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A Sydney agency is celebrating its 35th anniversary, with the owner reflecting on his choice to stick with the same franchise group for the entire time.
Laing+Simmons Kingsford was first established in 1986 under the helm of owner Nicholas Efrossynis.
Mr Efrossynis started his real estate career in 1974 as an 18-year-old agent with an independent agency at Bondi Junction.
By 1981, he was a business owner himself, having started an independent agency in Potts Point.
“At that time, it was just me and a two-day-a-week receptionist, which is all I could afford,” the principal commented.
“But we survived, and after a few years, I began investigating franchising opportunities.”
It led him to Laing+Simmons, which resulted in the opening of Laing+Simmons Kingsford in 1986 — and an Anzac Parade office space.
“Since then, and despite approaches over the past 35 years from almost every franchise group, I have never considered changing. I’m proud of the business and the team for reaching this milestone,” he said.
The 35 years in business under the Laing+Simmons banner means Mr Efrossynis is the network’s longest-standing principal.
Today, he is joined by his son Dean as a co-principal of the business, who began his career as a property manager with Laing-Simmons Kingsford back in 2006.
The co-principal has been credited for the business’s ability to adapt to changes in the operating environment, particularly regarding technological advancements, print marketing demos, legislative and licensing changes, and the multi-faceted challenges of economic shocks such as the GFC and COVID-19.
Making the 35-year anniversary milestone all the more memorable is the fact that the father-son duo now also stand as two of the new owners of the Laing+Simmons corporation after the member-based takeover that occurred earlier this year.
According to him, the secret is simple: “Put the customer’s needs first.”
“While the forums and mechanisms for service delivery have evolved over time, the principles remain constant,” the younger Mr Efrossynis stated.
“Only by putting the customer’s needs first, recognising that everyone’s needs and motivations differ, can an agency stand the test of time. You need a loyal clientele to be around for as long as we have.
“It’s a source of pride for the whole team to be thriving 35 years after the doors first opened.”
Weighing in on the celebration, Laing+Simmons CEO Leanne Pilkington has expressed her pride over the agency’s milestone.
She called the Kingsford office “a rarity in the real estate industry” and an example of the brand’s point of difference.
“Many businesses come and go, many change banners and brands, so for Laing+Simmons Kingsford to be able to achieve the longevity and consistency it has is a testament to the way they do business and serve their customers,” Ms Pilkington concluded.
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