One of the first but not the last, Papakura turns 20 years

One of Harcourts’ first franchises, Harcourts BCRE Ltd Papakura, has recently celebrated 20 years as a Harcourts franchise with Business Owner Graham Viall.

Graham started in real estate with Harveys in Manukau City, two weeks before the share market crashed in ’87.  Expecting twins, Graham made a call about his future and true to his vision, he saw a future in real estate management and ownership.

Friend and former colleague, Errol Hussey who was the then Harcourts Auckland Regional Manager, called Graham one day to discuss a manager’s role at Harcourts Papakura in Auckland.  Graham soon found himself joining a relatively unknown brand, but one that shared his values. He knew this opportunity was the future he and his family wanted.  “There was no one dominating in the area so I decided to take it head on and make the town Harcourts blue,” says Graham.

“Graham is a great one for thinking outside the square when it comes to challenges and starting a new rental division next to the residential sales office was Graham at this best. Back then running a rental and sales division side by side was a rare occurrence with few mastering it successfully. However Graham saw it as a logical move that just needed to be done properly,” says Jo Clifford, Harcourts Group COO and Harcourts Shareholder.

“Today he is renowned for running one of Harcourts’ finest operations and has continued to be a passionate advocate, sharing his expertise through many business owner panels, meetings and conferences.”

For Graham it’s never been just about his business, but his desire to see Harcourts achieve its potential and dominate the all important local and national market.  Graham’s wife Debra has also been a huge part of the business supporting and heading up the admin and accounts teams.

“There is no doubt she has worked as hard in the business as I have over the years. Running a business is a lot easier when you have the total support of one’s partner and you are surrounded by great people,” says Graham about Debra.

A regular Conference speaker and passionate attendee of Business Owner meetings, he is regarded very highly and was voted to represent the other franchises interests on the Harcourts Franchise Council.  “Whether a vocal advocate of experienced business owners working together as a team, or mentoring new business owners from as far afield as Harcourts New South Wales, Graham is committed to success,” says Jo Clifford.

From his first office in Papakura, to offices in Manurewa, Pukekohe, Pakuranga, and Howick, after 20 years in the industry Graham isn’t putting his feet up. Rather, his feet don’t touch the ground from when he starts in the morning, moving around offices, taking training sessions, talking to his team, reinforcing the family culture which is just so important to him.

When not with his business, or with family, Graham always finds time for his local community where he has been recognised by his Rotary Club with a Paul Harris Fellowship for his work on their charity and education programme where he is still heavily involved.

In 2007 at the annual Harcourts Conference, over 1,000 watched as Graham was inducted into The Harcourts Hall of Fame which recognises a very select group of people who have significantly contributed to the success, growth and stability of our brand. These are people with the vision, determination, fortitude and the sheer ‘stickability’ to follow their dreams; Graham qualified hands down.

Looking forward the future Graham sees a positivity surfacing.

“I think there’s going to be great improvement. I do see the next 3 years showing gradual improvement which will continue as time goes by.”