The People Behind Property

OBrien Real Estate
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In this series, we shine a light on the personal stories, career journeys and expert insights shaping Australia's real estate market. Meet the agents, industry leaders, and the voices behind the OBrien network because at OBrien Real Estates, it's personal.

  1. Rene Mawad: Relentless Growth, Discipline & Building a Reputation That Lasts | Season 2 Episode #4

    APR 14

    Rene Mawad: Relentless Growth, Discipline & Building a Reputation That Lasts | Season 2 Episode #4

    In this episode of The People Behind Property, Andrew Martin sits down with Rene Mawad, a driven real estate professional whose journey is built on discipline, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to growth. Rene’s story isn’t about shortcuts or overnight success. It’s about showing up every day, doing the work, and building a reputation that compounds over time. From the early stages of his career to establishing himself as a trusted name in the market, Rene shares the mindset and habits that have shaped his trajectory. Together, Andrew and Rene unpack what it really takes to succeed in real estate today, the pressure, the persistence, and the importance of staying grounded while chasing bigger goals. This conversation goes beyond property, diving into personal standards, resilience, and the long game of building something meaningful in a competitive industry. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why discipline beats motivation every time - The habits that separate top performers from the rest - How to build trust and credibility in a crowded market - The mindset required to handle pressure and setbacks - Why playing the long game is the ultimate advantage If you’re in real estate or any high-performance environment, this episode is a powerful reminder that success is built, not given.

    30 min
  2. Brad Morgan: The Mindset Behind Consistent Performance | Season #2 Episode 3

    APR 1

    Brad Morgan: The Mindset Behind Consistent Performance | Season #2 Episode 3

    What separates the good from the elite in leadership. Brad Morgan joins Andrew on The People Behind Property to break down the habits, mindset, and leadership traits that drive long-term success. With a history of working in the military, and now heading up the real estate sector, having been appointed as the Chief Commercial Officer at Renowned (formerly RateMyAgent), Brad offers a varied knowledge and understanding of leadership across various industries. From handling pressure to building momentum and staying disciplined when others fall off, this episode is packed with practical insights for anyone serious about performing at a high level in their career.

    31 min
  3. Ewan Morton: Building a Real Estate Empire: Leadership, Legacy & Scaling | Season 2 Episode #2

    MAR 18

    Ewan Morton: Building a Real Estate Empire: Leadership, Legacy & Scaling | Season 2 Episode #2

    In this episode of The People Behind Property, Dean O’Brien sits down with Ewan Morton, one of the most respected and influential leaders in Australian real estate. From starting as a father-and-son business to building Morton Real Estate into a multi-office powerhouse with nearly 100 professionals, Ewan shares the real story behind sustainable growth, leadership, and long-term success. With a career spanning IBM, international markets in London and Singapore, and decades at the forefront of the property industry, Ewan brings a rare perspective on what it takes to build and lead a business that lasts. We unpack: - What scaling actually requires beyond sales performance - The difference between growth and structured leadership - How culture, governance, and accountability drive long-term success - Lessons from serving on the board of REINSW - Why mentorship and leadership matter more than ever - How to build a business that outlives you Recognised as a two-time REB Industry Thought Leader and recipient of the prestigious Woodrow Weight Award, Ewan’s impact on the industry is profound. This is a conversation about more than real estate, it’s about building something meaningful, sustainable, and respected.

    31 min
  4. Theo Mavratzakis: Stop Leaving Money on the Table: The Strategic Power of Tax Depreciation | Season 2 Episode #1

    MAR 4

    Theo Mavratzakis: Stop Leaving Money on the Table: The Strategic Power of Tax Depreciation | Season 2 Episode #1

    Most property investors are leaving money on the table.Not because they bought badly, but because they don’t fully understand tax depreciation. In this episode of The People Behind Property, Andrew sits down with Theo Mavratzakis, Director of TDA Quantity Surveyors, to unpack how smart investors use depreciation strategically, not just at tax time, but as part of a broader wealth-building plan. With nearly 20 years across construction, development and tax strategy, Theo brings a rare edge: he understands how buildings are built, and how that translates into real, measurable returns for investors. We cover: • The biggest depreciation myths investors still believe • Where owners unknowingly lose thousands • How legislation changes have shifted the game • When depreciation should enter the buying conversation • What separates a great quantity surveyor from a report factory This isn’t a technical tax episode.It’s a strategy conversation.

