A changing of the guard is under way at prominent CBD agency Burgess Rawson, with founding partner and joint managing director Geoff Potter stepping down from the position he has held for 21 years and handing over the reins to fellow joint managing direct
A changing of the guard is under way at prominent CBD agency Burgess Rawson, with founding partner and joint managing director Geoff Potter stepping down from the position he has held for 21 years and handing over the reins to fellow joint managing director, Andrew McKerracher.
The succession is part of the company’s current five-year strategic plan, to allow Mr Potter to take on a consultancy role within the agency while rewarding the dedication of Mr McKerracher and supporting his vision to diversify and grow the business.
Mr Potter said it was important the eight younger partners were now given the opportunity to climb the ranks and to put their stamp on the business.
“The advantages of our company are that we’ve always provided younger parties with the opportunity to take equity positions if they are successful,” he said.
Incoming managing director Andrew McKerracher said Burgess Rawson was very lucky to have a team that was well respected in the marketplace and had incentives to remain focused.
“We’ve got great guys who all have good minds for business. Having ownership in the business keeps us very motivated and focused on the task at hand,” he said.
Mr McKerracher joined the agency in 1995 after several years in the residential sector.
He started as an industrial leasing agent before moving into industrial sales, followed by the position of director of industrial agency.
His career culminated in his appointment to the joint managing director’s chair, just 12 months ago.
“When I started, there were 28 people working here and now we’re pushing 70. That’s almost three-fold growth,” Mr McKerracher said.
The agency now claims to have the biggest industrial team in Perth and Mr McKerracher said he planned to increase its market share in all areas of the business.
“There are a number of areas I’ll be making changes to, with a view to building on the culture of teamwork, maximising communication between departments and increasing our technology capabilities,” he said.
Mr Potter got his start in the industry at residential agency Airey Potter Davies in Nedlands in 1976, before moving into the commercial property sector in 1985 as a founding partner of Richard Stanton Real Estate, based in Barrack Street.
The company then made a series of timely acquisitions, including Richards & Company in 1987, Sallmans in 1990 and the Stanton Hillier Parker Group in 1993.
Its current identity was created in 2000 when the Perth office joined the national association of Burgess Rawson offices.
Mr Potter said his 21 years in the business was a time of booms and busts, with the down times used as a chance to forge reputations.
“I think if you can prove yourself in that market, people will have a great deal of respect for your agency going forward.”
Mr Potter is confident the agency he began is now in good hands and, at age 55, looks forward to the flexibility and freedom his career will now afford.
He said he was very interested in remaining a part of the company and would take on any role required.
“I’ve got another five to 10 years of working life in me and have always backed myself in whatever I do,” Mr Potter told WA Business News.
Next on the agenda is a two-month holiday and more work to improve his golf handicap.
