37. Calibre Real Estate

Revenue: More than $2.2 million
Growth: 63.29%
Founders: Alice Hagen, 33, and Justin Hagen, 32
Head Office: Brisbane
Year Founded: 2009
Employees: 26
Industry: Property and business services
Website: www.calibrerealestate.com.au

Brisbane’s property market has been volatile in the past few years, but Calibre Real Estate is proving good agents can grow in any market.

Since appearing in the Smart50 last year, the company almost doubled its revenue and has taken on another five full-time staff members.

“It’s hard to put the growth down to one thing, it’s been a combination of a lot of different things,” says Justin Hagen, who founded the business in 2009 with wife Alice, after experiencing “underwhelming service” when they purchased their own home.

“In any market, agents should be able to make good money and sell homes. There will always be sellers and buyers, so it’s about making sure they’re educated.”

Market education is the key to Calibre, according to Hagen, who says agents not only need market knowledge and strategy, but need to know how to communicate that to clients.

He says the revenue growth has allowed the pair to recruit the best agents, which has further allowed the company to mature.

“We’re at the point where people are calling to come work for us. You can be picky when you start to become a market leader.”

Calibre has also opened a marketing office in China since last year and plans to further expand its international presence.

“Our short-term objective is to expand further into the overseas and interstate market wanting to invest in Queensland properties,” say Hagen.

“Our vision is to have eight offices throughout south-east Queensland within three to five years by retaining part ownership of each office.”

The Hagens also plan to offer value-added incentives to customers, including launching their own interior design and home staging businesses.

Justin, who deals with the sales side of the business while Alice heads up the property management side, says the two have no intention of exiting the business and still have passion for what they do.