Leo Widjaja never imagined a chance meeting at a diving course would lead to a successful career in real estate.
But after meeting Area Specialist founder Michael Choi while diving, Mr Widjaja inquired about a job opportunity and started as an executive assistant in 2017.
“Within the first month in the industry, I knew that I wanted to be in sales and be my own agent,” Mr Widjaja said.
After spending a year learning from senior agents, Mr Widjaja took the leap into sales and hasn’t looked back.
Operating predominantly in Keysborough and throughout Melbourne’s southeast, including Noble Park and Springvale, Mr Widjaja has established himself as a successful agent by focusing on building genuine connections with clients.
“It’s not focused on all the numbers or the dollars, but more so understanding each person,” he said.
“Whether it’s vendors or buyers, they feel more appreciated when you take a more subtle approach through conversation rather than just focusing on numbers.”
Mr Widjaja said one of the strengths of his area is its diversity.
“We’re pretty much a melting pot here with Vietnamese, Cambodian, Chinese, European, Greek and Italian communities,” he said.
“It’s proper Australia that we’re working with.”
Since joining Area Specialist, Mr Widjaja has achieved significant success, winning Rising Star in 2019 and securing the prestigious Pinnacle Award for the past three consecutive years from 2022 to 2024.
He currently leads a team including an assistant and works closely with fellow two other sales directors.
Mr Widjaja is also actively involved in the community, sponsoring various local organisations including the Keysborough Market, Christian schools in Noble Park, Dingley and Springvale, as well as the Parkmore Pirates football club and Springvale Athletics.
He said the flexibility and financial rewards offered by Area Specialist have been instrumental in his success.
“We have more flexibility as owners of our own business as opposed to being a staff/employee like most traditional models,” he said.
“It’s up to you whether you want to put in the hours and get more money out of it, or be a bit more relaxed while still earning quite well.”
The model has allowed Mr Widjaja to spend more time with his young family, including his 16-month-old child, while still pursuing his hobbies like fishing and diving.
“The flexibility is very hard to beat,” he said.
“The financial rewards are very hard to beat and we’re always up to date with tech as well.
“All the admin is looked after by the office, so I can just focus on listing and selling.”
Area Specialist is a real estate platform for top-performing agents, providing the systems, tools and technology they need to create, grow and power their business. For more information visit beyourboss.com.au
