So much more than property managers: exploring our team’s playful personalities
From time machines and go-to meals to theme music and tragic haircuts, we asked five of our property managers 11 questions you don’t hear every day. What would Tania be doing if she wasn’t a property manager? What’s Nicole’s unique – if unconventional – skill? Which agent, in a movie about his life, would be played by Brad Pitt – and who’s a walking, talking bulls**t detector? Let’s find out!
Martina Ticha
Property Manager
If you were a wrestler, what theme song would you walk out to?
Happy by Pharrell Williams.
What’s your greatest skill?
I’m good at building and maintaining relationships with our clients. Negotiating, too – if there’s an issue between a tenant and the rental provider, I know what needs to be done to sort it out.
If you could eat just one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Well, it wouldn’t be a healthy one! I’m taking chicken schnitzel and potatoes.
Where did you grow up – and what do you love most about the area?
I grew up in the Czech Republic, in a village of about 300 people.
I loved the intimacy of it. Everybody knew everybody, and we all looked out for each other.
If you had a time machine, which year would you go back to – and why?
I’d be off back to 1990 (I was eight) to relive visiting my grandmother’s house. Cramming 12 people into a one-bedroom, one-bathroom house for a big meal was always fun!
Are you a cat or dog person?
Dog. I grew up with both, and the dog was always friendlier (and a little more intelligent!).
Now, I have fish. Whenever I’m stressed out, I look at them for a while – and I feel better. I can’t believe how much they calm you down, and how much fun you can have simply watching them!
If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?
I’d love to visit New York, especially at Christmas. But I’m also very happy where I am!
What’s the worst haircut you’ve ever had?
When I was 12, I had a bowl cut, and I was really proud of it.
Looking back at the photos, perhaps I wasn’t quite as cool as I thought I was!
If a movie was made about your life, who would play you?
First, I’d have to say it’d be a pretty boring movie!
As for the actor, Jenny Caughey told me I look like a young Olivia Newton-John when I wear makeup. There are worse comparisons!
Who are the most important people in your life?
My husband Peter, and my two kids. Plus our family in Europe, and all our friends, all over the world. They’re family, too!
If you weren’t a property manager, what would you be?
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve wanted to be a police officer on horseback. But since I moved to Australia, I’ve harboured secret ambitions to work at the airport, protecting Australia’s borders.
Lachlan Hardiman
Property Manager
If you were a wrestler, what theme song would you walk out to?
It’s gotta be Thunderstruck by AC/DC. Bit of bass behind it, get the ring rocking!
What’s your greatest skill?
Probably just chatting with people; a bit of banter here and there. I’ve got the gift of the gab!
If you could eat just one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
My partner’s mum works at Jasper Coffee in Chadstone. She does an incredible roasted breakfast crepe: eggs, bacon, tomato, onion. That’s my go-to. It’s an English breakfast, in a crepe!
Where did you grow up – and what do you love most about the area?
I’m an Oakleigh boy – I’ve lived here for 23 years. I love the area, especially the people. Most of my mates are Greek, so I’ve slotted into that culture.
Oakleigh’s amazing for food, too. Walk down Eaton Mall and try the mixed gyro platter. (Thank me later!)
If you had a time machine, which year would you go back to – and why?
I’d be winding the clock back to 2015. I was living with my mum and dad – and I was a bit of a handful. I stressed them out a bit, which I’m sorry for.
If I could rewrite the past, I’d keep it more cool, calm and collected. And give my folks a break!
Are you a cat or dog person?
This is a tough one.
I’ve been a dog person my whole life (my parents have a labradoodle). And up until a couple of weeks ago – until the idea was firmly vetoed by the missus – I wanted a rottweiler.
But recently, I moved in with my partner. She has a cat, named Ari, already. Since then, we’ve adopted another feline – a kitten named Millie – who’s gorgeous.
So I guess you could say I have a paw in both camps!
If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?
Edinburgh. My mum’s parents are from that way – they migrated to Melbourne from the Scottish capital. I’m also from a massive soccer family, so I follow the Scottish Premier League.
(Go Rangers!)
What’s the worst haircut you’ve ever had?
Back in 2015, I was rocking a dusty cut. Later, it grew into a mullet. I’m proud of neither!
If a movie was made about your life, who would play you?
I’d like to think Brad Pitt. Brad Pitt? Yeah. Brad Pitt.
Who are the most important people in your life?
Definitely my mum and dad; my grandparents, too.
My nan’s no longer with us, but she pushed me to become better, and bigger; to make a name for myself. She was also one of the people who encouraged me to go into real estate.
If you weren’t a property manager, what would you be?
I’ve always been able to see myself in a defence role of some sort. I’ve got family in the army, and in the police. So maybe I’d go down that path – or maybe fight fires.
