The Land Pioneers Podcast

Eagle Vision

Discovering the Giants of Land Estate: The Land Pioneers Podcast is a beacon for those intrigued by the vast and complex world of land development. This platform isn’t just another podcast; it’s a journey into the heart of the land estate industry, driven by a mission to reveal the mechanisms behind successful companies in this sector.  Who We Speak To is tailored for industry professionals, passionate enthusiasts, and aspiring individuals. Our podcast is a goldmine of knowledge and inspiration. It’s for those who seek to understand the finer details of the land estate business, from the grassroots to the towering skyscrapers.  What You’ll Hear: Our episodes are rich with dialogue featuring influential leaders from the foremost land estate firms. We dive deep into trends, leadership strategies, and pivotal decisions shaping the future of land development. These conversations aren’t just talks; they’re a window into the minds of those who sculpt our urban and rural landscapes.  The Learning Curve: At Land Pioneers, we believe in the power of learning from those who’ve walked the path. Our goal is to demystify the complexities of the land estate industry, offering listeners a chance to grasp the key elements that define success in this field. Each episode is an educational expedition, paving the way for innovation and excellence in land development. Join Our Community: We invite you to participate in this enlightening voyage. Whether you’re here to gain industry insights or find guidance on your professional journey, Land Pioneers is your compass in the world of land development. Subscribe and become an integral part of our community today!

  1. NOV 21

    Judi Carr – From Property Strategy to People-Powered Sales

    Welcome to the grand finale of Season 2 of The Land Pioneers Podcast! This marks not just the final episode of the season, but our last release for 2025. And we’ve saved one of the very best for last. We’re excited to feature a standout guest in the world of property marketing and community building — Judi Carr, founder of Property Republic and co-founder of PropSquad. With over 30 years of industry experience, Judi brings a fresh, honest, and practical approach to how land estates are planned, promoted, and brought to life. In this episode, she shares real stories, actionable insights, and powerful lessons on why great communities start with great communication — and how smarter, simpler marketing strategies can drive long-term success. Don’t miss this inspiring episode for this season!  Full Episode    Judi Carr has worked with some of Australia’s most prominent property developers, including Stockland, Lendlease, Mirvac, and Lifestyle Communities. In 2012, she started Property Republic to help developers put the customer at the centre of every decision. More recently, she co-founded PropSquad — a clever new way to let residents help market their neighbourhoods by sharing their experiences and getting rewarded for it. Judi’s work is about building strong connections between developers and communities — and it’s based on honest conversations, not just marketing slogans. In this episode, she explains how PropSquad came to life, what developers often get wrong about branding and communication, and how to keep things simple while delivering outstanding results. Key Insights from the Podcast From Industry Leader to Independent Thinker: Judi’s early work with UDIA and Stockland gave her a front-row seat to how big communities are built. But she quickly saw a gap — too many decisions were being made without hearing from the people who would actually live there. Why She Started Property Republic: Judi wanted to bring a fresh approach to project marketing — one focused more on the people than the packaging. Her goal is to help developers truly understand their buyers and build places where people are proud to call home. The Story Behind PropSquad: Frustrated by outdated “refer-a-friend” programs, Judi and her business partner Monika, created PropSquad — an easy-to-use platform that helps residents become community ambassadors. It’s simple: share your love for where you live, invite others to check it out, and get rewarded if they make a purchase. Curious how PropSquad is changing the game? Check out the Eagle Vision Propsquad Link! A Real Example — Woodlea: In just 10 weeks, PropSquad helped generate over $5.5 million in sales for the Woodlea community in Melbourne’s west. Judi explains how the program works, how it stays fair and secure, and why it’s proving to be more powerful than traditional advertising. Building Real Communities Takes Commitment: Judi discusses openly what happens when developers reduce community support during tough times — and why short-term decisions can cause long-term damage. The best projects, she says, are the ones that invest in people from day one. What Works (and What Do Join Our Community: We invite you to participate in this enlightening voyage. Whether you’re here to gain industry insights or find guidance on your professional journey, Land Pioneers is your compass in the world of land development. Subscribe and become an integral part of our community today. Visit https://landpioneerspodcast.com/

