Leading Toowoomba agent, Geoff Percy, reaches new heights in the face of adversity

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Jul 28, 2023

Leading Toowoomba agent, Geoff Percy, reaches new heights in the face of adversity

PubCon & The Hotel Conversation discusses success and survival with leading Queensland agent, Geoff Percy, who continues to set benchmarks, all whilst recovering from a serious car accident.

Geoff Percy of RWC in Toowoomba.
Geoff Percy of RWC in Toowoomba.
Geoff and Christine Percy with Sophie Monk.
Geoff Percy with his grand daughter.
Geoff Percy at the gym before his car accident in 2023.

Geoff Percy is a leading regionally-based hotel broker enjoying more than two successful decades in the industry. Based in Toowoomba, Geoff specialises in the sales of hotels and motels and was instrumental in setting up Australian Hotel Brokers and Ray White Commercial Toowoomba. His recent car accident has seen him endure months of recovery but that has failed to quash his drive to succeed.

You’ve been in the industry for some time, what have been the highlights?

I started in real estate in 1986 based in the NSW residential sector. After two years, I moved to the Gold Coast with my office located on the premier destination strip, Cavill Avenue. I decided it wasn’t for me and moved back to my hometown.

How did you manage completing a degree while working as an agent?

Returning to NSW I wanted my own license, so I took leave without pay and went to Western Sydney University where I graduated with five licenses in: Real Estate, Stock & Station, Business Agent, Strata Management and Auctioneering.

I returned home to Moree and set about buying the agency I worked for. After purchasing the business, I spent the next 20 years, owning and operating the business.

The agency sold residential, commercial and rural as well as providing services such as property management. Our clients were mostly locals, but we did manage assets for Macquarie Bank and the NSW State Government.

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What is the most interesting sale you’ve brokered?

Interesting sales in that time was when I was working with McDonald’s Foods. I was enlisted to acquire three sites on their behalf. It was interesting in that we had to ensure they purchased strategically located properties that featured high exposure and could satisfy all their requirements.

What is it that lured you to the commercial market?

Dealing in commercial real estate you work alongside incredibly smart and knowledgeable businesspeople. It’s an industry that can be very rewarding, financially as well as providing great job satisfaction.

What led you to specialise in hotels and motels?

I sold the business so my two daughters would have access to better schooling, and moved to Toowoomba. I continued selling commercial property but found a strong demand for hotels and motels so began specialising in that sector. I also set up Australian Hotel Brokers (AHB) as well as RWC Toowoomba.

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After a car accident earlier this year, you acquired some major injuries, how did you get through this?

I have been quite successful in the commercial property field until the 22nd on February, 2023 when I had a car accident.

It was very serious with my injuries including a broken back, dislocated and broken elbow, a broken wrist and damaged shoulder. I was in hospital for three and a half weeks. It took six screws and two rods before I was released, and back with my wife and daughters who are still caring for me.

Recovery can take years, how do you manage to stay at the top of your game?

Something that was extremely satisfying was the number of clients who rang, texted, emailed and even came to the hospital to see how I was. This showed me that my clients were friends. I felt my honesty was being repaid in their concern.

How is your recovery going?

I am recovering after back surgery, two surgeries on my elbow and will perhaps have another operation. I have so much appreciation for those who suffer pain after accidents, as it is the most debilitating condition there is, and though the treatment is necessary for recovery, it is extremely hard on the body.

They say "judge people, not on how many times you get knocked down but on how many times you get back up!" and I am getting back up.

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What advice can you give to young starters?

Don't be misled by the many promotional groups who promise the world in real estate for a cost. Learn the rules of the industry, be honest and do your thing.

This is a fantastic and rewarding profession. Educate yourself by being with the best in the industry. If you wish to fly like an eagle don't surround yourself with turkeys.

What are the challenges you’re seeing in the market?

I think there is going to be a correction in the residential market due to over borrowing and interest rate rises. The commercial sector is more protected because this sector is generally the focus of higher net worth individuals and organisations who tend to be less impacted by interest rate hikes. Interest rates should start to stabilise and I’m already seeing an increase in listings and sales as market sentiment becomes more positive.

Geoff Percy is back in the office and is actively seeking new listings.