    28 min
  5. Mark Burke: 36 Years in Bayside Real Estate - Mark’s Journey of Service, Skill & Success | Episode #13

    11/26/2025

    Mark Burke: 36 Years in Bayside Real Estate - Mark’s Journey of Service, Skill & Success | Episode #13

    In this episode of The People Behind Property, we sit down with Mark, a Licensed Estate Agent and Sales Consultant who has dedicated over 36 years to real estate across Bayside and Frankston. Mark’s reputation has been built on integrity, world-class customer service, and fierce negotiation skills that have consistently delivered record-breaking results. Ranked in the top percentage of agents nationally and even among the top 2% worldwide during his Century 21 career, Mark shares the lessons he’s learned from decades in the industry, the evolution of the Frankston market, and what it takes to achieve premium prices for clients. Beyond the sales results and awards, Mark is a devoted family man with a passion for nature, animals, and travel — a balance that has kept him grounded throughout a high-performing career. Whether you’re a fellow agent, a property owner in Bayside or Frankston, or simply curious about what it takes to build a lasting career in real estate, this conversation is packed with insights, stories, and inspiration.

    30 min
  6. Stavros Ambatzidis: Under the Hammer & Beyond - Auctions, Leadership & Legacy | Episode #12

    11/13/2025

    Stavros Ambatzidis: Under the Hammer & Beyond - Auctions, Leadership & Legacy | Episode #12

    n this episode of The People Behind Property, we sit down with Stavros Ambatzidis — Corporate Auctioneer, Chairman of the Board, and Co-Founder of OBrien Real Estate. With more than 30 years in real estate and over 4,000 auctions called, Stavros has become one of Victoria’s most respected auctioneers and industry leaders. From co-founding OBrien Real Estate and expanding it to more than 40 offices statewide, to chairing the REIV Auction Chapter and mentoring the next generation of agents, his influence is felt across every corner of the industry. But Stavros’s story goes far beyond the gavel. As Founder of the OBrien Real Estate Foundation, he has helped raise over $500,000 for charities including Beyond Blue, Food Bank, and Wildlife Victoria — a true reflection of his belief in giving back. We explore his journey from sales consultant to boardroom, his philosophy on building a high-performance culture, and why authenticity, service, and community remain at the heart of his success. Whether you’re an agent, a business leader, or simply curious about what it takes to create lasting impact in property and beyond, this conversation with Stavros is not to be missed.

    41 min
  7. MacKillop Family Services: Beyond the Front Door - the Real Impact of Care with Mackillop Family Services | Episode #11

    10/21/2025

    MacKillop Family Services: Beyond the Front Door - the Real Impact of Care with Mackillop Family Services | Episode #11

    In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The People Behind Property, host Andrew Martin sits down with Sam Patterson, Director of Community Engagement at MacKillop Family Services, and Kaisha, a former young person in care who now advocates for youth empowerment. Together, they explore what life is really like for children and families in the foster and residential care system — the challenges, the misconceptions, and the moments of hope that can change everything.

    35 min
  8. Seeing the Invisible - The Architect Turned Developer | Episode #10

    09/29/2025

    Seeing the Invisible - The Architect Turned Developer | Episode #10

    In this episode of The People Behind Property, co-hosts Andrew Martin and Jason Mudford sit down with Dominic Bagnato, the award-winning architect turned property developer known as The Invisible Architect. Dom shares his journey from designing homes to building a multimillion-dollar development portfolio, the philosophy behind his approach to design and storytelling, and how he now mentors others to spot hidden opportunities in property. Whether you’re a hobby developer, an investor, or simply curious about how to get started, this conversation will inspire you to see what’s possible. Tune in and discover how anyone can begin their own property development journey.

    59 min
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In this series, we shine a light on the personal stories, career journeys and expert insights shaping Australia's real estate market. Meet the agents, industry leaders, and the voices behind the OBrien network because at OBrien Real Estates, it's personal.

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