Rod initially joined Ray White West Lakes in a work-experience-style capacity to get a feel for the industry. From there, he relocated to Glengowrie and joined a local independent agency in Glenelg.
“Independents, often small scale and localised, can lack the structure, training and technology needed to properly launch careers. I found myself in an environment with no CRM/database, limited guidance, and very little formal training—tough conditions for someone new to the industry,” Rod said.
“The transition back to Ray White was a game-changer, made seamless by the structure and mentorship of the Pathways program. The Pathways class of 2021 produced some outstanding operators—Ross Whiston, Jamie Wood, and Brandon Pilgrim among them.
“What I found in my experience, was that unlike independents, where training is often confined to a handful of senior agents or the principal who may have outdated or narrow modes of operation, Ray White decentralises the knowledge. At any time, you can jump on Whiteboard, or pick up the phone and speak to the CEO Matt Lindblom, or leaders like Bianca Denham and John Morris for support and advice. Ambition here isn’t just welcomed—it’s nurtured and supported.
“At a time when some franchise groups in South Australia are arguably in decline, my experience has been that Ray White continues to deliver extraordinary value to its agents and business owners, providing a platform that accelerates careers. The right environment made all the difference for me.”