Basically, I’d be out protecting the streets!
Nicole Cousins
Property Manager
If you were a wrestler, what theme song would you walk out to?
Let’s go with I Don’t F**k With You by Big Sean. Feels appropriate!
What’s your greatest skill?
Spreadsheeting. I love a good spreadsheet. In fact, I have a spreadsheet for everything in life!
If you could eat just one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
One meal? I couldn’t pick one!
Probably French fries. Or the really thick-cut chips, slathered in gravy. Let’s pile on some buffalo chicken and a not-so-healthy portion of cheese, for good measure!
Where did you grow up – and what do you love most about the area?
I grew up in Vermont, Victoria. It’s a lovely area – a safe, nice neighbourhood to grow up in.
If you had a time machine, which year would you go back to – and why?
I’d go back to 2012. Instead of enrolling in university (I studied business management), I’d have kept the cash. And followed my love of real estate straight into the industry.
Are you a cat or dog person?
Definitely a dog person. (I have two, Lexi and Logan.) But I like cats, too!
If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?
Out in the country somewhere – Tassie, maybe. Give me a good book, a glass of wine, and some sunshine, and I’ll go anywhere!
What’s the worst haircut you’ve ever had?
None! They’ve all been fabulous.
If a movie was made about your life, who would play you?
Lizzo. Her attitude is on point.
Who are the most important people in your life?
My husband, Jarrad. (Can I say Lexi and Logan? Yes? See – I told you I was a dog person!)
If you weren’t a property manager, what would you be?
The Sheriff of Victoria. It sounds intriguing and fun – and every day would be different.
Robert Litinetsky
Senior Property Manager
If you were a wrestler, what theme song would you walk out to?
Queen’s We Will Rock You.
What’s your greatest skill?
How to spot a bulls**t artist a mile away. When someone’s lying to me, or trying to give me the wrong information, I’m quick to pick it up. Usually within five minutes of chatting to them!
If you could eat just one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Anything from a Chinese restaurant, to tell you the truth! Cantonese beef is my go-to.
Where did you grow up – and what do you love most about the area?
I grew up in Sydney but moved to Melbourne when I was 16. (Never looked back.)
Are you a cat or dog person?
Dog! I have one – his name is Misha.
If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?
Istanbul, Turkey. I’ve wanted to go there for ages, and this is my year.
What’s the worst haircut you’ve ever had?
When I was a kid, from my auntie. She used to come over with a pair of clippers – a tool she was particularly proud of – to cut my dad’s hair. Then she got stuck into mine.
I won’t go into too many details about the cut itself. Let’s just say, by the time she was finished, I was about as bald as the day I was born!
If a movie was made about your life, who would play you?
Colin Farrell. (I’d take Rami Malek, too.)
Who are the most important people in your life?
My family, especially my dad. He’s taught me so much about life.
If you weren’t a property manager, what would you be?
A lawyer. I love being a property manager, but the legal profession’s always fascinated me. My personality, the way I go about things – I think law would suit me.
Tania Crawley
Property Manager
If you were a wrestler, what theme song would you walk out to?
Eye of the Tiger by Survivor.
What’s your greatest skill?
I play sport competitively, so that’d have to be my top skill. I love inline/ice hockey – and have travelled the world playing it!
If you could eat just one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Oooooh. A Thai green chicken curry. Or a good butter chicken!
Where did you grow up – and what do you love most about the area?
I grew up in a town called Seymour, about an hour and a half north of Melbourne.
It’s a small country town with just over 1,000 people. I lived on a 150-acre farm and loved the freedom out there – the fresh air. I’m a city girl now, but I still miss aspects of farm life.
If you had a time machine, which year would you go back to – and why?
2019, when I explored Europe for five weeks. I’d love to relive it (and to warn the world about a certain impending pandemic, perhaps!)
Are you a cat or dog person?
I have to be a cat person – I have two cats. But I grew up with sheepdogs on the farm, so I definitely have a soft spot for pooches!
If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?
Iceland. It’s my favourite place in the world – simply magical.
What’s the worst haircut you’ve ever had?
When I was a kid, I had your typical five-year-old bowl cut. It was cut with an actual bowl, which tells you everything you need to know!
If a movie was made about your life, who would play you?
Julia Roberts. Or maybe Jennifer Aniston – I mean, why wouldn’t you want one of those two?
Who are the most important people in your life?
My mum, Helen. She’s an absolute delight of a woman, and my inspiration daily. My partner, too – plus the rest of my wider family.
If you weren’t a property manager, what would you be?
Real estate’s always been in my blood. But if I had to do anything else, it’d be hospitality. I’m a big lover of people; being around them. People drive me to get through the day – to enjoy work!