    35 min
  2. OCT 17

    James Polacek: Inside South Australia’s Land Market

    Welcome to Episode 20 of The Land Pioneers Podcast. We’re joined by James Polacek, Director at Polly Property and one of South Australia’s most respected voices in land project marketing. With a deep, practical understanding of both broadacre and infill developments, James brings a uniquely grounded perspective on what it takes to sell, scale, and create successful communities in a changing market. In this episode, he shares hard-won insights on the evolution of display homes, the shifting dynamics of regional migration in South Australia, and the traits young professionals need to succeed in a project marketing career. If you’ve ever wondered how land developers adapt to buyer behaviour, regional pressure points, or digital-first marketing environments, this is an unmissable conversation. Let’s dive in!  Full Episode  James Polacek’s experience in land development runs deep. At Polly Property, he leads a nimble and collaborative team focused on navigating the real-world complexities of sales, product delivery, and customer trust in high-growth markets like Mount Barker, Murray Bridge, and Metro Adelaide. In this conversation, James reflects on how buyer expectations have shifted—from once relying on the “must-see” display home to now trusting digital representations and virtual tools. He discusses the reality behind ROI-driven decisions on display infrastructure and how developers are adapting to deliver more with less. James also breaks down the evolving drivers of regional migration. He highlights how affordability, once a leading factor for towns like Mount Barker, is now being overtaken by lifestyle decisions and work-from-home capabilities. Meanwhile, towns like Murray Bridge are seeing more permanent, employment-based population growth rather than commuter-dependent demand. Finally, for those looking to enter the industry, James offers a masterclass on what it really takes to succeed. His top three traits are patience, deep product understanding, and an unwavering commitment to collaboration.    Key Insights from the Podcast From Display Homes to Digital Confidence James explains how the traditional role of display homes is shifting. While still useful, many buyers are now confident enough to commit without physically stepping into a show home—driven by digital fluency and changing developer priorities. Regional Growth with Real Purpose Towns like Mount Barker and Murray Bridge are no longer just “affordable alternatives”. James discusses how lifestyle change, infrastructure investment, and local employment are redefining the growth story in these key regions.The Reality of ROI in Land Sales With rising costs, developers are questioning the return on traditional marketing tools like display suites. James outlines how this conversation has evolved and how savvy operators are adapting with leaner, smarter models.Patience Over Pressure Newcomers to the industry take note: James emphasises that success in project marketing isn’t about fast wins—it’s about consistency, relationship-building, and the long game. Mastery Through Learning Unlike selling a renovated villa, land sales demand a granular understanding of product design, pricing, buildability, and staging. James explains why true professionals invest in learning the details.Learn more about James and Polly Property  Join Our Community: We invite you to participate in this enlightening voyage. Whether you’re here to gain industry insights or find guidance on your professional journey, Land Pioneers is your compass in the world of land development. Subscribe and become an integral part of our community today. Visit https://landpioneerspodcast.com/

