What started as an after-school job answering phones at a local real estate agency turned into a stellar career for Karen Beebar, who is celebrating 20 years as a business owner and 15 years with Australia’s most iconic real estate brand.
Now principal of LJ Hooker Greystanes, Ms Beebar is reflecting on the past two decades at the helm of what has become one of the busiest agencies in Sydney’s west.
“When I was growing up, my family would often go to open homes on a Saturday afternoon for a bit of a sticky beak, and I’d find it great fun choosing my imaginary bedroom,” she said.
“I’d come home and draw up my dream property. I always knew that I wanted to work in real estate, so at 15, I became the weekend receptionist at a local agency while still at school.”
Ms Beebar later began her sales career with LJ Hooker Merrylands, but her ambition was always to run her own office. She initially set up as an independent operator in Greystanes before being approached by LJ Hooker to come on board as a franchise owner.
“There were so many advantages to being part of a larger network with all of the systems and processes, as well as marketing, and the rest, they say, is history,” she said.
“I bought out my local competition nine years ago and, since then, the business doubled in size, and we have just gone from strength to strength. It only feels like yesterday since I joined the network, which I think reflects that I’m doing a job that I love. While it has been a lot of hard work and long hours, it has been satisfying seeing the business thrive.”
Chris Keating, Head of Network Australia, congratulated Ms Beebar on her 20th anniversary as a business owner, including 15 years as a LJ Hooker franchise owner, alongside being recognised as one of the brand’s top residential offices.
“Karen has helped to sell thousands of properties over the years, and her dedication to her staff and the local community has been unwavering,” he said.
“She is incredibly driven and deeply passionate about real estate, with an infectious can-do attitude that is inspiring not just her team but also at a corporate level. Karen encapsulates everything we could want in a franchise owner.”
LJ Hooker Greystanes is located within the local shopping centre and plays an active role in the area by sponsoring local sports teams and supporting other fundraising initiatives such as Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea for the Cancer Council.
As Karen celebrates her 20th anniversary as a business owner she remains focused on continuing to build on the office’s outstanding reputation within the area.
“This is a true community, I’ve watched people grow, and we have been involved in multiple sales for families over the years,” she said.
“It is wonderful that people keep coming back to us, and that makes me feel incredibly proud of what we do.
“The best part of this job has been the people; I’ve made so many friends for life. Sometimes it takes me half an hour to walk from our office to the car because I’ll stop and have a chat and check in with people. It is more than just selling homes; we are making a difference, and that is very special.”
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