Meet Katherine Allan: The steady hand behind Henzells Agency

From the scenic shores of County Down in Northern Ireland to the sun-drenched beaches of Caloundra, Katherine Allan’s rise to one of the leading figures in Sunshine Coast real estate has been an inspirational journey. 

Approaching 20 years with Henzells Agency, our much-respected GM’s story is one of determination, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
After meeting her future husband while working at a summer camp in the United States, Katherine moved to Brisbane in the 1990s. 

The Sunshine Coast, a cherished holiday destination, soon became her permanent home. Bringing with her a wealth of experience as an office manager in the building industry, Katherine joined Henzells Agency in 2005 as a part-time Admin Assistant.

It did not take long for her exceptional organisational skills, customer service acumen, and sharp attention to detail to set her apart, leading her to rise through the ranks.

Promoted to Operations Manager and then General Manager in January 2021, Katherine has been instrumental in guiding the agency through periods of unprecedented growth and change. 

Her leadership philosophy focuses on inclusivity, ensuring that every team—sales, commercial, holidays, and permanent rentals—feels valued and empowered. Katherine’s tenure has been marked by resilience and innovation, particularly during challenging periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

A recipient of the prestigious Bevan Henzell Award in 2009 and the inaugural Henzells Agency Award in 2017, Katherine’s contributions to the agency’s success are widely recognised. 

She is tertiary-educated, holding a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree from Queen’s University Belfast and a Diploma of Accounting, and her commitment to community service is highlighted by her role as a Justice of the Peace.

We sat down with Katherine to find out more:
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in real estate management?
A: It wasn’t so much about real estate initially. I was looking for a long-established business that would support me as I returned to work after having my daughter. The interest in real estate came later.
The ever-changing market offers continuous learning opportunities and challenges. I thrive in this environment where I can dig deep into processes and legislative requirements.

Q:  How would you describe your leadership style and its impact on the agency?
A: I like to think I balance being approachable while maintaining direction for the team. I believe I foster a supportive environment while building strong relationships of trust with the team.

Q:  What do you think sets Henzells apart from others in the industry?
A: We are independent. We make our own decisions and plan our own path. Everyone knows where they stand and what is expected of them. We are a team.

Q:  What has been the biggest challenge you have faced as General Manager, and how did you tackle it?
A: Before becoming GM, the biggest challenge was navigating through COVID. From the first mention of it to the many months of lockdowns, holiday cancellations, sickness, and isolation, the most important thing for me was ensuring the staff were secure in their positions and knew they would always be paid every fortnight.

Q:  Can you share a memorable success story or milestone from your time at the agency?
A: A milestone from my time at the agency was reaching my 10th and 15th anniversaries. These are massive achievements and a reflection of the great place Henzells is to work.

Q:  How do you ensure your team stays motivated and delivers exceptional service?
A: Including the team in discussions about decisions and processes allows them to be involved in the future path of the business. We also have fun at Henzells as well as working hard.

Q:  What trends are you currently seeing in the real estate market, and how is Henzells adapting?
A: Real estate is constantly changing. With AI increasing electronic means of doing business, at the end of the day, whilst we are in the business of real estate, we are actually in the business of people. Relationships and connections are the most important part of our business.

Q:  What do you find most rewarding about your role at Henzells?
A: No two days are ever the same. While it can sometimes feel overwhelming, I thrive on the challenge of adapting to new legislation. I take pride in staying well-informed and ensuring we have the knowledge and processes in place to keep Henzells fully compliant. Over the past couple of years, there have been several changes, and more are expected in 2025. However, we consistently stay ahead by prioritising training and preparation, often outpacing other agencies in maintaining compliance and staying well-equipped to handle these shifts.

Q: Looking ahead, what are your goals for Henzells over the next few years?
A: To continue being one of the major employers in Caloundra. Grow the rent rolls, and continue to grow organically through referrals and return business.

Q:  If you could choose another career, what would it be?
A: A lawyer.

Q: The things I love most about the Sunshine Coast are…
A: Walking along the Kings Beach foreshore when the sun is coming up at 6 a.m. Also, being close enough to the city to head away for a weekend in the big smoke.

Q:  Something not everyone knows about me is…
A: I am a classically trained singer and have performed professionally at QPAC as a soloist, which was a definite highlight. I love crime podcasts and can often have several on the go at one time.