Renee Smith and Richard Thompson have been leading LJ Hooker Dunedin Property Management as business owners for the past few years, driving steady growth and building a reputation as one of the city’s most successful property management teams. With a decade of experience working as a team in the office before taking ownership, they have created a strong business built on complementary skills, innovation and the backing of one of real estate’s most recognised brands.
When Thompson first joined LJ Hooker Dunedin, it was on a one-year maternity cover contract.
“It was an industry I fell into and I bloody love it,” he said.
Before that, his introduction to property management came almost by accident when a friend offered him a role in a family business. While the experience gave him a grounding in commercial and body corporate management, the limited growth prospects left him looking for new opportunities.
Smith’s career took a different path. Starting out as an electrician, she later managed a boarding house in Auckland’s Grey Lynn for three years before relocating to Dunedin with her husband.
“Being in and around houses is a passion of mine,” she said.
When she interviewed with then-business owner Wayne Graham for a property management role, he saw potential beyond the standard job description.
“Wayne told me, ‘you’re really just not a property manager, but I’d like to create a role for you,’” Smith recalled.
That role became business development, laying the foundation for the office’s long-term growth.
From early on, Graham had lined both Smith and Thompson up as future business owners. While it took time for the pair to adjust to each other’s very different personalities, they soon discovered their differences were their strength.
“We bring what the other person doesn’t have, and it works well,” Smith said.
Since stepping into ownership, Thompson and Smith have grown the business from 320 properties under management to around 560 today. They also restructured their operation, investing in a leasing agent rather than traditional end-to-end management.
“It was the best investment we made in our business and a point of difference in our market,” Smith said.
Thompson added: “It gave us the ability to grow. Everyone could manage more properties and the team became more effective overall.”
With a team of eight, their focus is not only on growth but on maintaining the high standards that set their office apart.
“Contractors often tell us we have one of the tidiest portfolios around,” Smith said. “That’s a reflection of our team’s dedication.”
Looking to the future, both are determined to stay ahead of industry change and ensure landlords and tenants benefit from their proactive approach.
“We want to be 10 steps ahead and educate our team to be knowledgeable. Property management is a fast-paced game and there is always a lot changing,” Thompson said.
The partnership with LJ Hooker has been another key factor in their success. Both Smith and Thompson say the brand’s evolution in recent years has given them extra momentum.
“The difference from now compared to five years ago is exponential, and that’s awesome,” Thompson said.
Smith added: “I feel like we’re untouchable in some respect, because everyone remembers LJ Hooker. When I think back 20 years ago, I don’t remember any other real estate brand, but I remember LJ Hooker.”
Now firmly established as business owners, Smith and Thompson are focused on the next stage of growth for LJ Hooker Dunedin Property Management. With a strong team, proven systems and the support of a trusted brand, they are well placed to continue leading the way in Dunedin’s property management sector.
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