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In the heart of regional New South Wales, Tracie Robertson has built a legacy of resilience, growth, and mentorship. As she celebrates a quarter century with Ray White, her journey from a pioneering young woman in a male-dominated industry to a respected leader and mentor reflects not just her personal achievements, but also the evolving dynamics of rural real estate.
Tracie has been part of the Ray White Rural business since 1999 and has grown the business to now have four agencies encompassing Ray White Central West Group, over 30 staff and almost 1000 properties under management.
From student to saleswoman
Tracie Robertson’s foray into real estate began with humble beginnings. “When I started, there were essentially no women in real estate sales in our area,” Tracie recalls. Studying real estate at TAFE by night, she was given an opportunity to help at the local Ray White agency in Parkes. “I filled in when a salesman went overseas, and I ended up selling 16 houses in my first month. It was a whirlwind start,” she said.
Despite being dubbed “the girl” of the office for a long time, Tracie’s tenacity and skill quickly earned her respect. The early years were marked by a steep learning curve and a steadfast determination to make her mark in a predominantly male industry.
Overcoming adversity
In 2006, Tracie took a bold step by purchasing Ray White Parkes. The road ahead was fraught with challenges. “After the GFC hit, I was juggling seven credit cards to pay my staff’s wages. I was very close to selling our family home and moving into a flat above our office,” she said.
But Tracie's grit and determination paid off. She expanded the business by venturing into rural markets and embracing a broader scope beyond residential sales in Parkes. Her strategic move included opening in 3 nearby towns, which propelled the business into new heights.
A legacy of people and growth
From a team of five in Parkes when she first started, to over 30 staff across four locations, Tracie’s leadership has been pivotal. “I think of my team as family members and encourage their roles to evolve to maximise their strengths & syphon off their weakest tasks to other staff who may operate better on those tasks another finds challenging. I find that staff are generally the best at the tasks they enjoy so why not identify those strengths and structure roles around them” she said. Her approach to leadership is always with emotional intelligence - a quality she believes is crucial for success in real estate.
“I want to see everyone on my team own multiple properties and grow in their careers. The ‘people’ component of our business will always be central,” Tracie said. She always emphasises the importance of impactful communication, teaching her team that words carry weight and meaning.
One of Tracie's greatest sources of pride is the people who have come through her business. “Thankfully over the years I haven’t lost any of my staff to another agency,” she said. “Those that have moved on have either moved away or changed industries. Watching my team flourish and set themselves up for success has been the most rewarding part of my journey.”
The bond with her team is both professional and personal. “Team members often call me ‘Mum,’ which is hilarious but heartwarming. It shows the close-knit culture we’ve built here,” she said.
Her career highlights are many, but having her children work alongside her remains particularly special. “Seeing my son and daughter working here together was a highlight. They learned from the ground up and certainly got no special treatment. It was a joy to watch them grow within a team, on their own accord,” she said. “Recruiting young people and watching them grow into their adult selves and roles is always a joy. There’s 21sts, weddings, baby’s and sometimes 60th’s as well, I just love that side of my role”.
The heartbeat of the Central West region
The Central West region will always be home for Tracie, an area which is fueled by agricultural industries and mining.
“Every one of our four offices punch above their weight,” she said. “There is a lot of synergy between the four towns that we operate in.”
“Most regional towns share unique challenges, like young people leaving for university and not returning, but we also share a love for the land, sport, BBQs, and the quintessential Australian lifestyle.”
“People in the country value friendship and integrity above all else. Our behaviour when listing and selling property is so important; we don’t just hand over the keys and never see these people again. Our clients, their family and friends are all integrated in our community, and ‘paying it forward” is the motto of regional Australia,” she said.
A bond with Ray White
Tracie’s loyalty to Ray White is evident in her words. “Ray White provided the guide I needed to achieve what I have. I don’t know if I would have stayed in real estate with another brand,” she said. Her gratitude extends to Ray White CEO Stephen Nell, who she affectionately refers to as her biggest cheerleader. “His support has been invaluable. I even set his ringtone to the ‘Cheerleader’ song,” she said.
Reflecting on her journey, Tracie is endlessly grateful for the community, her team, and the support from Ray White. “I certainly wouldn’t have gotten through the GFC without the knowledge and support from the Ray White Rural group,” she said.
As Tracie Robertson celebrates a quarter-century in real estate, her story is a testament to the power of compassionate leadership. Her legacy in the Ray White Rural group is not just about the properties she sells but the people and communities she has empowered and nurtured.
Ray White Rural CEO Stephen Nell said that being part of the group for 25 years is a monumental achievement in and of itself.
“Tracie is one of the most resilient people I have ever met. Her ability to never give up is something I deeply admire,” Stephen said.
“She is always trying to create the best business that she can, and aims to help those around her achieve their full potential,” he said. “You don’t stay in business for 25 years unless you possess something special, which Tracie does.”
