The People Behind Property

The People Behind Property

by OBrien Real Estate
Season 2
Sam Nokes: From Property Management to PropTech | Season 2 Episode #15
In this episode of The People Behind Property, we sit down with Sam Nokes to explore a career that has taken him from the frontline of real estate and property management to industry partnerships, technology and his latest chapter with REA and iGUIDE. Sam shares the lessons that shaped his leadership style, why earning respect matters more than simply being liked, and the importance of listening, following through and maintaining strong relationships. We also unpack the changing role of technology in property marketing, how immersive experiences are influencing the buyer journey, and what agents should be thinking about as the Victorian market continues to evolve. Beyond property, Sam opens up about family, his lifelong love of fishing and the connection it gives him to his late father, before sharing some valuable advice for anyone building a career: keep learning, value consistency and surround yourself with people who are prepared to challenge your thinking. A conversation about property, people, technology and staying grounded as your career evolves.
Peter Clark & Josh Phegan: Winning in Regional Real Estate: Relationships, Reputation and the Fundamentals That Matter | Season 2 Episode #13
What separates a good regional real estate agent from a great one? In this episode of The People Behind Property, Peter sits down with JP to unpack the fundamentals that continue to drive success in regional real estate, from deep market knowledge and strong buyer work to building genuine relationships within the community. They explore why the best regional agents know far more than property prices. They understand the people, families, businesses and influencers who shape their market, and they deliberately build relationships with the clients and referrers most likely to create long-term opportunities. The conversation also looks at how agents can create momentum around new listings, work their buyer database more effectively, defend their fee by demonstrating value and certainty, and stay focused on communication rather than simply viewing every conversation as "prospecting". For business owners, JP and Peter also discuss the bigger picture: growing teams, developing future talent, building strong property management businesses, allocating capital wisely and creating businesses that can perform through changing market conditions. It is a practical conversation about getting back to the fundamentals, staying connected to your community and building a real estate business designed to stand the test of time.
Petr Tichy: AI, Automation & The Future of Real Estate Compliance | Season 2 Episode #12
In this episode of The People Behind Property, Andrew Martin sits down with Petr Tichy, Co-Founder of Properteasy and experienced software developer. With a background across major tech platforms and a passion for building practical tools, Petr is focused on solving one of the biggest challenges in real estate — compliance.This conversation explores how AI and automation are reshaping the industry, where agencies are losing time and efficiency, and how technology can reduce risk while improving performance. Petr also shares insights from his journey across sport, tech, and business — offering a practical perspective on discipline, problem-solving, and building tools that actually make a difference. A forward-looking episode for anyone wanting to understand where real estate is heading.
Jae Lukey: Property Management, People & Purpose | Season 2 Episode #10
Property management is often seen as a business of systems, processes and problem solving, but behind it all are people. In this episode of The People Behind Property, Andrew Martin sits down with Jae Lukey, who heads up the property management team at OBrien Carrum Downs. With more than eight years of industry experience, Jae has built a reputation for exceptional customer service, strong communication, lateral thinking and a genuine commitment to protecting her clients assets. Jae shares her journey into real estate, what drew her to property management, the challenges that have shaped her career and what it really takes to navigate the people, pressure and unexpected situations that come with the role. It’s an insightful conversation about the person behind the process and why great property management is ultimately about much more than managing property.
Steve Osborn & Dean O'Brien: Obsessively OBrien - The Making of a Brand | Season 2 Episode #14
This episode is different. This one is about us. In 2010, this business started with a name on a signboard and an idea about how people should be treated. Sixteen years later that name sits across a network of offices, hundreds of people, and tens of thousands of families who've bought, sold or leased a home with us. A brand designed for a business of a certain size eventually stops fitting a business that has become something else. So we pulled the whole thing apart and asked what OBrien actually is. Not what we say in an ad, but what we are on the days nobody is watching. That process ran through workshops, interviews and focus groups, and it produced a new identity, a new promise, and a new way of talking about property. Dean O'Brien founded the business and leads it. Steve Osborn of Identity Marketing was handed the job of rebuilding how it looks and sounds. Both are in the room. We cover the turning points, why now was the right time, how "we obsess over their success" became "that's obsessively OBrien," the return to green, the lowercase wordmark, and what the promise now asks of everyone who works here.
Angus Ferguson: From Agent to Founder: Rethinking the Property Experience | Season 2 Episode #11
In this episode of The People Behind Property, Andrew Martin sits down with Angus Ferguson, Co-Founder of FOUNDIT and former Domain executive. Angus shares his journey from running a real estate agency at just 21, to building and selling a proptech company for $25 million, before stepping into a senior leadership role at one of Australia’s leading property platforms. This episode explores startup thinking, risk-taking, and the transition from founder to corporate — before diving into his current mission to improve transparency and empower property buyers. A sharp and insightful conversation on innovation, disruption, and the future of real estate.
Mohi Gholamy: The Power of Starting Again | Season 2 Episode #9
In this episode of The People Behind Property, Andrew Martin sits down with respected property advisor and industry leader Mohi Gholamy to explore a journey that goes far beyond real estate. Mohi shares the highs and lows of a career that began almost by accident, the pressures that led him to step away from the industry, and the personal challenges that forced him to rebuild from the ground up. From having just $72 to his name to creating a business and personal brand built on trust, authenticity and client-first advice, his story is one of resilience, perspective and purpose. The conversation explores why people choose people over brands, the importance of finding your own path, and why great property advice should never be a one-size-fits-all approach. If you’ve ever faced setbacks, questioned your direction, or wondered what success really looks like, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. The People Behind Property is proudly brought to you by OBrien Real Estate, exploring the stories, leadership and experiences that shape the people behind the property industry.
Nick West: Consistency, Character & Community: Building a Career That Lasts | Season 2 Episode #8
In this episode of The People Behind Property, Dean O'Brien sits down with Nick West, Director at Nelson Alexander and Chairperson of the Rise Initiative. With a career spanning more than three decades, Nick shares what it takes to remain consistent in an industry defined by change. From his country upbringing in Cobram to building a reputation in Melbourne’s inner north, this conversation explores the role of character, communication, and long-term relationships in sustained success. Nick also reflects on leadership, evolving market conditions, and why giving back to the industry has become an important part of his journey. A grounded and insightful episode on building a career that doesn’t just peak, but lasts.
Abby Ivankovic: Navigating a career as a woman in a male-dominated industry | Episode #1
Abby has worked at the OBrien Wantirna office for the past 7 years, having specialised in the area of Boronia. Through her honest and ethical approach to real estate, she consistently seeks to not only achieve but exceed the expectations of her clients. In this episode, Abby candidly discusses her career journey, using her unique experiences and skills as a woman to set herself a part and find success in a male-dominated industry. Abby's profile Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Tik Tok Like us on Facebook