The Shopping Centre industry is driven by people. It’s the skills and expertise of the people that manage, develop and evolve shopping centres for their communities that creates this great industry. Shopping Centre News profiles a range of interesting people from the industry each week. This week we speak to George Wragge, Director, Retail Leasing at Colliers International.
What is your current role and main responsibilities?
As Director of the NSW Retail team at Colliers International, my role involves overseeing the Retail Leasing business for NSW, encompassing our CBD brokerage team, project and pre-commitment leasing and our value-add team.
Tell us a little bit about your career
I’m coming up to my eighth year in the property industry, seven of which have been with Colliers International. I’ve always focused on project pre-commitment leasing, due to my interest in place-making and the design elements of development.
What has been your hardest career decision?
At times, I’ve found it challenging to remain in agenecy when there are other opportunities to work client-side. However, I immensely enjoy the flexibility of agency and being able to think entrepreneurially – this is particularily emphasised and valued at Colliers International.
What do you love most about your job?
The thing I enjoy most about work is being able to interact with a variety of people, whether is is clients, my colleagues. What I do allows me to meet many different people, from all walks of life.
George says “Work hard and throw yourself into as many conversations and opportunities as possible”
What do you least like about your job?
I feel that real estate agents can often be negatively perceived as being untrustworthy and their true value to the transaction process isn’t recognised or acknowledged. Instances like these are probably my least favourite parts of the job.
What motivates you?
Seeing my team members succed and grow is a huge motivator for me; I always want to be doing my best to ensure they achieve their goals. I am a massive believer in the success of the team will always be greater than any individuals success.
What makes a great Director?
Selflessness – I think a lot of people in property (and life) are all about themselves. If you put others first, then the value that you’ll be able to create far exceeds anything you could do alone.
What is your most memorable moment of your career?
Being awarded the 2018 NSW Leadership Award and the Australian Rookie of the Year award in 2013 for Colliers International are the key highlights of my career. I felt proud to be recognised for the effort I put into my work and team.
What do you think makes a successful shopping centre?
A foundation of sustainable rents is vital for a successful shopping centre. To achieve this, you need to masterplan for a good tenancy mix, and truly understand the trading potential for various usages to set the commercial outcomes for the various usages.
Northpoint, North Sydney
What are some of the trends you are seeing in the industry?
Holistic health concepts whereby gyms are incorporating ancilliary medical opertors onto their premises. Theoretically, you can go to a gym session and attend medical sessions directly afterwards; everything from main GPs through to cosmetic procedures.
What advice would you give to someone starting in the industry?
Work hard and throw yourself into as many conversations and opportunities as possible. Always be thinking about how you can add value and contribute to any sitatuation.
What is the single most important quality you need to possess to be in this industry?
Honesty, combined with accountability. Always do what you say you will and deliver honest feedback. Even if the client won’t be happy with your answer, never sugarcoat any situation as this is where many agents get themselves unstuck.
