PHOTO: Barfoot & Thompson. FILE
Barfoot & Thompson has swung open its doors to embrace five exceptional members of its team, granting them access to the company’s esteemed ‘Hall of Fame.’
During the annual Summit event held last Friday, Managing Director Peter Thompson formally inducted Chris Dobbie, Chief Executive Officer; Nadja Court, the accomplished salesperson from Mairangi Bay Branch; Rod Robinson, the versatile General Manager Branches; David Kelly, dedicated Epsom Branch Manager and skilled Auctioneer Marian Tolich into the prestigious Hall of Fame.
The Barfoot & Thompson Hall of Fame was established in May 2008 as a means to honor the extraordinary achievements of both current and former employees from all facets of the business. With the inclusion of these five individuals, a total of 21 exceptional contributors (including the latest inductees) have been acknowledged for their pivotal roles in the century-old real estate enterprise’s success.
Peter Thompson, the Managing Director, expressed his admiration for each of the newly minted Hall of Famers, emphasizing their diverse accomplishments within the company and their embodiment of the values that define Auckland’s most triumphant real estate team.
“These five new Hall of Famers epitomize the excitement and fulfillment that a career in real estate can offer. They collectively bring nearly 140 years of experience to our organization and consistently uphold the core principles of our business. Thanks to their contributions, we are a more formidable and resilient team. I am thrilled to extend a warm welcome to all five into the Barfoot & Thompson Hall of Fame.”
Chris Dobbie: Chris Dobbie’s journey with Barfoot & Thompson began in December 1993, when he was aptly described as “a good fit for the team” during his initial interview. He joined the company in early 1994, initially serving as an assistant accountant before steadily ascending through the ranks to become the Chief Financial Officer, a role he held for 17 years. In 2018, Chris assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer, collaborating closely with the Directors to steer Barfoot & Thompson’s unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service. As the company evolved, Chris’s financial acumen, strategic mindset, and commitment to ongoing learning set him apart as a true leader who elevated Barfoot & Thompson to new heights.
Nadja Court: Nadja Court embarked on her real estate career with Barfoot & Thompson as a salesperson in January 1999. As a single mother seeking a profession that aligned with her knack for connecting people with properties, Nadja’s unwavering dedication and loyalty, both to her team and clients, stand out prominently. Her consistency and commitment have fostered enduring client relationships. In September 2000, just 18 months after commencing her real estate journey, Nadja made her debut in the Top Twenty, marking the beginning of her journey as one of the company’s top-performing salespeople, including two consecutive years as the No. 1 salesperson in 2012 and 2013.
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Rod Robinson: Rod Robinson joined Barfoot & Thompson as the inaugural manager of the Pukekohe branch in April 1994, based on a simple conversation and handshake with then-director Mark Thompson. Rod, a forward-thinking individual comfortable in both farm gumboots and a tie and jacket, demonstrated remarkable vision and chose Barfoot & Thompson as the platform for sustained success. Under Rod’s leadership, the Pukekohe branch entered the company’s Top 10 rankings in March 2004 at number 8, remaining a dominant force for the subsequent 11 years. After his tenure in Pukekohe, Rod assumed the role of the company’s Rural/Lifestyle Business Development Manager, and he now oversees half of Barfoot & Thompson’s branches as the General Manager Branches.
David Kelly: David Kelly pursued a varied career path before finding his calling in real estate, including a role as a Stock and Station auctioneer, which seamlessly transitioned into his real estate career. He joined Barfoot & Thompson in July 1990 at Royal Oak, where he swiftly established a successful career. Subsequently, he spent time under the mentorship of Hall of Famer Ian Gray in Mt Eden, followed by a brief stint as the manager at Manurewa in 1993. This laid the foundation for his role as the St Heliers Branch manager, where David embarked on an outstanding management career spanning 23 years. In 2016, he transferred his considerable expertise to the Epsom branch, achieving the number one position in 2020 while maintaining a consistent top-ten ranking throughout his tenure.
Marian Tolich: Marian Tolich commenced her journey with Barfoot & Thompson as a company auctioneer in May 1999, breaking barriers as the first full-time female real estate auctioneer and remaining a rare female presence in the industry. Over the course of her career, Marian has conducted more than 20,000 auctions for Barfoot & Thompson, earning unparalleled respect from colleagues and clients alike. She is known for her unwavering professionalism, willingness to contribute to charity auctions beyond her work hours, and her lively podium presence. Marian is a true pioneer in every sense of the word, setting an example of excellence in the industry.