Peter Hooymans: Coaching, Culture, and Calculated Risks – A 30-Year Real Estate Journey

Those principles form the foundation of this episode of the Elevate podcast, hosted by Samantha McLean.

Celebrating 30 years of MRE, Peter shares invaluable insights on leadership, culture, and the power of technology in transforming a real estate business.

He takes a deep dive into the importance of team building, the role of mentorship in personal and professional growth, and why embracing change has been key to MRE’s success.

Peter also reveals what he believes were his early ‘genius moves’—the key decisions and actions that led to remarkably positive outcomes. These include tips on scaling operations, leveraging technology, and the importance of a client-first mindset.

“We sought out a Rockefeller Habits trained coach. He came in for a couple of years and he was very ‘A team’ and ‘B team’. ‘And he goes, I’ll be back in four weeks. The B players need to be gone. If they’re not gone, I’m not coaching anymore.” – PETER HOOYMANS

10 things you’ll learn in this episode:

1. How Melbourne Real Estate began when Peter was just 20 years old
Timestamp: 3-minutes.

2. How a chance meeting at a pub led to Peter selling Australian property to ex-pats in Dubai, significantly boosting business
Timestamp: 11-minutes.

3. How investing in coaching and mentorship became pivotal (and was a genius move for the MRE business!)
Timestamp: 15-minutes.

4. The transition from selling individual houses to multi-million-dollar townhouses to entire buildings over a short period of 4-5 years
Timestamp: 17-minutes.

5. The role of technology in revolutionising property management
Timestamp: 25-minutes.

6. When your culture is so good, someone does cartwheels in the office
Timestamp: 28-minutes.

7. How early adoption of video to showcase rental properties as early as 2010 paid off, as well as empowering staff to do their own videos
Timestamp: 38-minutes.

8. The challenges and rewards of starting a company podcast.
Timestamp: 34-minutes.

9. Reflections and perspectives on multi-generational workplace dynamics
Timestamp: 41-minutes.

10. The key to long-term success in real estate: perseverance, tenacity and setting ambitious goals
Timestamp: 45-minutes.

Links and resources mentioned

• Connect with Peter Hooymans
• The Rockefeller Habits System
• Caliper Profiling System
• Fiona Blayney
• Chris Hanley
• Kolmeo
• Melbourne Real Estate on YouTube
• MRE Uncut – MRE’s podcast
• Alistair Clarkson – Leadership Coach on Linkedin
• MRE’s paid maternity leave initiative
• From the Archives: Elite Agent Cover Story on MRE from 2016

Detailed Episode Guide

In the ever-changing world of real estate, few individuals have made as lasting an impact as Peter Hooymans. As the founder and CEO of Melbourne Real Estate (MRE), Peter has navigated the industry with impressive skill, innovation, and resilience for over three decades. In a recent episode of the Elevate Podcast, hosted by Samantha McLean, Peter shared the inspiring story behind MRE, discussing topics like coaching, company culture, and how technology has shaped the industry.

The Early Years of a Real Estate Visionary
Peter Hooymans began his real estate journey at just 18, driven by a vision to transform project sales into a full-service agency. From modest beginnings, MRE has grown to oversee more than 4,000 properties, setting benchmarks for excellence and innovation. Reflecting on his early challenges, Peter recalls starting with land packages and learning valuable lessons from industry leaders and mentors.

Key Milestones on the Road to Success
Throughout their distinguished 30-year history, MRE has reached several key milestones. From pioneering project marketing in off-the-plan sales to expanding into property management, Peter highlights the importance of strategic decisions and partnerships. A unique opportunity in Dubai allowed MRE to broaden its horizons and increase its influence, showcasing the value of seizing opportunities and taking well-considered risks.

The Importance of Coaching and Collaboration
One of the most insightful points Peter shared during the podcast was the value of working with business coaches. Seeking out expert advice has been a cornerstone of MRE’s success. Peter credits early achievements to the guidance of coaches, who helped foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the company. This focus on collaboration and mentorship remains strong, creating unity and purpose among MRE’s dedicated professionals.

