A well-rounded, approachable nice guy, always looking for new adventures with the family involving the great outdoors.
He likes to keep busy and have variety, so always looking for something interesting to do.
How did you become a real estate agent?
I used to work on superyachts and was invloved in the data side of the America's Cup for a few years. Afterwards, I wanted a business which gives me freedom to run my own business on my own terms to some extent. People interaction and connecting people with deals has always been attractive to me. Real estate and now management with Barfoot and Thompson Ponsonby and Wynyard Quarter certainly provides plenty of opportunities. It’s a great dynamic company with fantastic people.
What's inspired you recently?
Turning 50 and having a couple of mates pass away due to somewhat preventable illnesses. It gives you perspective, makes you concentrate on the things that matter and not take everything so seriously.
Who is your partner? What do they do?
My wife is Natasha who does some part time recruitment and is also an awesome full time mum to our two super cool kids, Sam (12) and Isabella (10), who are little local legends at Ponsonby Intermediate and Westmere Primary. They certainly keep Tash busy running around with sports, play dates and generally just being kids.
Do you have any pets? Two Burmese cats that are a lot older than me and a Daschund which looks like a slipper with eyes.
How do you keep fit?
Try to go to the gym at least three times a week (fail most of the time) and try to eat a healthy diet.
Your best friend would say of you…
stop procrastinating, just do it!
Your mother would say of you…
don't do it. Remember last time you did that? Ha, she would probably say I'm certainly not boring.
You’ve got a day off, how do you spend it?
Fishing, golfing, sailing or taking the kids to anywhere or anything that gets them away from screens.
Virtues?
Grateful for a great job and a fantastic family. Humour to keep it real and the confidence to try anything new.
Vices?
Probably drinking and eating too much like a lot of people. Thank goodness Christmas is over – back to the gym, no procrastinating, just do it!
Who's your ultimate rock icon?
David Bowie.
Secret passion?
Hiking around the beautiful Southern Alps twice a year chasing an elusive deer or fishing/diving in Fiordland.
What's your secret talent?
I can juggle.
Where do you spend your holidays?
Whangamata, Taupo or Queenstown.
What's your perfect Sunday?
Doing something with the family outdoors with something on the slow cooker to come back to.
What were you going to be when you grew up?
A farmer, but I ended up sailing on the other side of the world about as far from farming as you could be. Weird really, considering I grew up on one.
Favourite Ponsonby cafe?
The Rocket Store – great coffee every morning.
Favourite Ponsonby restaurant?
Prego or Blue Breeze – both delicious and have a great vibe.
Your best kept Ponsonby secret?
Everything you want is within walking distance.
Your desert island distractions?
Hammock, fishing rod and book – sorted.
The house is on fire and your family is safe, what do you save?
My motorbike and Champagne.
I'd be lost without my…
my admin team.
One thing you have learned about life is…
chill out, have fun, back yourself, work and play hard, don't let the noise trap you from enjoying yourself with your family and friends.
E: msymonds@barfoot.co.nz M: 021 330 307, www.barfoot.co.nz/branches/ponsonby
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February 2024