PHOTO: Amity Dry. PLAY & GO ADELAIDE
The Rise of Celebrities in Real Estate
We’ve all seen reality TV shows like The Block, Selling Sunset, and Million Dollar Listing, where real estate agents become household names. However, the lesser-known trend is celebrities from various industries transitioning into real estate. Across Australia, numerous stars—athletes, musicians, and TV personalities—have found success in property after leaving their original careers. Here are some of the most well-known Australian celebrities who have made a successful switch to real estate.
Amity Dry: From Singer to Real Estate Star
Amity Dry, known for her stint on The Block, is now a full-time real estate agent with Ouwens Casserly Real Estate. Her career change was sparked by the pandemic, which put a halt to her performances. Dry, who began in real estate in 2020, has embraced the field, citing her love for connecting with people. With her background in home renovation and decoration, real estate seemed like a natural transition.
Real estate agent, Amity Dry from Owens Casserly, outside a home in Linden Park. Picture: Matt Loxton
When not selling homes, Amity likes to sing, among her other passions.
Tyson Edwards: AFL Legend Turned Real Estate Pro
Former AFL player Tyson Edwards, who had a long career with the Adelaide Crows, transitioned into real estate after retiring from professional football. He joined Harris Real Estate in 2016 and now sells properties alongside his wife, Mandy. With his experience navigating high-pressure situations in sports, Edwards has brought the same focus to his new career.
Tyson Edwards once had a stellar career as a footy player.
Bianca Denham: Pop Star to Property Expert
Bianca Denham, once the lead singer of the London-based band Hansom Pilot, found her passion in real estate after leaving the music industry. Now with Ray White, Denham moved from being a performer to a corporate team executive, showing her adaptability and love for business development.
Before making headway in the real estate industry …
… Bianca Denham was the lead singer of London-based pop band Hansom Pilot. Picture: Supplied/Ray White
Gabrielle Overton: Miss South Australia’s Real Estate Reign
Gabrielle Overton, crowned Miss South Australia in 1972, worked across numerous industries, including TV and hosting, before settling into a career in real estate with LJ Hooker Kensington/Unley. Overton utilizes her wide-ranging skills to deliver the best possible outcomes for her clients.
Gabrielle Overton worked 56 jobs after leaving Cabra Dominican College but now has settled on real estate.
Miss South Australia. Gabrielle Overton nee Clarke in 1972.
Damon Brohier: Drummer by Night, Real Estate Agent by Day
Damon Brohier juggles dual careers as both a real estate agent for Ray White and the drummer for the rock/metal band Sienna Skies. His passion for real estate is matched by his enthusiasm for music, making him a dynamic presence in both industries.
By day, Damon Brohier is a successful real estate agent …
… at night, he’s the lead drummer for Sienna Skies. Source: Facebook/ Sienna Skies
Sarah McDougal: From Big Brother to Big Sales
Sarah McDougal, a contestant on season 12 of Big Brother Australia, has since transitioned to real estate, working as an assistant at Ray White Pakenham. After making it to the top five on Big Brother, McDougal pursued a career in property, and her dynamic personality has translated well to the competitive world of real estate.
From Big Brother to selling homes, Sarah McDougal is making a big impact in real estate.
Andrew Leoncelli: From AFL to Property Development
Andrew Leoncelli, a former Melbourne Demons AFL player, has spent two decades in property, currently working as the managing director for Abadeen Property Group in Victoria. Leoncelli highlights the similarities between sports and real estate, from teamwork to competitive drive.
Andrew Leoncelli at his Melbourne office. Picture: David Geraghty / The Australian.
Andrew Leoncelli in action during the round six AFL Premiership Cup match between the Melbourne Demons and the West Coast Eagles in 2003. Photo: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
Jobe Watson: A Captain in Both Football and Property
Jobe Watson, the former Essendon Football Club captain, transitioned into real estate after his football career ended. Now the director of Watson Property Advisors, Watson uses his experience from sports and business to guide clients through the property process.
Jobe Watson has left his mark on and off the field.
