"We only had window cards back then, and websites were just starting," Emma said.
After years of running franchises and working for others, Emma realised her high standards and unwavering vision meant it was time to build something of her own.
"I realised pretty quickly I wasn't cut out to work for someone else," she laughed. "I'm a bit of a control freak, I have very high standards, and I don't tolerate nonsense."
Joining the Ray White Group eight years ago provided the perfect balance of top-tier technology and a cure for the isolation of leadership.
"It can be lonely at the top. Having a community and fellow principals to bounce ideas off and lean on for support is incredibly valuable."
However, the true heart of the business changed two years ago when Emma’s daughter, Hannah, moved back from Brisbane to join the team.
Now 31, Hannah is a self-described "jack of all trades”, handling office management, marketing, and tech, whilst working closely with Emma on appraisals and open homes.
The pair kick off every single day with an indispensable 7am meeting over a cup of coffee to map out the day ahead.
"We're usually sitting in bed with a cup of tea or coffee talking through the day," Hannah laughed. "Sometimes it feels like we're one brain with two bodies. We have exactly the same sense of humour and always manage to find something to laugh about."
For Emma, the joy of her role comes down to the people, the thrill of the chase, and the profound reward of client trust.
"The greatest reward these days is when a client says,'We trust you, Emma. What do you think we should do?' To earn that level of trust is worth far more than money."
Today, that fulfilment is made even greater by sharing the journey with her daughter.
"We are very different people," Emma said.
"I've always been inventive and full of ideas, but the older I get, the less I
understand the younger generations. Having Hannah brings that modern perspective, creativity and technical know-how to the business."
Hannah believes their success comes from finding the right balance.
"It’s definitely a push and pull. It comes down to communication and forgiveness," Hannah said.
"I grew up in this industry with Mum, and I have so much respect for how hard she works. What I love most about working together is the mutual respect. I've always had good ideas, but to be genuinely heard and given the freedom to express myself is amazing. We challenge each other, we learn from each other, and at the end of the day we both just love housesand the stories they tell."
Together, Emma and Hannah combine decades of local experience with a fresh perspective, creating a business built on trust, innovation and genuine family values. It's a partnership that not only strengthens their business, but delivers a better experience for every client they work with.
