Ray White Rural Esk and Toogoolawah has officially entered an exciting new chapter, with Peter Chant and Jade Jaenke taking the reins of the family-owned business following a carefully planned and executed succession.

With fresh energy, deep experience and a powerful personal connection to both the business and the community, Jade and Peter are poised to lead Ray White Rural and Livestock Esk and Toogoolawah into its next era, honouring the past while confidently building the future.

For Jade, the journey began early. At just 17 years old, straight out of school, she started her career as personal assistant to Ray White Rural and Livestock Chairman Paul White in Brisbane. Immersed in the inner workings of the Ray White Group, Jade gained invaluable exposure to business operations, franchising and the broader network, experiences that would quietly shape her future.

“It was a pivotal learning experience,” Jade said.

“Looking back now, I know it set me up for this moment, to one day take over the family business.”

Peter’s journey with Ray White started just as young. Joining the group at 19, he worked across several coastal offices, building a deep understanding of the brand, the people and the culture.

This transition has been years in the making. In 2022, Jade and Peter formally commenced the succession plan to succeed Jade’s parents, Wayne and Varinia Jaenke, prominent and highly respected business owners who have been part of Ray White Rural and Livestock for more than 25 years.

Wayne and Varinia bought the Ray White Rural Esk office in 2001, later expanding to Toogoolawah in 2015, building not just a successful business but a deeply embedded community presence.

Reputed in their local communities, Wayne and Varinia have long believed business should be a vehicle for giving back, a philosophy recognised when the team proudly received the Ray White International Community Contribution Award in 2022.

The Jaenke family name is firmly cemented in the Esk region through generations of contribution, and for Jade and Peter, there was never any question about where they wanted to raise their own family.

Jade and Peter are widely recognised as part of the next generation of leadership within the Ray White Rural and Livestock group.

Ray White Rural CEO Matt White said this represents a powerful moment for both the brand and the broader network.

“Jade and Peter are both integral members within the Ray White family in their own individual rights,” Matt said.

“The succession of such a reputable family business into the hands of young leaders with energy and enthusiasm is incredibly exciting for us.”

“Continuing a family business like this makes me immensely proud,” he added.

“To see a generational family continue in a local community not far from where Ray White began in 1902 is a pivotal moment, and we’re proud to stand behind the next generation.”

With a clear vision for the future, Jade and Peter are focused on growing their team, supporting the continued success of their sales agents and property managers, whilst building on the strong foundations already laid.

The business currently comprises a team of eight, with remarkable long-term tenure, a point of immense pride for the new leaders.

“We’re incredibly proud of our team,” Jade said. “Jye, Tim and Julie bring more than 20 years’ experience each, Jeanie over 15 years which is a credit to Mum and Dad.”

While the service, people and values remain unchanged, the team is already embracing evolution, particularly leaning further into Ray White’s technology, systems and network support.

“Being part of such a dynamic and progressive group is a genuine competitive advantage,” Peter said.

“The brand awareness, reputation, technology and success of Ray White allow us to deliver better outcomes for our clients and our people.”

Looking to the future, Jade and Peter are ready for the challenges, the continued success and being part of a truly wonderful community.

“I’m incredibly proud of the seamless succession we’ve been able to execute. To now be in a role I dreamed about when I started at 17 is a surreal moment,” Jade said.

“Continuing the name my parents forged is overwhelming but with Pete by my side, I know we’ll do great things.”

“I’m humbled by the responsibility of leading this team,” Peter said.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity, appreciative of the support, and genuinely excited about what Jade and I will achieve together. We’re all in. It feels serendipitous and I wouldn’t want to do this with anyone else but Jade.”


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