In this episode of Elevate, host Samantha McLean sits down with Andrew Acton, founder of Explore Property and second-generation real estate leader, to uncover the mindset and strategies that fuel successful agency growth. With over a decade of experience, Andrew has built award-winning agencies and mentored countless agents, bringing a unique mix of resilience, ambition, and market insight to the conversation. Andrew shares his personal journey and the hard-earned lessons that shaped his approach to real estate. From expanding Explore Property into Southeast Queensland to his perspective on the “law of undulation” in business, Andrew offers practical yet profound advice on building a business with both strength and heart. You’ll also get an inside look into his experiences with big decisions, brand building, and maintaining balance in the volatile world of real estate. What drives Andrew’s commitment to growth and leadership in an industry known for its ups and downs? Tune in to discover his unique methods for staying grounded, inspiring his team, and building a legacy in real estate. "I honestly believe that I'm a better leader and a better human now than I've ever been. And that's kind of the law of life," - Andrew Acton 10 Essential Insights From This Episode: * [00:03:00] – Ambition in Real Estate "If you did it based on facts and figures, you'd probably never do it. But ambition is not an easy thing to describe." * [00:05:00] – Branding in a “Sea of Sameness” Andrew explains how Explore Property stands out and why distinctive branding is vital in today’s market. * [00:07:00] – Trusting Instincts Over Industry Norms Andrew’s journey breaking from traditional models: "Sometimes you just have to back yourself and create your own path." * [00:10:00] – Advice for Career Longevity Key advice from Andrew’s father: "The number one reason people fail in real estate is because they don’t stay in it long enough." * [00:11:00] – Handling Market Ups and Downs Learn Andrew’s mindset for tackling market ups and downs: “Real estate’s a mental game. Life’s a mental game.” * [00:13:00] – Focus on Relationships in a Shifting Market Why service and strong connections trump market conditions: “I’m here to help – simple as that.” * [00:16:00] – Foundations for New Agents Andrew’s advice on starting out: “You need a sphere of influence, a farm area, and a database. Have a plan, don’t wing it.” * [00:18:00] – Building a Business, Not Just a Career Why agents should consider the long game and build a business rather than focus solely on individual transactions. * [00:26:00] – Balancing Technology with Personal Touch "Remember, technology can’t replace trust. People still want to hear you and see you.” * [00:30:00] – Effective Leadership by “Letting Go” Andrew’s leadership approach: “Sometimes you need to be the observer, standing on the bank while the river of chaos flows by..." Links: * Explore Property * Andrew Acton LinkedIn Detailed Episode Guide: From Construction to Real Estate LeadershipAndrew shares his journey from civil construction in Western Australia to becoming a real estate leader, crediting his father's guidance for his career change.