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GROWING up, Luke Henderson (pictured centre) found it hard not to be inspired by his father John’s (left) strong work ethic.
It was work ethic that built The Professionals John Henderson Real Estate into the dominant force in the Mermaid Beach market – one of the most expensive patches of real estate in Queensland.
“Dad always worked hard and we grew up seeing that. I think that work ethic has been passed on,” says Luke.
“We are all motivated individuals and that is the good thing about the real estate industry, or anything in general. The more you put in, the more you get out.”
The business is a true family affair. Luke, this year named Gold Coast’s top real estate agent, specialises in sales, while his brother Andrew (right) is principal. John retired a number of years ago. John’s eldest son, David, acts as a consultant for the company.
The nature of the industry meant business blended into family life, but that is something the Hendersons have embraced.
“Our family life is really all about the business. It is one of the main topics of conversation at the dinner table,” says John.
“In this industry, business needs to sit fairly high up on the food chain because you need to be at a person’s beck and call at all times. That is all part of the job, so if you don’t like it, this is probably not the industry for you.”
John opened his first office at William Street in 1973. With the help of his wife Jan, the business “grew and grew”. It moved to its current location on the Gold Coast Highway at Mermaid Beach in 1984.
As dozens of competitors came and went, John Henderson Real Estate stood the test of time. For years, the business averaged a 50 per cent local market share. Today, the agency makes sales worth about $100 million and manages a $1 million rent roll.
The biggest change to the business since John retired was expanding to a second floor of their building. Andrew and Luke have been happy to continue concentrating on the Mermaid Beach area.
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