Head of commercial at RWC James Linacre has announced that the network’s number one office, Ray White Valuations, have renewed their business partnership with the group.

“We are immensely proud to be in partnership with one of the most respected property valuation firms in Australia,” Mr Linacre said. “What Rob Wilson and the extended team have created in the last five years, is truly remarkable.”

Since its inception in 2019, Ray White Valuations has undergone a transformation, evolving from a small Sydney office to a prominent player across the eastern seaboard of Australia.

Recently having been awarded the number one office in the RWC network internationally, managing director Rob Wilson shares the journey of the company, reflecting on its growth, challenges, and future ambitions.

The early days

“When we launched in 2019, we started with just 10 valuers and two administrative staff in a single office in Sydney,” said Rob Wilson. The early days were far from easy, with the firm facing the aftermath of the Landmark White data breach and the onset of the pandemic. “We were in survival mode, focused on retaining relationships and safeguarding what we had; a solid team of respected valuers covering residential development, commercial, and going concerns valuations across greater Sydney,” Wilson said.

A steady and strategic rise

Fast forward to today, and Ray White Valuations looks very different. The company has expanded its services well beyond its initial offerings. “We now cover a comprehensive range of sectors, from residential development valuations to commercial, industrial, and retail properties, as well as going concerns like hotels, motels, pubs, service stations, childcare centres, and holiday parks,” said Wilson.

“Our team is continually expanding their knowledge to ensure we not only meet, but exceed our clients’ expectations.”
From a modest team of 12, the firm now boasts over 50 staff members across three states. Key milestones in this growth include the establishment of a Melbourne office in 2021 led by Joshua Johnston and the opening of a Brisbane office in 2022 led by Michael Simson. “Each new location has strengthened our presence and given us the opportunity to serve a broader range of clients,” Wilson said.

A culture of inclusivity

For Wilson, one of the greatest points of pride has been cultivating an inclusive and supportive culture within Ray White Valuations. “Our industry, particularly in the commercial sector, has historically been male-dominated,” he said. “We’re committed to creating opportunities for female valuers to thrive. Half of our assistant valuers are women, and we’ve seen outstanding contributions from our young associates and a second-year valuer who is already excelling in her role.”

The company also emphasises the development of future talent. “We currently support 12 assistant valuers, each at different stages of their practical and tertiary training,” Wilson said. “Their growth is invaluable to the success of our business.”

The data security journey

A significant achievement for Ray White Valuations has been its journey toward ISO 27001 Data Security Compliance. “Following the 2019 LMW data breach, we committed to implementing robust information security practices,” said Wilson. “Our chief information security officer, Simon Horn, has led the charge in transforming data security from a concern to a core part of our operations. This has made us a more cautious, informed, and secure business.”

Standing out amongst competition

In an industry with many strong competitors, Wilson believes Ray White Valuations’ point of difference lies in its culture. “While we have the structure and compliance of larger firms, we’ve retained the spirit of a small business,” he said. “Every success is celebrated, and mistakes are learning opportunities. Our staff-owned model means everyone is personally invested in our success, creating a collaborative and driven work environment.”

Ray White Valuations winning top office internationally at the 2024 RWC Awards

Part of the Ray White family

One of the key contributors to Ray White Valuations’ success has been its connection to the broader Ray White network. “The support we’ve received from Dan White, James Linacre, and the White family has been invaluable, particularly in the early days when we were finding our feet,” said Wilson. “Being part of a well-established household brand gave us the foundation to grow rapidly.”

The collaboration with the network has also played a vital role in Ray White’s growth in return. “Sharing insights and market knowledge with other businesses in the network has enhanced our capabilities, and the recognition we’ve received has been incredibly motivating,” Wilson said. “We were thrilled to come second in the RWC network internationally for three consecutive years, before being named the number one commercial business this year.”

"We’ve had many moments of self reflection and realisation on how we can do things better as a business as well as individuals through the Ray White Leadership Academy program. Listening to other success stories within the Ray White Network simply reaffirmed that we need to grow together, if we’re going to grow at all."

Looking ahead

With a solid foundation in place, Ray White Valuations is poised for further growth. “We’re investing in infrastructure, exploring new technologies, and continuously refining our services,” Wilson said. “We’re also looking to connect with and support other valuation practices who may be facing challenges with the tightening industry requirements like ISO 27001 Data Security Compliance and restrictive professional insurance policies. Our hope is to create strategic partnerships with these businesses that ensure our mutual successes moving forward.”

As Ray White Valuations looks ahead, Wilson is confident the company’s commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and collaboration will drive continued success. “We want to keep breaking our own glass ceilings and creating opportunities for our current and future people to grow,” he said. “The next five years are going to be very exciting.”

More RWC readings 

Frank Giorgi to lead RWC Canberra

RWC announces sponsorship of America’s Cup team | Commo.

Peter Vines and Ruby Rozental continue to grow with RWC | Commo.

Trio of experts team up to open RWC Adelaide | Commo.