    55 min
  3. SEP 19

    Anthony Braunthal — Founding Grit Leads to Scalable Success

    Welcome to Episode 19 of The Land Pioneers Podcast. We’re joined by a dynamic leader whose entrepreneurial mind and strategic foresight have helped build one of Australia’s most successful land development firms—Anthony Braunthal, co-founder and director at Resi Ventures. With over 25 years of experience spanning government, corporate enterprise, and a string of thriving startups, Anthony brings a rare breadth of knowledge to the land development world. In this episode, we dive into the story behind Resi Ventures’ billion-dollar pipeline, uncovering the mindset and methods that have powered its rise. From early beginnings at the ATO to tech success stories and now transformative land partnerships, Anthony shares how a systems-driven approach, a relentless work ethic, and a commitment to continuous personal growth laid the foundation for long-term success. Whether you’re scaling a property business or looking to sharpen your leadership edge, this conversation offers timeless lessons on resilience, strategy, and trust-based partnerships.    Full Episode  Anthony Braunthal’s entrepreneurial journey is a powerful blend of sharp financial acumen, curiosity-driven learning, and fearless decision-making. Starting straight out of university with a role at the ATO, Anthony’s natural inclination towards understanding business models—not just auditing them—foreshadowed his future as a serial founder. While many would have settled into a secure government career, Anthony had other ideas. With a business plan in hand and an appetite for building, he left the public sector to launch his first venture—an investor education business focused on the share market. That decision marked the beginning of a career defined by startups, strategic exits, and scalable business models across IT, HR, and ultimately—property. His biggest leap came in 2010, when he partnered with Khurram Saeed to co-found Resi Ventures, a land development firm now holding over $1 billion in projects in its pipeline. The idea was simple but bold: partner directly with landowners to supersize their returns. Together, they created a new model that married Khurram’s profound property knowledge with Anthony’s financial and operational expertise. In this conversation, Anthony reflects on the importance of trust-based partnerships, the reality of risk-taking, and the invisible systems that support long-term growth. He opens up about his meditation practice, his use of data-driven performance tools like WHOOP, and the daily disciplines that keep him sharp, calm, and effective in high-pressure roles. What stands out is not just Anthony’s track record but also his philosophy. He believes in continuous and never-ending improvement, surrounding himself with talent, building culture, and scaling only what’s proven. At Resi Ventures, this mindset shows up in everything from recruitment to project delivery.   Learn more about Anthony and Resi Ventures  Join Our Community: We invite you to participate in this enlightening voyage. Whether you’re here to gain industry insights or find guidance on your professional journey, Land Pioneers is your compass in the world of land development. Subscribe and become an integral part of our community today. Visit https://landpioneerspodcast.com/

    45 min
  4. SEP 2

    Liam Golding - Constructive Advocacy for the UDIA SA

    Welcome to Episode 18 of The Land Pioneers Podcast. We’re joined by one of South Australia’s most influential voices in urban development—Liam Golding, Chief Executive Officer of the UDIA SA Chapter. With over 15 years in senior government advisory roles, including working with two premiers and two deputy premiers, Liam brings unmatched insight into the intersection of public policy, infrastructure planning, and urban growth. His calm, strategic approach has made him a trusted advocate for solutions that address housing supply, affordability, and the state’s long‑term liveability. In this episode, Liam shares his journey from political advisory work to leading one of the most important development industry bodies in South Australia. We dive into the challenges and opportunities of balancing greenfield and infill development, navigating environmental protections, and building genuine collaboration between government, industry, and community. If you’re passionate about creating vibrant, well‑connected communities—or want to understand how real change happens in the housing and development space—this conversation offers valuable insights and a clear vision for the future. Tune in now! Join Our Community: We invite you to participate in this enlightening voyage. Whether you’re here to gain industry insights or find guidance on your professional journey, Land Pioneers is your compass in the world of land development. Subscribe and become an integral part of our community today. Visit https://landpioneerspodcast.com/

