PHOTO: Amanda Marshall. FILE
Amanda Marshall’s journey in the family real estate business commenced at the tender age of seven. Today, she stands at the helm, propelling their legacy to unprecedented heights.
While many children spend weekends immersed in play, Amanda Marshall, a third-generation real estate agent, was familiar with a different routine – distributing flyers.
“Being a real estate agent’s daughter, you start letterbox drops practically as soon as you learn to walk,” reminisced Marshall.
“My sister and I would assist in folding flyers at the office, then our grandmother would accompany us on rounds to drop them in mailboxes. We’d earn five bucks, and Nan would treat us to milkshakes from Macca’s on the way back.”
Marshall’s grandfather, Max Schaefer, laid the foundation of the Uphill & Schaefer real estate agency in Armidale back in 1971. Over the years, it became a cherished part of the Schaefer family, with Marshall’s mother, aunt, and grandfather working in unison.
“I never felt pressured into it; I simply developed a passion for it and naturally gravitated towards it,” Marshall explained.
What began as informal assistance during school breaks evolved into a full-fledged career in property management after Marshall completed her education. Despite the common caution against mixing family with work, Marshall viewed it as a positive experience.
“In a family of entrepreneurs, business is business,” she remarked. “At work, Mom isn’t just Mom, and Pop isn’t just Pop; they’re Max and Jules.”
Even for non-family members, the “remarkable tenure of the staff” at the agency left a lasting impression.
As a child, Marshall didn’t mind discussions revolving around real estate at home; after all, it was ingrained in their lifestyle. However, as the proprietor of a fledgling enterprise now, she recognizes the sacrifices inherent in the real estate profession.
“With young children, I’m well aware of the commitments I must make for my family moving forward,” Marshall acknowledged.
“Real estate isn’t a typical nine-to-five job; if you expect it to be, it might not be the right fit.”
After leaving her hometown in Armidale, Marshall ventured to Brisbane, eventually settling there. She recently inaugurated RE/MAX River City in Kangaroo Point, Brisbane’s most densely populated suburb.
Despite encountering hurdles, Marshall often ponders, “Why didn’t I embark on this journey sooner?”
“I don’t have a fallback plan. This is it,” she affirmed.
“It’s not a walk in the park; if you think it is, then it probably isn’t for you. It’s tough, really tough. But surrounding yourself with exceptional individuals whom you respect and admire can be an invaluable learning experience.”
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Marshall advocates wholehearted commitment.
“Do your research, engage with numerous individuals. You never know where those conversations might lead,” she advised.
“If you’re passionate about it, nothing should deter you.”
SOURCE: REB