Michael Willems, one of the best known names in Queensland real estate, has taken out the Ray White Group’s prestigious Max White award.
The Max White prize has been presented for over 30 years and each year goes to an individual who has contributed to and played a significant role in the growth of Ray White in Queensland.
“A quick glance of the names on this trophy tells the story, these are the champions of our company,” Brian White, Ray White Group chairman, said.
Michael and his colleague Matt Gates came in at fourth and fifth respectively in the entire state ranking of salespeople in Queensland, where the Ray White network is made up of 2,500 people.
The team Michael works within, Ray White Surfers Paradise Group, were awarded the number one position in the Queensland network of over 160 offices. Another local office, Ray White Runaway Bay came in at tenth. Principal of that office and agent Amir Mian ranked eighth for his individual performance as a salesperson.
The most dedicated individuals were awarded at the Queensland Annual Awards for their years of service.
Grant Roper, of Ray White Broadbeach was awarded amongst 900 of his peers at The Plaza Ballroom, Brisbane on Wednesday, 27 March.
“There are thousands of registered real estate professionals in Queensland and one third of them leave each year, making 25 years a significant milestone in our industry,” said Queensland joint CEO Peter Camphin.
Clocking up 15 years with the Ray White brand were Joanna Bell-Booth at Ray White Mermaid Beach, Kim Hudson at Ray White Surfers Paradise Group and Gae Ford at Ray White Tugun. Brodie West at Ray White Mermaid Beach, Grant Burgess from Ray White Robina, Lindsay Logan from Ray White Surfers Paradise Group were commended for ten years with Ray White.
Michael Willems sold the fifth largest number of properties in the company and was the joint winner for excellence in auctions as well as the winner for excellence in print media advertising. So too was Ray White Coolangatta/Tweed Heads agent Mason Garton.
Surfers Paradise took out the state award for excellence in auctions.
Ray White Queensland joint CEO Tony Warland said the year had been a turning point for the company.
“2012 for us was a year wrapped in the fabric of its past and yet we took on the challenges of our industry’s future. That means, our best is yet to come.”
Larry Malan and David Rake at Ray White Broadbeach won the ‘profiles of courage’ award for their leadership. Their office was also awarded for being technologically savvy and took out the ‘systems integration’ award.
Katy Duff from Ray White Robina was titled this year’s rising star in property management. Karyn O’Dea from the same office was recognised for her excellence in marketing the profile of individual properties.
Matt Gates from Ray White Surfers Paradise Group was recognised in the nominated category by their principal based on experience, professional development and education, as well as quality of vendor and purchaser service.
