It's about the people, not the sale says Kathie Shepard, from Waikato Based John Griffin Realty, writes Kimberley Gilbert.
“To me it is not about the sale but about the people,” says Kathie, a motel broker from John Griffin Realty Ltd.
With 10 years’ experience operating a 40 unit motel, with a restaurant and bar, and 10 years as a broker Kathie Shepard is one of the Waikato’s leading motel broker.
During her time owning the motel Kathie was very involved with the Waikato Motel Association, holding various positions including secretary and vice president. ‘I was also elected to the national body, the Motel Association Of New Zealand, as a board member. Outside of the motel but still in the tourism industry I served as a member of the "Tourism Waikato Advisory Board" and The "Waikato University Hospitality Advisory Board".
“After 10 years operating the complex Richard and I sold the motel in 2006 and having got to know John and Anne (Griffin) during my motel time I joined their team as a motel broker,” adds Kathie. Kathie then went on to complete her National Diploma in Real Estate in 2009 and became an associate of REINZ and an accredited business broker.
Throughout her time in the motel industry, Kathie has helped many new moteliers settle into the accommodation industry. “The favourite part of the job is the people and helping them understand the industry by sharing my knowledge. I love helping people,” adds Kathie.
On the future of the motel industry, Kathie sees it becoming more business orientated. “We are seeing a younger aged purchaser who is more interested in a motel as a business investment as opposed to the old days when it was more mature purchasers looking for a lifestyle opportunity,” advises Kathie.
“The internet has also provided easy access to information and the ability for purchasers to be much more informed about motels before they contact a broker. This will only increase in the future so the broker needs to be very knowledgeable in the motel field not just a salesperson,” says Kathie.
Kathie’s tip for people who are looking to get into the Motel Industry is, “Make sure the motel you purchase will provide the lifestyle you are looking for. This can only be achieved by using a specialist broker who understands the operation of a motel as well as the sale process. Although motels all seem to be the same with rooms beds and showers, they are not,” said Kathie.
About John Griffin Realty Ltd:
With over 45 years’ experience in the motel industry between them, John, Anne and Kathie at John Griffin Realty Ltd. John Griffin Realty Ltd know about sales, hospitality, motel operation and business experience.
Contact John Griffin Realty LTD:
Head Office:
Phone: 07 856 4331
John Mobile: 0274754178
Kathie Mobile: 021979249
Email: info@motel-broker.co.nz
Website: http://www.johngriffin.co.nz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnGriffinRealty
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