Interview with Kevin Connolly, Founder and Director of CRE Brokers

Eden Exchange recently spoke with Kevin Connolly, Founder and Director of CRE Brokers. With more than thirty years of experience, CRE Brokers are specialist business & property agents & valuers dedicated to the tourism and leisure sector.

Kevin talked to us about his experiences growing CRE Brokers as well as some insights on the market for both buyers and sellers.

Thanks for speaking with us Kevin. Firstly, can you tell us a little bit about your background and career? What brought you into the world of real estate and business broking?

My father was a hotel owner and at one stage a business broker in the 1950’s. I was born in my parents’ hotel in North Melbourne so I’ve been involved with the industry my whole life.

What are CRE’s area of expertise? What markets do you focus on?

How do you match a buyer with the right opportunity? Do you have a process you follow?

We spend a lot of time with updating and replenishing our extensive database so as to match potential buyers and sellers. Call it old-fashioned but we also speak regularly with our buyers and sellers.

What advice do you have on making a business saleable? What’s the key message you tell your clients?

I tell them to have their financial statements prepared by an accountant and keep them up to date.

Do you have any advice for a business owner or a company thinking about an exit strategy for the first time?

Pre-plan with your accountant and talk to a specialist business broker.

What are some important industry trends you believe business buyers and sellers in the accommodation and tourism sector need to be looking out for? What’s your take on where your industry is heading?

Stay abreast of technology and social media to convey your key messages of the business. Be informed about new competitors like Air BnB.

What are some of the key achievements you are proud of at CE Brokers? On the other side, what challenges have you faced to get?

I created a trusted brand (CE Brokers) throughout the states of Australia and formed a great team of professional brokers.

What are the strategic priorities of CRE Brokers? Where do you see the company in a year from now?

We have just appointed a Group General Manager who has had thirty years of large corporate experience to manage our expansion operations throughout Australia and New Zealand.

What separates a good advisor from an average one?

Its ability to listen, not talk. Provide outstanding service and feedback (good or bad).

What’s the best part of your job?

Guiding a business / property sale from an offer to buy through to settlement.

Thanks for your time Kevin

My pleasure, thank you

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