Erin Cubley: From the Circus to Real Estate
Erin Cubley, principal at Ray White Bacchus Marsh, has a unique background—she once performed with the Lipizzaner Stallions in a circus! After her time in the circus, Cubley found her passion in real estate, bringing her vibrant personality and problem-solving skills to her new career.
Not many real estate agents can claim to have worked in the circus – but Erin Cubley can. Picture: Facebook
John Rombotis: AFL Star Turned High-Caliber Auctioneer
John Rombotis, who played for Fitzroy, Port Adelaide, and Richmond, transitioned into real estate in 2000 and later founded his own agency. He now works at O’Brien Real Estate, where he excels as an auctioneer and senior consultant.
Auctioneer John Rombotis doing what he loves – selling homes under the hammer. Picture: Nicki Connolly
Jason Akermanis: Hall of Fame AFL Player and Real Estate Agent
Jason Akermanis, a former AFL star and Brownlow Medalist, heads Blue Moon Ascot and his team, Akermanis Properties. Known for his charisma on the football field, Akermanis brings the same energy to his real estate clients, specializing in high-end properties in Brisbane.
Three time Brisbane Lions premiership player and former Western Bulldogs player Jason Akermanis ahead of the 2024 AFL finals at the Gabba. Picture: Zak Simmonds
Ackermanis in the Lions v Saints qualifying final at the Gabba in 2004. AAP Image/Tony Phillips
Izaack Powell: Football Star to Commercial Real Estate Agent
After an inspiring football career with Brisbane Roar and a personal battle with leukemia, Izaack Powell found his calling in commercial real estate. Now working with Ray White Commercial Gateway, Powell is committed to learning and growing in the industry.
Izaack Powell at Suncorp Sadium in 2019.
Jamie Goddard: Rugby Legend Now Selling Homes
Jamie Goddard, best remembered for his time playing for Queensland in the State of Origin, made the shift to real estate after retiring from rugby league in 2002. He currently works for McGrath Terrigal, using his competitive edge to serve his clients.
Jamie Goddard representing Queensland in the State of Origin.
Jamie Charman: AFL Ruckman Turned Real Estate Director
Former Brisbane Lions player Jamie Charman transitioned into real estate after his footy career, where he now serves as director of Chapman Property. After overcoming an Achilles injury, Charman now channels his energy into helping clients with their property needs.
Jamie Charman serves as the director of Chapman Property. Pic Mark Cranitch.
But before turning to real estate, Charman played for the Brisbane Lions. Picture: David Clark
Joel Smith: From AFL Player to Real Estate Tech Entrepreneur
Joel Smith, a former AFL player with Hawthorn, has ventured into the tech side of real estate. As CEO of Gavl, a platform that streams live auctions, Smith has taken his entrepreneurial spirit and applied it to real estate, helping transform how people engage with property.
Joel Smith has gone from kicking footies to kicking goals in real estate.
Tim Moltzen: From NRL to Real Estate Coaching
Tim Moltzen, who played for the Wests Tigers, found a passion for real estate after an injury led him to retire from rugby league. Now a buyer’s agent with Cohen Handler, Moltzen uses his expertise to help clients navigate competitive property markets.
Tim Moltzen during the Wests Tigers training session at Rothwell Park. Picture: Gregg Porteous
Josh Mansour: NRL Winger to Home Renovation Expert
Josh Mansour, former winger for the Penrith Panthers and South Sydney Rabbitohs, is now a co-owner of Clique Built, a business specializing in home renovations. Mansour encourages his teammates to think about life after footy and has built a successful career in construction and real estate.
Josh Mansour is tackled during a round six match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Canterbury Bulldogs at Stadium Australia, on April 15, 2022. Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images.
Mark Bryant: Grand Final Champion to Real Estate Consultant
Mark Bryant, who played in the world-record 40-0 Grand Final win for the Manly Sea Eagles, moved into real estate after his retirement. Now working with Cunninghams Real Estate, Bryant applies the same dedication to real estate that he once did on the rugby field.
Mark Bryant obtained his real estate licence only days before playing his grand final match in 2008.
SOURCE: realestate.com.au