    56 min
  5. JUL 18

    Jacob Vince – Economics Driving Land & Infrastructure Development

    The Land Pioneers Podcast‘s 17th episode is now available. Jacob Vince, Associate Director at Atlas Economics, is one of Australia’s top experts on land economics and development strategy. Starting his journey with NSW Health’s property teams, Jacob transitioned into private consulting, sharpening his feasibility studies, land use strategy, and economic impact analysis skills. Jacob has led some of the nation’s most ambitious real estate and planning projects, contributing extensive knowledge and a unique talent for simplifying and making sense of complex economic concepts. This discussion is jam-packed with knowledge, clarity, and practical insights for anyone interested in the factors influencing land development, not just the procedure but also its goal. Let’s get started! Full Episode In this episode, Jacob Vince shares candid reflections on his unexpected path into land economics, including the pivotal moments that drew him into the sector and the personal passions that keep him engaged, especially around housing affordability and equity. Known for his rare ability to translate dense economic data into actionable, real-world insights, Jacob offers listeners a masterclass on topics like what land economics really means for developers. His career is a blueprint for how technical expertise and clear communication can reshape an industry. Jacob transitioned to private consulting, where he honed his skills in feasibility studies, land use strategy, and economic impact analysis. Today, as an Associate Director at Atlas Economics, he leads teams that advise developers, governments, and community housing providers on how to unlock value and navigate Australia’s complex planning landscape. We discuss topics like: What land economics means for developers.How demographic shifts (including immigration and aging populations) are changing housing demand.Why are medium-density products gaining traction in growth areas?How government-led land releases differ from private-led models.And why the alignment of infrastructure and planning is the linchpin for unlocking new supply.Jacob also provides insider views on affordable housing delivery, the role of community housing partnerships, and how smart urban planning can create resilient, diverse communities. Key Insights from the Podcast The Journey Into Land Economics Jacob’s path from government property teams to national consulting highlights the value of adaptability and curiosity. What started as a career in property valuation evolved into a passion for economic strategy and housing outcomes. Making the Case for Development From feasibility analysis to highest-and-best-use studies, Jacob explains why robust economic arguments are crucial — not only for project viability but for convincing local and state governments to support rezoning or planning changes. Decoding Demand Trends With Australia’s changing demographics — smaller household sizes, rising migration, and aging populations — developers must rethink lot sizes, housing types, and community amenities, especially in growth corridors. Greenfield vs. Urban Renewal Jacob unpacks the differences between inner-urban redevelopment and outer growth area projects, and how factors like lot size, housing typology, and car parking need to be tailored to different Join Our Community: We invite you to participate in this enlightening voyage. Whether you’re here to gain industry insights or find guidance on your professional journey, Land Pioneers is your compass in the world of land development. Subscribe and become an integral part of our community today. Visit https://landpioneerspodcast.com/

    39 min
  6. JUN 23

    Ben Stewart: The Trusted Name Behind Land Estate Sales

    Welcome to Episode 5 of Season 2 of The Land Pioneers Podcast. Today, we’re joined by one of the most authentic leaders in the land development industry, Ben Stewart, Project Marketing Director at Core Projects. Ben brings over two decades of experience, and his journey from humble beginnings in hospitality to leading major subdivisions like Waralilly is nothing short of remarkable. In this episode, Ben shares how consistency, service, and quiet determination powered his rise through the property industry ranks. We explore the evolution of Geelong’s growth corridors, Ben’s leadership philosophy, and how personal habits like meditation and cold showers have helped him balance performance pressure with long-term resilience. If you’re passionate about community building or regional growth or want to hear from someone who truly walks the talk, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration. Let’s get into it! Full Episode Ben Stewart’s career is a masterclass in perseverance, leadership, and regional impact. Starting in hospitality, he moved into general real estate in Geelong before joining the team behind Waralilly, the first significant land subdivision in the region. Over 15 years, Ben helped transform the estate from a single farmhouse into a vibrant community of over 22,000 lots, with schools, shops, and town centres. Today, as Project Marketing Director at Core Projects, Ben leads with integrity, clarity, and a people-first mindset. His genuine and service-driven leadership is known across the industry, which has helped him build strong relationships with developers, builder partners, and communities. Ben opens up about his early struggles in real estate, his fear of public speaking, and the moment everything changed, when he began taking ownership of his personal and professional growth. His story is filled with honesty, humility, and hard-earned insights. Through roles at RPM and Core, Ben has built a track record of delivering land sales and long-term community vision. He shares the marketing strategies that work in today’s competitive Greenfields environment, how Core Projects supports its teams with purpose, and why trust and transparency aren’t just buzzwords—they’re business imperatives. Key Insights from the Podcast Ben Stewart brings over 20 years of experience in real estate and development sales to his role at Core Projects. In this episode, he walks us through his evolution—from an introverted teenager in hospitality to one of the most trusted project marketers in regional Victoria. From Hustle to Purpose: Ben’s early years in general real estate were marked by grit and trial by fire. From cold calling off the classifieds to door knocking in unfamiliar suburbs, he built a foundation rooted in consistency and a drive to serve.Waralilly & Regional Growth: Ben shares firsthand insights into helping shape Geelong’s first major estate. He reflects on the challenges of market education, evolving buyer expectations, and the role of persistent community building in long-term success.Leadership with Empathy: Known for his people-first leadership style, Ben emphasises team empowerment, authentic communication, and shared ownership. His ability to lead with clarity under pressure is what sets him apart.The Inner Game: Meditation, podcasts, cold showers—Ben credits these practices with helping him transform from a reJoin Our Community: We invite you to participate in this enlightening voyage. Whether you’re here to gain industry insights or find guidance on your professional journey, Land Pioneers is your compass in the world of land development. Subscribe and become an integral part of our community today. Visit https://landpioneerspodcast.com/

