Harry M Miller and Dougal.
A passion for business and beautiful homes motivated Dougal Miller-Sneddon to become a real estate agent, but he also credits his famous grandfather, Harry M Miller, for passing on valuable skills that are propelling his career.
The 26-year-old, who works alongside Tim Andrews, principal of LJ Hooker Terrigal, admits he was hesitant to mention his connection to Australia’s famed manager to the stars when starting in property sales.
Harry M Miller passed away peacefully in July 2018 from dementia, leaving a legacy spanning decades, representing both showbiz and high-profile personalities, such as Barry Humphries, Graham Kennedy, Maggie Tabberer, and Lindy Chamberlain.
“People often ask how I became a real estate agent, and I’ll mention my grandfather and his love of business because it is something special to me,” Mr Miller-Sneddon said.
“My generation doesn’t really know who he was, but their parents do, and a lot of people are quite blown away by it. It has broken the ice quite a few times.
“Being his eldest grandchild, I am very blessed to spend the most amount of time with him before he became unwell. In the school holidays, I would go down to Sydney and sit in his office. There were always deals happening around him, and when you are in that environment, even as a young child, it has an impact.”
After high school, Mr Miller-Sneddon took a support role with another Central Coast real estate agency before joining LJ Hooker Terrigal where his career has flourished under the mentorship of Mr Andrews.
“I didn’t know he was Harry M Miller’s grandson when I took him on, but he just had a presence about him and a little bit of cheekiness,” Mr Andrews said.
“It was only when I questioned him about his hyphenated name that he told me. Dougal is great with clients and vendors, especially our high-end clients. He is very enthusiastic and has a tonne of energy, he is there at every appraisal and open home.
“The work from home space has changed our market here; people can now live by the sea but remain in the city corporate world, so there is demand for luxury retreats and acreages.”
A long-time Central Coast local, Mr Miller-Sneddon has progressed from an associate to a specialist agent within Mr Andrew’s team. Recent listings include a luxury beach home owned by Rugby Australia’s former chief executive, Bill Pulver, which has a price guide of $2.5m.
“My grandfather was a very straight shooter and a master negotiator, he would always tell me to look someone straight in the eye, give them a firm handshake, and always tell the truth,” Mr Miller-Sneddon said.
“My mum and extended family have all told me Harry would want me to carry on his business reputation, and that he would have absolutely supported me. It sounds a bit clichéd, but this job is different every day, and that is why I love it so much; you just never know what is going to happen.”
Dougal Miller-Sneddon.
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