From a small business owner in Beaufort to the head of one of the region’s leading real estate agencies, Shane Finch is certainly writing his own history. And it’s not entirely one he expected.

“If you had have told me six months ago that I would be CEO of the Barry Plant Ballarat and Maryborough offices, I would have said absolutely no chance. It’s funny how life works sometimes, timing really is everything!” said Mr Finch.

Getting his start as a butcher in his sleepy hometown of Beaufort wedged in between Ararat and Ballarat, Shane would later come to acquire that butcher as an owner operator. Working in that small business and being part of such a beautiful town truly instilled Shane’s love of people, community, and helping others, which led him to his next career in real estate.

Moving to Ballarat in 1999, Shane excelled and absolutely loved his new career in real estate, working in a variety of areas across the sector from sales to management. With many successful years and achieving elite results with a wealth of different agencies, Shane decided to take a break from the real estate world.

“It just got to a point where the market was changing, and the industry went down the path where there was more of a focus on the money side of things rather than customer service. I’m a bit old school, and I’m all about client care, so seeing that shift, I wasn’t overly excited about the industry anymore,” said Mr Finch.

After a break from real estate and dipping his toes in the café world alongside his wife, Shane has found himself back in the property world he loves, and definitely has some lofty ambitions as CEO of the two offices.

“I want us to be recognised for our customer and client service more than the results that we get on the board in terms of sales and numbers. I don’t really care if we don’t sell as many properties as other agents, for me it’s all about the client satisfaction and giving them an experience that other agencies don’t provide them, in a positive way of course,’ said Mr Finch.

“Things are happening at Barry Plant in these areas, and that just comes back to a huge focus on the sales team and our office enjoying what they do. For me, it’s all about creating a real team and a fun culture. If your staff enjoy where they work, it will radiate through to the customers.”

“There are some really exciting things to come with our branding, as well as what we’re doing in the building of our sales and property management teams. We also aim to have more of a presence in our community. It really is exciting times ahead!”