    1h 13m
  7. MAY 28

    Liz Ronson – Breaking Barriers and Leading Change in Land Development

    We’re back with Episode 4 of Season 2 of The Land Pioneers Podcast, and today we’re honoured to welcome one of Australia’s most seasoned and respected development leaders—Liz Ronson, Head of Development – Land at 3L Alliance. Liz offers valuable insights into achieving success in Greenfields development, sharing lessons from her transition from the public to the private sector. She discusses the importance of self-belief and what it takes to carve out personal success in a male-dominated industry. We also delve into how endurance sports help her stay grounded, and explore her passion project — an ecotourism venture that blends business with environmental restoration. If you’re in land development or aspire to be, this conversation is rich with wisdom, strategy, and authentic inspiration. Tune in now and be inspired by how Liz Ronson is reshaping the future of land development.  Liz has carved out an extraordinary career leading projects across the country. From her early days in Western Australia to senior leadership roles at publicly listed giants like Mirvac and Peet and her time as managing director at Jinding Developments, Liz has brought clarity, direction, and an unwavering commitment to building lasting communities. Now at the helm of 3L’s flagship Grangefields project—a 6,000-lot master-planned development in Melbourne’s west—Liz is drawing on her expansive industry knowledge to guide one of Victoria’s most strategically significant growth areas. Her story is one of resilience, intelligent risk-taking, and a rare ability to thrive in both corporate structures and agile private development environments.  Key Insights from the Podcast Liz Ronson brings nearly 30 years of experience in land development to her role as Head of Land Development at 3L Alliance. In this episode, she shares a deep look into her journey through the industry. Having worked across iconic organisations like Mirvac, Peet, Villawood, and Jinding Developments—where she served as managing director—Liz has helped shape communities across every major Australian state. Her leadership has driven not just project outcomes but strategic transformations and team-building initiatives in corporate giants and agile private developers. A central theme of Liz’s story is adaptability. She talks openly about transitioning from well-resourced, governance-heavy environments into faster-paced, privately held development firms, where decision-making is more agile and personal accountability is paramount. At Jinding, she grew the portfolio by over $1 billion in four years and stepped into executive leadership with clarity and resolve. Now at 3L Alliance, Liz is spearheading the Grangefields project—an ambitious 6,000-lot master-planned community in Melbourne’s growth corridor. She shares insights into the policy, planning, and infrastructure challenges of delivering such a significant precinct, particularly in the current market climate. Her ability to engage collaboratively with government and planning authorities while protecting commercial viability is a testament to her steady leadership. Liz also opens up about being a woman in a historically male-dominated field. Her resilience, authenticity, and strategic mindset shine through as she reflects on how she carved her path, not by blending in, but by doing the work well and speaking up for her contributions. She stresses the importance of consistency, owning your wins, and staying focused on the outcome. Join Our Community: We invite you to participate in this enlightening voyage. Whether you’re here to gain industry insights or find guidance on your professional journey, Land Pioneers is your compass in the world of land development. Subscribe and become an integral part of our community today. Visit https://landpioneerspodcast.com/

