In profile: Colliers International Sydney's office leasing executive Dan Walker
Colliers International’s Dan Walker says success comes from working smarter and being able to offer world class service to clients.
Agent: Dan Walker
Position: Executive, office leasing - Sydney
Company: Colliers International
Office location: Sydney
How long have you been in the industry?
Two years in commercial leasing, seven years in the property industry.
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
In my core market, there is very high demand for fitted out suites in the Sydney CBD. My clients who are pro-active are embracing this demand and subdividing larger areas into smaller suites and fitting them out, this reduces down time and usually leads to a sharper deal for the asset owner.
Describe the most interesting property you have leased:
Being in the CBD office space, there hasn’t been too many interesting properties, however I just listed a great building built in the 1870s on Market Street. The owner purchased it in 1980, however knew the entire history behind the building – there have been some interesting stories over the last 140 years.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
A few years ago I would have said working hard, and this is still true, but now I try and work smarter as well. With tenants, it is about being able to build rapport very quickly, which leads to a certain level of trust which will hopefully lead to a transaction. With clients, striving to provide world class service. Also, being able to have fun from time to time.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
Meeting interesting people all day every day, and not being stuck behind a computer. My office is out on the street, and being on the phone all day.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?
I would probably invest in a REIT geared towards non-discretionary retail.
Which football team do you support?
I support Manly in the NRL.
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?
I just got the new Blackberry Z10, it’s a great phone. I send lots of emails whilst out and about showing tenants office space, and the Blackberry wins hands down for email efficiency and battery life.
How do you use social media?
I use social media for building my personal profile within the industry and also for relationship building with potential new clients or tenants. I recently closed a deal with a tenant who contacted me directly on LinkedIn. I also use Twitter to keep make contact with agents in America/UK and Asia as I find it interesting to see what is happening in their markets.
Connect with Dan at au.linkedin.com/in/danwalkercolliers and https://twitter.com/DanWalkerSydney
