Henzells’ Highlights For 2015

It’s hard to believe 2015 is nearly over.

It was a year of many highlights for Henzells Agency marked by consistently high sales levels, major company milestones, new innovations and reaching out to the community through various fundraising projects.

This year marked the 80^th anniversary of our agency which has flourished over the decades to become Caloundra’s dominant full-service real estate business, playing a major role in shaping the landscape of the region both in physical appearance and its enviable lifestyle.

We have at our core a dedicated and passionate team of more than 100 sales and marketing personnel, property managers, engineers, town planners and accountants who are at the top of the industry in their fields.

Having an 80 year history is something that we are very proud of. We are mindful of the legacy we leave, our reputation and our integrity as we continue to grow our business into the future.

In September, Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson, along with Caloundra councillor Tim Dwyer, were official guests at the unveiling of Henzells’ 80^th Anniversary Honour Board at our Bulcock Street headquarters – where credit was paid to the business’s commitment to community and staff.

The Mayor congratulated directors Roy Henzell and Garry Waters, who celebrated their own milestone of 25-years in business together this year, for creating a unique team culture.

“I would like to commend Garry and  Roy for recognising great staff who have been with them for an extended period, which is rare in modern business and speaks volumes for the culture that has been created,’’ Mr Jamieson said at the time.

As a way of giving back to a community that has supported us so generously over the years, our 80^th birthday celebrations also included a major car giveaway which, very fittingly, was won by another proud 80-year-old.

Local retirement village resident Edna Hockins claimed the major prize of a new $20,000 Holden Cruz at our big community street party simply for listing and selling her Golden Beach home with Henzells.

Henzells commitment to innovation and technology was unveiled for all to see with the opening of our major office upgrade back in February.

The company invested more than $100,000 improving the customer experience with a state of the art video wall and other digital display screens, community security surveillance and a fresh beach-inspired shop revamp.

The upgrade demonstrated that despite our long history, Henzells is not content to rest on its laurels or simply move with the times, but rather set new standards for others to follow.

Throughout 2015 Henzells recorded some of its strongest sales results in years as the Sunshine Coast property market continued in positive recovery mode, fuelled by a highly educated market, low interest rates and a favourable economic outlook for the region.

Development of the $2 billion Kawana Health Precinct has been a key factor in the region’s economic revival. It is the largest and most exciting infrastructure project the Coast has seen and will drive housing demand well into the future.

It is creating a fresh sense of optimism in the economic future of the Sunshine Coast which the State Government has declared Queensland’s employment capital, creating jobs well in excess of the state average.

Henzells averaged approximately 30 sales per month for the year – all of which were memorable because of the extraordinary amount of work that went into each one.

Another major highlight for Henzells was the success of our property management and rentals business which achieved significant growth during the year. Our zero percent vacancy rate coupled with zero percent in rental arrears was excellent news for owners looking to protect their investment and maximise returns.

In a first for the region, we launched an innovative new app through our holiday business, Accom Caloundra, putting an extensive resource of holiday information into an easy-to-use interactive platform for guests, general visitors and property owners.

Meanwhile, our commercial property business enjoyed one of its strongest periods for buying, selling and leasing in recent memory with an exciting mix of new businesses utilising our expertise to set up shot in Bulcock Street, the Caloundra CBD and elsewhere.

Prime beachside location, unique appeal with traditional main street and laneway shopping and a major revitalisation of the CBD were contributing factors to Caloundra’s resurgence as a commercial hot spot. A full spectrum of new businesses from professional service providers to trendy new eateries and boutiques as well as blue chip tenancies and national franchises were drawn to the area.

It takes great people to make a great business and Henzells was fortunate to welcome some exceptional staff during the year including new sales manager Hamish Bolderston and a host of other high-quality appointments across our commercial, property management and sales teams.

The Henzells Pelican Waters Foundation also proudly supported various charities through the year including STEPS Caloundra which was the major beneficiary of the 2015 Charity Golf and Dinner Classic.

The Foundation reflects Henzells and Pelican Waters’ long-standing commitment to helping the community it loves. Over a 30-year period the business has proudly assisted worthy charities, sporting clubs, individuals and families in need with substantial donations.

In the last five years alone the Foundation has donated in excess of $150,000 to local causes including Rosies Youth Mission, Finn Smith, WindanSea Boardriders, Cittamani Hospice, Royal Flying Doctor Service, McKay Family Support, RACQ Careflight, Sunny Kids, Alex Surf, Lifesaving Club, The Compass Institute, and Sunshine Coast Riding for the Disabled, Ithaca Life Saving, Met Caloundra Surf Life Saving, AFL Caloundra Club House, SC Falcons, Listening for Lucy and more.

Thanks to everybody for their support for another wonderful year.