Resort Brokers was founded in 2002 by Gordon McGregor and Wayne Keene, based in Auckland with nationwide coverage. They describe themselves as a true specialist company – their only focus is accommodation properties, unlike other companies which deal across a range of businesses.
Both men have extensive financial backgrounds. Prior to forming Resort Brokers, both McGregor and Keene were employed by an international real estate firm. McGregor was dealing in high-level hotel sales, while Keene was dealing in motels and management rights. This experience put them in good stead when they decided to start their own company. “We have found that both vendors and purchasers have always enjoyed the benefit of personal attention and market knowledge that Resort Brokers can offer,” said Keene.
Resort Brokers deal in motels, hotels, backpackers, lodges and holiday parks. “If you sleep in it, we sell it,” quips Keene. “Most of our sales are business only but a good number of real estate transactions make up our total sales.” Business sales, both domestic and offshore, can range from as low as $50,000 up to international hotels, which means that Resort Brokers deal with clients with a wide range of financial capability. They aim to provide clients with a sense of comfort and security. “We are able to give the buyers a sense that we are there from ‘cradle to the grave,’” explains Keene. “We have set up manuals to assist people buying, selling and operating.”
Starting as they did in 2002, Resort Brokers were pioneering in their use of the internet and online databases. They contribute to a detailed database accessible by all brokers around the country, meaning that all providers are given the same information. This is important so that vendors can be satisfied that all suitable buyers are given the correct information. Furthermore, Resort Brokers also has access to an Australian broking database, a unique and exclusive benefit. Resort Brokers are always looking for ways to improve their systems, explains Keene. “More recently we have set up systems to automatically assess the current market value of businesses, management rights and freehold property, extending our reporting systems so our client clients have accurate reports on all activity.” In the future, this statistical analysis will only serve to enhance the services that Resort Brokers can provide.
Resort Brokers was recognised by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand as ‘Small Business Broking Office of the Year’ in 2016. For Keene, McGregor and their team of nine, this was an acknowledgement of their knowledge and dedication to providing the customer with the best possible service.
