Community & Business
17 July, 2024
Transition keeps family tradition alive
THE transition of ownership of Ray White Atherton from Margaret Black AM to her daughter Diane Brennan and son-in-law Morgan Brennan is a story woven with threads of dedication, family bonds and a deep-rooted connection to Atherton's community.
Margaret's journey into real estate began as a property manager, expanding her expertise into office management across all aspects of real estate on the Atherton Tablelands. In 2008, she seized the opportunity to purchase the local Ray White franchise, driven by a vision to grow and nurture the business.
From humble beginnings with a small team, Margaret's leadership and structured approach saw the business flourish, expanding to employ eight dedicated individuals. Her commitment to professionalism and thoroughness earned her respect across the region, becoming synonymous with quality in real estate.
“I am most proud of the growth that we have achieved. When I started there was one in admin and two in sales, and we now employ eight wonderful team members, many who have had very long tenure with us,” Margaret said.
“Over the years I have met some beautiful clients and it has been an absolute pleasure to help them on their next step of their journey. The excitement of someone buying a home is what makes it worthwhile.”
Beyond her business success, Margaret's heart lay in community service. Her three decades of voluntary work, including advocacy for children's education, culminated in becoming a member of the Order of Australia – a testament to her unwavering dedication beyond the realm of real estate.
“I am passionate about kids getting a good education, and I have employed several year 12 students to give them some work experience,” she said.
Enter Diane Brennan, Margaret's daughter, whose journey into the family business began in 2008. Previously in the culinary field abroad, Diane found herself drawn into the world of real estate, navigating the complexities of property management and administration.
Juggling these roles alongside raising four young children, Diane's resilience and capability shone through. Her integral role in the business, managing accounts and supporting her mother, mirrored the family's ethos of hard work and dedication.
Morgan Brennan, Diane's husband, brought his own dynamic to the team in 2016, excelling as a sales agent known for his commitment and community involvement.
His efforts extended beyond transactions, often assisting with local events and even cattle movements – embodying the spirit of holistic service that defined their approach.
As Margaret transitions into retirement, she leaves behind a legacy of integrity and growth. The reins of the business now firmly in Diane and Morgan's hands, they embrace the opportunity with enthusiasm and respect for the traditions Margaret instilled.
“Our goal is clear: to navigate the business through challenges, foster a supportive environment for our team, and continue serving the community that we call home,” Diane said.
Ray White Rural CEO Stephen Nell said that he was hard pressed to find a more well-respected and loved member of the network across the country.
“We are incredibly proud of what Margaret has achieved in her business. The whole White family and I are really grateful and happy for Diane and Morgan to be taking the reins. It is so special that it has remained in the same family,” he said.
