Recognising our greats

Alex Ilyin, Ray White Brunswick agent and auctioneer

With a background in military service, Alex Ilyin has learnt the art of discipline, perseverance, professionalism and respect.

“What I’ve been able to bring to real estate is literally discipline, just being regimented and disciplined,” he said.

“Being in the military has given me perspective. You’re coming from a harsher environment and a bad day in real estate is working until 8 or 9pm.”

Samuel Paton, Ray White Glenelg sales executive

Before he was a top performing agent with Ray White Glenelg, Samuel Paton did eight years in the navy as an electronics technician.

“For me, the biggest advantage from being in the Navy that has helped me in real estate was being on a ship with 150 to 200 people living on a ship for three to six months at a time and being forced to learn how to get along with everyone,” he said.

“It really helped me develop the skills to relate to and get along with all types of people.”

Jools Munro, Ray White Munro & Co business owner and sales manager

Jools Munro served as a police officer for 23 years, working all over Queensland from Mt Isa to Townsville and Brisbane. During her time with the police, she was asked to do a 10 month deployment with the UN in East Timor to work alongside the military in relation to peacekeeping operations.

“From working in the Queensland police service, my powers of observation, note taking skills and my database skills have served me enormously well ” she said.

“I’m also not afraid to have challenging conversations. If I can talk a naked man with a six foot snake around his waist walking down a multi-lane carriageway to get into a police van knowing he is going straight to the watchhouse, I think I can have a challenging conversation with an owner about the value of their property.”

Jarryd Hay, Ray White Frankston sales agent

Jarryd was in the service for six years, beginning in 2015 and climbed the ranks to become a section commander.

“Not only did I learn to be punctual and disciplined, but it also helped make me more adaptable to change and how to work with different types of people which is something I’ve brought with me to real estate,” he said.

“I’m very team oriented and bring a lot of positivity to my team. I’m also accountable, if something goes wrong then it’s important to be able to own your mistakes.”

Brad Butson, Ray White Inner Brisbane Apartments sales agent

Brad spent 10 years in the military as a Combat Engineer Base here in Brisbane and was part of several Queensland disaster reliefs efforts and multiple tours overseas over the span of his career.

“When I left the military, I fell into sales and found it was something my skills fit well, I have since worked in a number of sales roles over the years developing those skill,” he said

“But what I’ve been able to bring to real estate was the discipline and ability to think on my feet, being able to problem solve and being able to stay calm under pressure is key. When you stress or panic, you lose control of the situation and that’s when you miss things.”

Paul Schmidt-Lee, Ray White Commercial Toowoomba principal