PROFILES

Smart, talented, and committed: Debbie’s fresh take on MR

By Mandy Clarke, Editor

This is the remarkable story of how Debbie Slater, without any management rights experience, became the manager of two large permanent properties in the middle of a pandemic.

“It was instinct,” says new resort manager, Debbie when asked why she decided on the spot to buy the management rights for two of Brisbane’s more sought-after permanent resort properties.

Shafston Towers and Mon Reve are the two adjoining complexes in Kangaroo Point. Debbie viewed them both in the same day and immediately made an offer to purchase the management rights. Unbelievably, this was the first MR business she’d even looked at!

made on that day probably isn’t the ideal way to buy a business or to make such a huge lifestyle change, but I have to say it’s been the best decision I ever made!”

She says: “My career was in sales and retail for most of my working life but when I downsized from a large house to apartment living on the water in Woody Point, Redcliffe, I loved it! I was inspired by the fantastic manager of my building and thought that management rights seemed like a pretty good job. I am a very practical and technically minded person, so I felt that this role would be a natural fit for me.

Debbie reveals: “The decision I

“In 2019, I researched the industry, I studied, I completed a management rights introductory day on the Gold Coast with ARAMA and, of course, I got my Real Estate licence. Then, as I consulted a finance broker to find out how much I could borrow, a great business opportunity came on the market. I made an appointment with Lyn Pearsall at MR Sales to view Shafston Towers and Mon Reve and I immediately knew that I had to make an offer, so I signed a contract that same day. The support from Lyn Pearsall was outstanding, she went above and beyond to help me achieve my goal. “I began my new career on June 5, 2020, and I haven’t looked back!”

Debbie lives onsite in Shafston Towers, it has 33 residential apartments that are all large, bright, and airy and the complex offers all the facilities you would expect of an inner city resort with a large in-ground swimming pool, spa, tennis court, picturesque BBQ and family area.

Debbie Slater with Cameron Farrell Strata Development Consultant, BC Systems, Shafston Towers The location is very accessible, just a short walk from the Mowbray Park City Cat Stop, only minutes to Brisbane CBD and a short walk to the restaurant culture that is Kangaroo Point and East Brisbane.The adjoining property is the modern, luxurious, and highly sought-after Mon Reve. This outstanding complex offers 50 large residences with huge balconies that capture spectacular views of both the city and river. This property is stunning with beautiful, landscaped gardens and a marina, it offers luxury river front living with pool, spa, and gym.” There are 11 apartments in total that Debbie looks after in the rental pool, she works with two body corporate committees and is so busy that sometimes there is “not enough hours in the day”! Luckily, I was able to interview Debbie between tasks, as she fixed a pool pump and showed an apartment to new renters. The hard working and very enthusiastic Debbie fills her day with relationship building, ongoing maintenance, cleaning, organising, renovations, helping people move in and out and, of course, paperwork. Debbie also finds time to plant and landscape and has beautified the plants on the deck around the pool at Mon Reve. “People ask me how I do all of this by myself, and I answer that I work 12-hour days, but I love what I do,” she says. “What continues to motivate me is the amazing feedback I have been getting from many of the unit owners and both of the body corporate committees. There has been plenty of praise for the work I have done in the last five months and that recognition makes me feel very appreciated.” she has help from commercial cleaners on Monday and Friday for Mon Reve’s communal areas. She is very proud of how much cleaning and repairs she has completed herself.

She says: “Improving the standard of cleaning across both buildings and getting on top of outstanding repairs has been a huge achievement. In the five months I have been here, I have ensured that both buildings have had a thorough spring clean, all essential repairs and maintenance have been completed and the

landscape has been tidied. Before Debbie purchased the MR, external renovations of Shafston Towers had been completed and the property was re-tiled and painted. Podium work and the re-tile of the common areas in Mon Reve had been planned for 2020 but have been postponed for 12 months due to COVID.

Debbie is a member of ARAMA and AccomProperties and appreciates the industry support she has received; she also uses REI Cloud and has also found them to be very supportive and helpful. As a woman in industry, she reveals that she has had nothing but good experiences with tradies, contractors, and body corporate committee members.

Debbie’s advice to anyone thinking of purchasing a management rights business is: “Do your research, give it your all and don’t look back. I did know what I was getting myself into but there was still so much more to learn, and I think more ongoing training or even mentorship would have been really helpful in the first few weeks.”

“I made a quick decision to buy but I don’t regret it. My biggest advice is if you love it and want it – just do it!