Crawford Doran – the new office taking Adelaide one suburb at a time

There are soft launches, there are hard launches, and then there are businesses that put down roots so efficiently that their markets hardly remember the lay of the land before they came along. This could be said for Crawford Doran, a rolling stone gathering no moss, moving nimbly, and finding refinement as it gathers momentum across Adelaide’s metropolitan property market. Meet sales directors Thomas Crawford and Vincent Doran.

How did you start down the path to opening your own agency?

TC: I’ve always had my own ideas about what selling property could and should look like. We were fortunate to learn from some of SA’s greats.

Since our launch in August 2024, we have promised to do things differently – and better – to achieve better results for our clients. We are inner-west locals and we know our market like no one else. To be able to service our community under our own banner – with all the responsibility and accountability that comes with it is immensely satisfying.

We also wanted to create more work/life balance for ourselves, our team and our families. Most of our team have young families and it’s gratifying to provide a new norm where parents can still do the daily school/childcare drop-off, and a workplace where dogs and the kids are always welcome.

What inspires you in your role/industry? Why?

TC: As sales agents, we’re inspired to serve the inner west because it’s our home too. It’s an exciting area to work and live in because it represents a vibrant modern community and a significant growth opportunity. Its blend of character and new homes make it very attractive for first home buyers and young families like us, as well as premium real estate purchasers.

The inner west lifestyle is hard to beat. We’re between the CBD and coast, with community hubs especially around Croydon, Prospect, Woodville, St Clair and Bowden buoyed into the future by families and small businesses.

As sales directors, we’re inspired to bring fresh energy to the industry and break away from traditional approaches. Our team work hard and in turn we offer flexibility around family commitments, WFH and a dog-friendly office. Crawford Doran feels like a big modern family and we’re all loving our spot in North Adelaide – kids, hounds and all.

What's your approach to customer service that separates you from the rest?

VD: We are authentically local. Our relationships with clients, small businesses and families are built on trust and a genuine commitment to community.

It means superior local knowledge and tailored local service that allows us to be the best advocates for our clients. We offer trusted advice and enter negotiations with more information than anyone else.

While we may be expanding our reach, the authentically local approach is a core value that allows us to select the right team members as we grow.

The early appointment of our COO Gemma Niscioli has had a huge impact on our ability to scale and build a team with shared purpose that keep pace with our sales momentum. We’re building a house with bricks, not cards. It takes longer but it’s worth the grind.

How do you innovate and stay ahead of industry trends?

TC: Our team has grown from five to twenty in the last 18 months. Every team member joins Crawford Doran armed with invaluable experience and/or epic talent.

We are young and nimble, free from longstanding bad habits or traditional constraints. In the digital age the goal posts may keep moving, but it doesn’t rattle us; we have the energy to accept this as the norm.

What is the toughest challenge you've faced in your role? How did you overcome it?

VD: Leadership and management have been my biggest and most gratifying challenges, as both are brand new to me. Experience and mentorship have worked hand in hand, and the mentorship of Nick House has been especially invaluable. Surrounding ourselves with the right people has been vital.

TC: When your name is on the door it can be challenging to step back and avoid getting bogged down in the details. I’m getting better at delegating - even if it doesn’t come naturally!

What are some of your goals for the next 5 years?

VD: To establish presence in every part of Adelaide and build a team of good people around that. To get property management humming.

TC: To grow into one of Adelaide’s most respected and high-performing metropolitan agencies by volume, price, brand, and influence, while maintaining the agility and culture that have driven our early success.

Ultimately, we are focused on building a business that will stand the test of time, one known for trust, consistency and lasting relationships across our community. Sustainable growth built on strong foundations rather than rapid expansion for expansion's sake.

About Crawford Doran By any metric, Thomas Crawford and Vincent Doran are two of Adelaide’s top real estate agents. They’ve sold hundreds of properties in some of Adelaide’s most sought-after postcodes. Achieved record sales prices in shorter time frames. Brought home national trophies and countless thank you letters. Their success was built on doing things differently. And now, so is Crawford Doran.