And the winner is…

Any successful business owner appreciates the toll that forging a brand to be proud of can take on health and family life. Show me a person who claims founding a company is easy, and I’ll show you a liar. 

So, it’s with pride that I look back at photos from this week’s Ray White Awards. The recognition isn’t about the physical trophy or standing on stage, it’s what it represents – grafting on a daily basis to achieve a dream launched years ago in a leaky old office space.

We were fortunate enough to be called up to the stage at both the Ray White Queensland Awards 2024-25, and following that, at the larger Ray White group annual awards ceremony. 

Below is a brief summary of what we’ve achieved this financial year alone;

Ray White Collective – #1 Queensland, #1 Australia, #1 Internationally

Ray White New Farm – #1 office in Queensland, #3 Australia, #4 Internationally

Selling Principal QLD – #4 Matt Lancashire, #5 Kim Olsen

Salesperson QLD – #7 Josh Brown, #9 Tom Lyne

Ray White Collective co-founder, and my good mate, Haesley Cush summed up nicely what this recognition means to the both of us in his acceptance speech:

“I just want to begin by acknowledging that our group benefited significantly from the work of a life member here today, Brett Graham and Jenny Graham. Brett was the architect of the multi-office network that worked together in collaboration. 

“If you can imagine 20 years ago my hairline was much closer to my eyebrows, and it was 20 years ago this month that I bought Ray White New Farm. As a 27 year old kid I had no money, a big motor to work, but no plan. In 2012, a young man by the name of Matt Lancashire said ‘I’ll buy your business’. I had no plan other than to work really hard, and grow, so I said, ‘why not’. 

“So Matt bought Ray White New Farm and he ran it for five years. In 2017 we got together. We figured out that 1+1 doesn’t equal two, and that by working together and collaborating that 1+1 could equal anything. 

“You only have to see the volume of the businesses that got on stage tonight to see that the legacy of Brett’s is alive and well in our group.

“To the White family – Brian, I couldn’t love another man as much as I love you. When you speak, everyone in the room drinks up every word. Dan, you and the entire White family should be so proud of what you’ve created. 

“If you don’t work in a group that drives you, you’re in a boat without a motor. 

“To the great people of Ray White New Farm, you are the motor of the Ray White Collective.

“Twenty years ago as a kid when I sat up at the back of the room and stared at the dot that was the stage, I never dreamed we’d get up here, so I am thrilled. I’m thrilled to work with you every day.”

I hope you enjoy the read.

Matt Lancashire