IT’S been 30 years since Linda Frisina made a decision that would change the direction of her career.
“I had lived down the coast for a couple of years but we’d returned to Brisbane so I had applied for two jobs,” she said.
“One was as Ray White Queensland receptionist, which at the time was over the road at Central Plaza 2, and the other was receptionist for CB Richard Ellis. I was offered both jobs and I really could not decide because they both were very good companies. I took the Ray White position because it was closest to the bus stop.”
This week Linda celebrates three decades with the Ray White Group as the friendly face on the front desk of the Queensland corporate office.
“When I first started we were at Central Plaza 2 on level 20 and then we went over to Riverside on level 24, then we moved to level 7 in the same building before moving here to 111 Eagle Street,” she said.
“I’ve been lucky with all the moves because each time we’ve moved it’s been a different environment and something new.”
Linda said working within the Ray White Group had been like working with a large family or group of friends.
“What’s kept me here is certainly the White family, as I know Brian, Rosemary and the boys very well,” she said.
“They’ve been really good to me and it means the world. When you have spent so much time in an environment like this, it’s part of your life and I feel like I’m part of theirs. We have some really special people here. Personable, caring, intelligent people who are amazing at what they do. The White family are amazing in themselves but the group they have created is equally as impressive which is reflective of their wonderful leadership.”
As the eyes and ears of Ray White Queensland’s corporate office, Linda said one of the most noticeable changes over recent years had been an injection of young people into the business.
“I’m seeing a lot of youth come through, it’s just unbelievable,” she said.
“Brian did say a number of years ago that we did need to bring youth into the company and of course you do.”
No two days are ever the same which Linda said had kept her on her toes, but she replied with a firm “no” when asked if she’d still be greeting guests at the front desk for another three decades.
“Another 30 years? I don’t think so,” she laughed.
“I enjoy every moment of working here but I don’t know where the years have gone because I really don’t feel like I’ve been here for 30 years. I’ve just got some really special friends here, probably friends for life. Everyday is like the first day and a new adventure, and you just do what you’ve got to do. What I do for one person is what I do for anybody else. I don’t segregate and if I can do anything to help anyone in anyway I just do it.”
Ray White Queensland CEO Tony Warland said Linda was an invaluable member of the team.
“Linda is truly loved, not just by the corporate team but by each and every member of Ray White Queensland,” Mr Warland said.
“Everyone loves her, and she always takes time to meet and greet everyone. Linda has this rare ability to remember everyone’s name and face, regardless of how long they’ve been with the group or what position they’ve held. She makes people feel welcome because of her personality and warmth, is never without a smile or kind word, and is a true asset who has kept the front of house ticking along efficiently for the past three decades. Her role extends beyond the obvious though and she understands exactly what the White family wants.”
