by age 17, Ron credits his unconventional upbringing for his adaptability and drive.
“Having to adapt constantly gave me a love for structure, organisation, and people, all of which prepared me for real estate,” Ron said.
Early roles in retail management offered him rapid advancement, and it was here that he learned to combine strategy with risk-taking.
“I remember dealing with a price war, by selling certain products at their price in my store. It wasn’t traditional, but it worked and it taught me that sometimes being bold pays off,” he said.
Ron’s personal life, anchored by his wife Jen and their four children, has been a stabilising force.
“Jen and I both came from very different childhoods. While mine was nomadic and unpredictable, hers was stable and grounded. That contrast shaped the family life we wanted to build and the business we wanted to run.” Ron said.
Ron and Jen transitioned into real estate by acquiring an independent firm, operating with a small team, before quickly and strategically joining the Ray White Rural network.
“We realised that to grow and compete nationally, a franchise model was the right step. Ray White’s national presence and culture were perfect for our vision,” Ron said.
Ron knew Ray White Rural was the right fit, when he purchased The Land newspaper and it so happened to be a National Whiteout week.
“There was no question we had to join Ray White Rural”, he said.
Within the first year, the firm achieved remarkable results,completing 70 residential sales, drawing attention from corporate leaders.
“I think our success was partly because we weren’t afraid to do things differently, but mostly because we cared about people, our staff, our clients, and our community,” he said.
Throughout their career, Ron and Jen have emphasised nurturing talent and building strong teams. Property managers are the unsung heroes and the backbone to the business and have been a strong focus on the foundations built early on.
Sonya Grosso, General Manager Ray White Rural and Livestock describes their office as warm, welcoming, and genuinely like a family.
“Ron and Jen don’t just focus on sales, they focus on people. They take the time to mentor their team, build confidence, and foster a culture where everyone feels valued. That’s why they’ve achieved such enduring success over 25 years.” Sonya said.
“We’ve always sought potential in young people. Some of our proudest moments are seeing them grow, even if they eventually become competitors, it’s all part of building the industry.” Ron said.
Jen’s role has been equally vital. Beyond managing operations, she has balanced family life while supporting staff and clients. Ron recounts a memorable story from early parenthood:
“Tyler was conceived unexpectedly, and Jen went into labor while I was on a rural property with no phone service. Before heading to the hospital, she went to the office to pay all the accounts and wages. That sums up her dedication.” Ron said.
Ron and Jen have weathered challenges, including the Global Financial Crisis, which affected their market position.
Ron reflects, “Debt makes you hungry. It forces you to confront challenges head-on. Those experiences taught us resilience, a key ingredient in our 25 years of success.”
Their philosophy extends beyond transactions to relationships and respect. The team instills integrity and professionalism in every interaction. Their clients trust them not just for sales, but for guidance, mentorship, and empathy. The importance of preserving human connection in an increasingly digital world.
“Technology can remove emotion. Picking up the phone, connecting personally, that’s where trust and loyalty are built”, he said.
Celebrating 25 years, Ron and Jen highlight the enduring impact of long-term relationships, including their own. They have distinct roles and responsibilities, with no work at home.
One memorable example involved assisting a 70-year-old cleaning lady to purchase her first home with scratchy lottery winnings and a government grant, a story that continues to inspire the team.
“Some of our proudest moments are helping repeat clients, selling homes to the children of our original clients, and supporting people who never imagined home ownership was possible,” Jen said.
Looking forward, Ron and Jen remain committed to growing their team, improving processes, and nurturing the next generation of real estate professionals.
“Our philosophy is simple: work hard, value people, and focus on long-term relationships. We’ve worn yellow proudly for 25 years, and we believe that staying the course and improving together is far more rewarding than chasing short-term gains.” Ron said.
Ron and Jen’s son Tyler Berkley joined the family business five years ago, by accident due to Covid and hasn’t looked back since.
“I am incredibly proud of my parents for leading Ray White Inverell for more than 20 years. While raising four children and managing the beautiful chaos of family life, they built a thriving business with unwavering dedication”. Tyler said.
“Joining the industry five years ago gave me a deeper appreciation of what they’ve achieved and the profound work ethic they’ve instilled in all of us”.
Ron and Jen's success has never been about awards or accolades; it’s about building a business and a culture that stands the test of time. Their 25-year journey is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and integrity and a celebration of what can be achieved when passion meets commitment.
Stephen Nell, Executive Director Ray White Rural and Livestock, reflects fondly on the 25 year success of Ron and Jen.
“Ron and Jen have been fiercely protective of their business and unapologetically passionate about it. Ron, in particular, always saw the bigger picture, not just for his office, but for the entire network”, Stephen said.
“He challenged me regularly to lift the bar as CEO (at the time), and I respected that deeply. With Ron, you always knew where you stood, and that honesty made us all better.”
“Across more than two decades, Ron and Jen have been true quiet achievers, highly successful, yet humble. They navigated some very challenging times with resilience and steady leadership, while continuing to support and constructively challenge the network. And for that we will always be grateful”, he said.