Pine Property

In 2014, Manly’s Patrick Kelleher took the plunge to open his own commercial property agency, Pine Property. Inspired by the Norfolk Pines that line the Northern Beaches coast, and thriving in the saltwater-laden air, Pat’s business has grown from strength to strength. In the coming months he’ll be writing the “Commercial Corner” column for the Tawny, sharing insights on all elements of the commercial property market, but before that, we wanted to learn more about the Father of Four, Tall Timber, former Manly Marlin, and eternal heart and soul of the Wheelbarrow (Dad Bods) Fitness Club. 

What’s your favourite part of the Beaches? 
The grassy area at Queensie on a summer evening.

What role has the local area played in your life?
Growing up on the beaches and now living here as an adult with my own family, I’d say it’s all about community. We have a great community here on the Northern Beaches. I’m always bumping into people that I went to primary school with, played with at the Manly Marlins, or worked with over the years. 

What inspired you to start your own business?
As a young agent working for a larger commercial agency, I always had in the back of my mind that I’d like to start my own agency. After a decade of building up my network and skills in that role, I believed I could succeed on my own. When I finally took the plunge, my wife was pregnant with our second of four and I knew it would be tough. But there is never a ‘right’ time is there?

What’s a typical workday like?
I’m always up early, knowing I have to somehow squeeze 20 hours of work into an 8 hour workday, and when you’re running a small business with a young family, you can never really clock off, you’re always thinking about the business. There are currently 257 items on my to do list. I’m responsible for all of them. In small business, you wear all hats all the time – sales, leasing, legal, HR, finance, you name it. But that responsibility has essentially forced me to become an expert in areas I never imagined, and that’s a great asset.

Best moment so far?
Seeing that first Pine Property ‘LEASED BY’ sign on The Manly Corso.

Favourite part of the entire process? 
The people. It’s all about the people. The negotiation and transaction are part and parcel of the property process but it’s the people that I’ve dealt with that are what makes it, many of which I call close contacts and maintain relationships with. 

What is the most important aspect of your profession that you must get right to be successful?
Always give the right advice. It may not necessarily end in a successful transaction, but it ensures repeat business and in commercial, it’s a long game that needs to be played. Commercial clients extend beyond one transaction and the realisation and acknowledgment of this is imperative if you are seeking longevity in this industry. 

Is Wheelbarrow Fitness Club the secret to success?
Ha! It certainly gives me the right headspace to start my day and I am very passionate about it. Training with my mates, on the best beach in the world before sunrise. How could you not be motivated when you start your workday like that?! It’s a very integral part of my existence. 

Any tips for readers interested in commercial real estate investment?
Undertake the necessary research. A quick acquisition with no due diligence can be costly. 

What can Tawny readers who own a commercial property do to get the most from that investment?
Contact Pine Property ASAP and let us put our expertise at your disposal.