Driving Innovation with Technology
As a firm believer in the power of technology, Peter has propelled MRE to the forefront of real estate innovation. By embracing cutting-edge tools and staying ahead of industry changes, MRE has redefined its operations. Early adoption of AgentPlus, a platform that enhanced scalability and client services, positioned MRE as an industry leader. As technology continues to evolve, MRE remains committed to integrating new advancements to provide exceptional service to their clients.

Building a Strong Company Culture
Peter strongly believes that culture is the heartbeat of any successful organisation. At MRE, a vibrant and supportive culture is not just a goal – it’s a reality. By promoting teamwork and fostering a family-like environment, Peter has built a workplace that attracts and retains top talent. Focusing on both personal and professional growth, MRE nurtures a culture of empowerment, camaraderie, and shared success.

Celebrating 30 Years and Looking Ahead
Reaching the 30-year milestone is not only a moment to reflect on past achievements but also an opportunity to look to the future. While there may not have been a grand celebration, MRE’s achievements are honoured through continued growth initiatives and the ongoing development of their team. With a commitment to innovation, mentorship, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Peter Hooymans and Melbourne Real Estate are well-positioned for the next exciting chapter.

Summary
Peter Hooymans’ journey exemplifies the power of perseverance, collaboration, and innovation in real estate. By seizing opportunities, investing in people, and maintaining a strong cultural foundation, Melbourne Real Estate continues to set the standard in the industry. As the future unfolds, Peter’s vision of nurturing talent and leveraging technology will undoubtedly inspire many professionals to follow in his pioneering footsteps.

FAQ for Celebrating Peter Hooymans 30 Years of Innovation in Melbourne Real Estate

1. Who is Peter Hooymans?
Peter Hooymans is the founder and CEO of Melbourne Real Estate (MRE). He has over 30 years of experience in the real estate industry and has been instrumental in transforming MRE into one of the leading real estate agencies in Melbourne.

2. What is Melbourne Real Estate (MRE)?
MRE is a real estate agency founded by Peter Hooymans. Over the past three decades, the company has grown to manage more than 4,000 properties and is known for its innovation in project marketing, property management, and embracing technology in the real estate sector.

3. What key milestones has MRE achieved?
Throughout its 30-year history, MRE has pioneered off-the-plan project sales, expanded into property management, and entered the Dubai market. These achievements have been driven by strategic decisions and a willingness to take calculated risks.

4. How has coaching played a role in Peter Hooymans’ success?
Peter credits much of MRE’s success to the guidance of business coaches. By investing in external expertise, Peter has fostered a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and improvement, which has been integral to the company’s growth.

5. What role does technology play at MRE?
Peter has been a strong advocate for using technology to innovate. MRE was one of the early adopters of AgentPlus, a platform that enhanced scalability and client services. The company remains committed to integrating the latest technology to provide excellent customer service and streamline operations.

6. How does Peter Hooymans describe the company culture at MRE?
Peter emphasises that a supportive and vibrant company culture is the heartbeat of any successful business. At MRE, a family-like atmosphere and strong teamwork are encouraged, helping to attract and retain top talent and create a sense of unity among employees.

7. What challenges did Peter face in the early days of MRE?
Peter started his real estate journey at the age of 18, selling land packages. Early challenges included learning the ins and outs of the industry and building relationships with mentors who helped shape his approach to business and leadership.

8. How does MRE celebrate its 30-year anniversary?
While there hasn’t been a large celebration, MRE honours its 30-year journey through continued growth initiatives and the ongoing development of its team. The company is focused on the future, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the real estate industry.

9. What’s next for Peter Hooymans and MRE?
Peter plans to continue leading MRE towards further innovation, focusing on nurturing talent within the company and leveraging technology to provide top-tier services. The next chapter for MRE will involve expanding its impact in the real estate industry.

10. Where can I listen to the full episode?
You can listen to the full episode of the Elevate Podcast featuring Peter Hooymans on Elevate Podcast