    30 min
  8. APR 18

    Rodney Mifsud – Creating Win-Win Partnerships That Build Communities

    We’re back with Episode 3 of Season 2 of The Land Pioneers Podcast, featuring the driven and genuinely down-to-earth Rodney Mifsud—Director of Acquisitions at Resi Ventures and a true force in Melbourne’s land development scene. Rodney brings not only expertise but also warmth and authenticity to every conversation. With over a decade of experience, Rodney has become a standout figure in land acquisitions, having led deals exceeding $500 million in value and contributing to projects with a combined end value of over $2 billion. Tune in for a refreshing and entertaining conversation with one of the most seasoned acquisitions experts. Rodney’s career is marked by high-impact joint ventures, intricate land negotiations, and a relentless drive to uncover opportunities—sometimes going door-to-door and even outrunning the occasional Rottweiler in pursuit of the perfect deal (yes, really). His journey didn’t start in real estate. He spent years as a fitter and turner while investing in properties on the side. His passion for property eventually led him to real estate sales, but it wasn’t long before he discovered his true calling—land acquisition and development. Early exposure to industry mentors and major land transactions fueled his passion. A proud Melburnian, lifelong Bombers supporter, and passionate car racing enthusiast, Rodney blends local knowledge, business acumen, and real-world grit in a way few others can. In this episode, we dive into how he navigates complex acquisitions, builds long-term partnerships, and reads the market to stay ahead of the curve. Key Insights from the Podcast Rodney Mifsud shares his journey from a tradesman to one of the most respected land acquisition specialists. As the Director of Acquisitions at Resi Ventures, Rodney has played a significant role in securing land deals, resulting in outstanding value developments. Beyond the numbers, his story concerns relationships, perseverance, and a deep love for creating communities. A major theme of Rodney’s career is his people-first approach. He emphasises the importance of listening to landowners, understanding their long-term goals, and structuring deals that benefit all parties involved. Through Joint Ventures (JVs) and Land Development Agreements (LDAs), he helps landowners retain generational wealth while facilitating successful developments. One standout example is McMahon Place in Echuca, VIC —a 1000-lot development where the landowners’ legacy is honoured by naming the estate after their family. Rodney is known for going to extraordinary lengths to find the right land opportunities. Whether it’s extensive door-knocking or building deep, trust-based relationships with landowners, he thrives on securing deals that others might overlook.  In the podcast, he discusses how Melbourne’s land market has evolved, leading Resi Ventures to explore regional areas like Echuca and Warragul and expand into Queensland. Rodney highlights the importance of identifying growth corridors, assessing infrastructure developments, and finding high-demand regions that align with Resi Ventures’ long-term vision. Rodney’s passion for land development really shines through in every moment of the episode, drawing you in with his infectious energy. He speaks about the thrill of watching empty land transform into thriving communities and how each deal brings new challenges and learning experiences. His passion and expertise in structuring flexible agre Join Our Community: We invite you to participate in this enlightening voyage. Whether you’re here to gain industry insights or find guidance on your professional journey, Land Pioneers is your compass in the world of land development. Subscribe and become an integral part of our community today. Visit https://landpioneerspodcast.com/

    50 min

About

Discovering the Giants of Land Estate: The Land Pioneers Podcast is a beacon for those intrigued by the vast and complex world of land development. This platform isn’t just another podcast; it’s a journey into the heart of the land estate industry, driven by a mission to reveal the mechanisms behind successful companies in this sector.  Who We Speak To is tailored for industry professionals, passionate enthusiasts, and aspiring individuals. Our podcast is a goldmine of knowledge and inspiration. It’s for those who seek to understand the finer details of the land estate business, from the grassroots to the towering skyscrapers.  What You’ll Hear: Our episodes are rich with dialogue featuring influential leaders from the foremost land estate firms. We dive deep into trends, leadership strategies, and pivotal decisions shaping the future of land development. These conversations aren’t just talks; they’re a window into the minds of those who sculpt our urban and rural landscapes.  The Learning Curve: At Land Pioneers, we believe in the power of learning from those who’ve walked the path. Our goal is to demystify the complexities of the land estate industry, offering listeners a chance to grasp the key elements that define success in this field. Each episode is an educational expedition, paving the way for innovation and excellence in land development. Join Our Community: We invite you to participate in this enlightening voyage. Whether you’re here to gain industry insights or find guidance on your professional journey, Land Pioneers is your compass in the world of land development. Subscribe and become an integral part of our community today!