Two family-run Sunshine Coast property businesses have merged, consolidating more 80 years of leadership experience in commercial real estate.

Husband and wife team Mike and Julie Stewart – two of the national LJ Hooker Commercial network’s longest-serving directors – have combined with highly-experienced property figure David Smith, who has moved across from his family-run Raine & Horne Commercial agency. The merger will operate as LJ Hooker Commercial Sunshine Coast.

The expanded agency will operate from LJ Hooker Commercial’s existing Alexandra Headland base, offering business owners and investors their knowledge and connections across the Sunshine Coast.

Mr Stewart, who remains Managing Director, said the new venture established one of the most experienced specialist commercial agencies on the Sunshine Coast for sales, leasing. Additionally, the on-the-ground property management team – led by Julie Stewart and Senior Asset Manager Nicole Mann – will offer investors across the expanded agency with market leading insights and strategies to optimise their assets along with maintenance programs that protect their assets for the long-term.

Together, the leadership team has been behind an extensive portfolio of commercial real estate campaigns including:

• Site acquisition and leasing Kawana Home Maker Centre;
• Design and leasing of the Sippy Downs Travel Centre precinct;
• Leasing and management of the BP Bruce Highway Travel Centres.

Mr Stewart said: “We’re thrilled to bring our team and David’s team together under LJ Hooker Commercial Sunshine Coast”.

“David’s worked in corporate agencies and as a business owner, responsible for many of the premium sales campaigns on the Sunshine Coast.”

In addition to decades of local knowledge and connections, Mr Stewart said the expanded operation would leverage relationships that extend beyond the Sunshine Coast for broader exposure for clients.

“We have managed more than 50 commercial development projects – all the way through to their sales and leasing campaigns - including the Sydney Town Hall Square redevelopment, numerous site acquisitions for Aldi in Queensland and even international projects in Fiji and China. We’ve developed extensive connections along the way which benefit our clients, whether they’re divesting, leasing or expanding their portfolio.”

Mr Smith said: “We share the same family-business values and commitment to client service”.

“Mike and Julie are influential members of the LJ Hooker Commercial network across Australia and I'm excited to work with them to offer our clients broader exposure, dynamic marketing solutions and premium outcomes.”