Michael Bacon has been named co-director of Place Kangaroo Point, marking a significant step in his rapid rise through the ranks in Brisbane.
His appointment comes after six years of impressive achievements, including a $4 million deal early in his career and a number of high-profile sales, boosted by his innovative marketing approach.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to be one of the directors of a company, and I think by working closely with Simon and Courtney for the last four or six years, there’s probably no better people to do it with,” Mr Bacon said.
“This is something I’ve been working towards for years, and I’m just happy to be here.”
Mr Bacon’s journey into real estate began with an unexpected meeting in a car park, where he introduced himself to Simon Caulfield, co-founder of Place Kangaroo Point.
“He ran up to me and said, ‘I’m Michael Bacon. I’d love to work for you one day,’” Mr Caulfield said.
“I said, ‘You’ll work with me.’ I didn’t think much of it at the time.”
Just weeks later, Mr Caulfield put the then-18-year-old Bacon to the test.
“We were going to Europe, and I gave him my phone and told him to handle everything while we were away. It was sink or swim,” Mr Caulfield said.
Despite having only worked with the firm for three weeks, Mr Bacon closed a $4 million property deal during their absence.
“There was a mix of fear and excitement,” Mr Bacon recalled.
“Why would you trust an 18-year-old with such responsibility?”
Mr Bacon’s innovative strategies became well known, particularly in the Kangaroo Point market.
One of his biggest moves came during the sale of a multi-million property, where he offered a $500 gift card as an incentive to buyers that grew widespread media attention.
“I knew I had to do something different,” Mr Bacon said.
“The biggest thing about my career has been the ability to push marketing barriers that haven’t been done in real estate before.
“I think by doing that, it puts us in front of a lot of our competitors and brings more energy to our business.”
One of Mr Bacon’s most memorable campaigns was the sale of 29 Laidlaw Parade, where he drew a crowd of 200 people to the auction and secured a final sale price of $12.5 million, far exceeding expectations.
“It was one of the best campaigns I’ve ever seen,” Mr Caulfield said.
“Michael’s ability to run that auction and achieve such a high price was extraordinary.”
Co-director of Place Kangaroo Point, Courtney Caulfield, said Michael has always had something different.
“That sale showed what sets Michael apart—his creativity, attention to detail, and relentless drive,” Ms Caulfield said.
“Bringing someone like Michael on board as co-director is the best way to take us to the next level.”
Mr Bacon said his day-to-day role won’t really change but he has set clear goals for the future of Place Kangaroo Point.
“We’ve spent quite a bit on an office fit-out, and one of the biggest goals is to be Brisbane’s best real estate agency while offering the best work environment for our agents and support staff,” he said.
“Changing the culture around that is key.”
“With Michael as co-director, we’re set to take the business to the next level,” Mr Caulfield said.
