Pascal Pierre and Luke Whitelum have joined LJ Hooker’s high-performance team, which is dedicated to attracting the best real estate talent to the group.
The Announcement:
The LJ Hooker Group is prioritising expanding its national network of offices recruiting two Strategic Growth Specialists in the lead-up to the iconic brand’s centenary celebration, which is just four years away.
Former owner of LJ Hooker Helensvale and Pacific Pines, Pascal Pierre, and successful Sydney auctioneer, Luke Whitelum, have joined the high-performance team who are dedicated to attracting the best real estate talent to the group across its house of brands.
LJ Hooker Group’s General Manager of Network, Stephen Mutton said the appointments are part of their LJH100 strategy aimed at growing the iconic brand and supporting the next generation of franchise owners.
“We are heavily investing in the expansion of our strategic growth team to support new businesses by providing the right expertise and helping to solve any challenges they may encounter,” Mr Mutton said.
“Pascal and Luke both have very different real estate backgrounds but bring a wealth of expertise to our team at this important time as we countdown to our centenary.
“Pascal has been a long-standing member of the LJ Hooker network having worked his way from sales agent to franchise owner on the Gold Coast with over 17 years in the business.
“Luke is a successful auctioneer, and with his industry knowledge and energy, we are confident that he will be the right person to grow the business in the Sydney Metro and Southern NSW region.”
The LJ Hooker Group has been pioneering real estate since Sir Leslie Joseph Hooker, just 24 years old at the time, opened its first office on September 20, 1928.
Mr Mutton said enquiries to join the Group have been on the rise from both agencies looking to rebrand as well as from independents seeking direction and leadership.
“We know our training, whether face-to-face or through our impressive online Lighthouse portal, provides cutting-edge technology and features insights from some of the best real estate minds and practitioners both in Australia and internationally, to enhance skills and drive professional growth,” he said.
Mr Pierre, who recently sold his highly successful franchise of 12 years, is excited to be ‘giving back’ to the network that has given him and his family so much.
His daughter, Angelique, still works as a sales administrator in the Helensvale office.
With his career now going full circle, he is looking forward to recruiting like-minded professionals who will add value to the LJ Hooker Group’s network.
“I get a buzz from mentoring and witnessing the growth of agents,” Mr Pierre said.
“This passion is what inspired me to move away from sales and establish my own business
“Stepping away from business ownership, I am excited to focus on helping people develop.
“As a business owner, one of the most valuable aspects you could want is to be part of a network that is easily recognised and trusted by customers, and the LJ Hooker Group offers exactly that – a legacy brand with a strong reputation.”
Mr Whitelum worked as a sales agent for a decade before moving into property media with the Australian Financial Review, Sydney Morning Herald and the Domain Group.
He launched his successful auctioneering career back in 2010.
In addition to recruiting offices to the network, Mr Whitelum will also focus on building an auction culture within new and existing offices.
He is also excited about growing the network in the lead-up to its centenary and beyond.
“The Group, particularly the LJ Hooker brand, has a huge amount of brand equity – it was my first recollection of a real estate business growing up and I’m excited to be a part of shaping its future growth,” Mr Whitelum said.
“We want to attract the best talent, which is easy when you have such a highly regarded brand.
“As an auctioneer, I have a front-row seat to identify the top performers and determine who will be the right match for our brand.”
