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P A G E 4 1
R E I Q J O U R N A L
| J U N E 2 0 1 6
Member Feature
The idea to nominate for
the REIQ Awards was first
suggested to me by the
CBRE Queensland Executive
Committee, who advised they
would like to put me forward
on CBRE’s behalf for the award.
With more than 550 staff in
Queensland, I felt privileged to be
asked as there are many deserving
individuals within our organisation.
In the initial stages of applying for
the award, my focus was on the
achievements I have made while
at CBRE – I didn’t want to let the
team down given they had entrusted
me with representing our firm. My
response included examples of the
key projects I had worked on in the
past 12 months and the corresponding
success that was achieved.
In addition, a focus on both personal
career development and younger
members of my team to ensure they
also grow into successful operators
was a contributing factor.
One reason I have been able to
achieve my goals has been simply
stepping back and evaluating a
situation and making time for new
ideas. It is all too easy to get caught up
in the day to day grind, focusing only
on what calls and emails are coming in
without much forward thought.
A great example for me personally
is the deal I negotiated for the
Australian Federal Police (AFP) new
headquarters. The building we leased
them was occupied by BHP Mitsubishi
Alliance (BMA) with two years left to
run on the lease. The thought crossed
my mind that the building would
be perfect for AFP’s requirement
after a thorough review of suitable
opportunities in the market.
It was one option every other agent
in the marked missed. I instigated
discussions with BMA, AFP and
the building owner simultaneously
and managed to negotiate a lease
surrender from BMA and new
lease to AFP for 15 years. The deal
ultimately resulted in the largest fee
I have ever raised, and the value of
the property increased from $19m to
more than $35m – a fantastic result
for my client.
For anyone considering applying next
year, my advice would be to put your
best foot forward and strive to be the
agent you would want working for you.
Since winning the award, I have noticed
a significant increase in the status and
market recognition I have received
as a result of this success. I genuinely
believe that it has meaningfully
increased my brand profile within the
market, and it has also accelerated my
career development.
Name:
Mel Pikos
Membership:
Individual member
O U R M E M B E R S
Fo r anyone c on s i de r i ng app l y i ng ne x t
year , my ad v i ce wou l d be t o pu t your
be s t f o o t f o rwar d and s t r i v e t o be t he
agen t you wou l d wan t wo r k i ng f o r you.