When people think of real estate, they often picture auctions, open homes and the fast-paced world of sales. But for nearly a third of Australians, real estate is experienced through renting, and it’s the often-unsung heroes of property management who sit at the heart of that experience. Acting as the vital link between owners and tenants, they resolve issues big and small, ensuring homes are well cared for and lives run smoothly.

On National Property Managers Day, we celebrate the remarkable individuals who dedicate their careers to looking after both properties and people. From unexpected career changes to business ownership, these four stories from across the Barry Plant network reveal just how fulfilling, dynamic and meaningful a career in property management can be.

David Zahra, Senior Property Manager at Barry Plant St Albans, spent years working as an air freight courier before deciding it was time for a change. A few friends in real estate piqued his interest, and after gaining his Agent’s Representative Certificate, he landed a property management role at Barry Plant. What started as a stepping stone quickly became a career he couldn’t imagine leaving.

“It took me three interviews to land the job at Barry Plant St Albans, but fifteen years later, I’m still here,” David says. “There’s never a dull day, and no two days are the same.”

Growing up just ten minutes from his current office, David’s connection to the community runs deep. Helping people find homes in the same area he grew up in has given him a sense of purpose that extends beyond just property.

“You’re there to help both owners and tenants, and if you can make both parties happy in a day, that’s a good day.”

His advice for others entering the field? Find a supportive and connected environment, and you will thrive.

“Emotions can run high when it comes to housing. It’s so important to set yourself up in the right environment to succeed.” For David, the people around him have made all the difference. “The support at Barry Plant is incredible. Whether it’s my own team, Head Office or someone from another office, help is always a phone call away. That’s not something you find everywhere.”

Sepi Eftekhari, a Property Manager at Barry Plant Lilydale, offers a different kind of story – one marked by resilience, reinvention and heart. Originally from Iran, Sepi arrived in Australia at 22, unable to speak English. She learned the language, completed a beauty diploma, and built a successful career as a beauty therapist. But after having her son and taking time out of the workforce, she decided to follow her long-time passion for real estate.

Sepi earned her real estate qualification while on maternity leave and crossed paths with Barry Plant Lilydale when leasing out her own investment property, an experience that left a lasting impression.

“The professionalism and warmth stood out right away, and I knew it was where I wanted to build my property management career,” she says.

During the leasing process, she mentioned to property management veteran Anne Johnsen that she was hoping to transition into the industry.

“A few months later, I went into the Lilydale office to drop off the keys, and they told me a position had just become available. I jumped at the opportunity, and now I’ve been here for a year. It really felt like fate,” Sepi says.

The transition into real estate was smoother than expected.

“Customer service is what I enjoy most, and there are so many transferable skills,” she says. But the pace and complexity of property management surprised her. “You’re constantly problem-solving, constantly learning.”

Sepi credits her success to the support and high standards at Barry Plant.

“My manager and director have guided me every step of the way. The culture here is special – professional, respectful, and focused on doing things right.”

Having seen the industry from both sides – as a tenant and now as a property manager – Sepi is passionate about the impact good service can have.

“Property is a basic human need. We have a responsibility to treat people with care and respect. Be patient, listen, and be thorough. It makes all the difference.”

Danae Eden, Director at Barry Plant Mornington, walked straight out of school and into a reception role in real estate, not knowing where the path would lead. When an opportunity came up in property management, she took it, building a career across several agencies before buying into the Barry Plant group as a director of the Mornington office. Today, she works across both sales and rentals, still rolling up her sleeves to support the property management team when needed.

What she loves most is the challenge of bringing calm to chaos.

“I genuinely enjoy resolving conflict. It’s incredibly rewarding to find solutions that work for everyone. I might be the only property manager who liked dealing with VCAT and finding ways to solve problems,” laughed Danae.

She still personally knows many of her landlords and takes great pride in the relationships built over time.

“Over my time in real estate, technology has changed nearly every aspect of the job,” said Danae, “But the fundamentals haven’t shifted – it’s still about people.”

“You’re the conduit between owners and tenants, and with both often having different priorities, no two days are ever the same. The variety keeps things exciting, but it’s the opportunity to help people that makes the job rewarding.”

At Barry Plant, she says, property managers are never left to figure things out on their own.

“There’s a strong network across the group. We’ve got a shared chat for real-time problem solving, and Head Office reviews documents and updates us regularly. You’re never really on your own.”

And, like everyone in property management, she has a few unforgettable stories.

“I once arrived to conduct a routine inspection and found the tenant mowing the backyard lawn – completely naked,” Danae said, laughing. “He’d forgotten I was coming. It just goes to show, you never really know what you’re walking into in this job.”

For Nicole Sargeant, Senior Property Manager at Barry Plant Kilmore, her real estate journey also began in reception, with the move into property management unfolding naturally rather than deliberately. After working in hospitality and retail, she joined Barry Plant Wallan in 2012 as a part-time receptionist while raising her young family. Within a year, she was managing a rental portfolio and thriving.

“I didn’t intend to get into property management; it just happened organically,” Nicole says. “Once I got a sense for the industry, I thought it could really work for me.”

Since then, she’s grown her family to three children and found in property management not just a fulfilling job, but one that supports the kind of flexibility working parents often struggle to find.

“Having weekends free really suits my lifestyle as a mum,” she says. “It’s been a great job with a great team, and I’ve still been able to be a present parent.”

Now based at the Kilmore office, Nicole understands the challenges of the role well, especially the emotional toll.

“You’ve got to have thick skin and not take things personally. People are dealing with one of the most stressful parts of life – their home. That stress can come out sideways, but it’s so rewarding when you can help alleviate that stress for both owners and tenants.”

She’s also seen the job change drastically, from shifting legislation to rising expectations, but says that Barry Plant’s culture of support makes all the difference.

“We’ve got a solid team at Kilmore – a core group that’s been here over ten years. It’s a real family feel. And the support across the network is unmatched. People genuinely make time for you.”

Megan Kimpton, Barry Plant’s Franchise Development Manager for Property Management, shared her thoughts on the exceptional property managers within the network.

"National Property Managers Day is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the vital work of our property managers. They are not only highly skilled professionals but also empathetic, emotionally intelligent individuals who genuinely care and go above and beyond to support both owners and tenants,” said Megan. “Moving home, whether buying, selling or renting, can be an incredibly stressful experience, and we are immensely proud of the way our property managers serve and support their communities every step of the way.”

Each of these stories reveals something special about property management – its unpredictability, its human focus, its emotional complexity. But more than anything, they highlight how rewarding the profession can be when you’re surrounded by the right support.

On National Property Management Day, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the grit, compassion and professionalism that define this industry. Whether you’re a new starter or a seasoned professional, there’s a place for you in property management – and no better place to build your career than at Barry Plant.