A coveted club that’s full of heart

Gary Peer is more than your everyday real estate company. It’s an institution (in a good way). Some might even say it has a bit of a cult following – again, in the best way possible.

From humble beginnings dating back to the ‘80s, the company has grown into what it is today thanks to loyalty, hard work and people.

At the heart of this growth? Our 10-Year Club.

‘The 10-Year Club gives us a lot of pride,’ Gary says. ‘It shows that people want to be here, and that’s special.’

In its purest form, the club celebrates loyalty and commitment. It honours those who have been with our company for over a decade and recognises the dedication and strong relationships that have been built along the way.

For club members like Kristy Heyneker, Gary Peer’s Special Projects Manager, it’s about a deep connection to the roots of the business.

‘It’s absolutely a highlight,’ she says. ‘And just another example of how we as a business like to come together to acknowledge our wins.’

More than 30 people now boast a membership in this coveted club. And to the people who work there, that says something powerful.

‘It’s an honour to be part of this club,’ Senior Property Consultant Arlene Joffe says. ‘Gary Peer is more than just a workplace – it’s a family.’

 

 

We’d cheers to that!

The 10-Year Club exemplifies the strength of relationships and shared values.

‘It’s great to be recognised as part of a group of colleagues who have worked for the company for such a long time,’ says Arlene, who joined Gary Peer in 2013.

And one of every member’s favourite parts of being in the 10-Year Club? The annual dinner, of course!

‘We have a team member who moved to Townsville, but we fly her in every year for this event because it’s such an important tradition,’ Gary says. ‘So, yeah. It’s special.’

Kristy, who has been with Gary Peer since 2007, adds, ‘The culture was built at the very beginning – when the company was just 2 offices located 50 metres apart. Back then, we met regularly as a close-knit group, and it was during these interactions that we built a strong bond.

‘So, it means a lot to me that the tradition has kept going with the 10-Year Club dinner – and the great meal is the delicious cherry on top!’

 

A night of great food (and better company)

As you can tell, the 10-Year Club dinner is an annual highlight. And this year’s event was no exception.

‘30 of us gathered at Studio Amaro for an unforgettable night celebrating our 10-Year Club’s loyalty,’ says Kristy.

The team was welcomed with an abundance of Aperol Spritz and Limoncello Margaritas, as the DJ set the vibe with a mix of classic and fresh tunes.

And the food? It was sensational!

‘We enjoyed a delicious spread of Italian dishes,’ shares Arlene. ‘The whipped ricotta with lemon oil was just incredible.’

Co-founders Phillip Kingston and Gary Peer added a personal touch, sharing heartfelt messages of appreciation with each team member.

For Gary, the night captured the heart of what they’ve built.

‘The room was filled with laughter, love, and shared stories,’ he says. ‘It reminded us how far we've come together.’

 

 

A workplace that feels like family

The team at Gary Peer feels more like a community. That’s what keeps people staying for the long haul.

Gary and Phillip worked hard to build that culture. And it all comes down to one assessment: the dinner party test.

‘Every person we’ve selected to work here, we’d be happy to have at a dinner party,’ Gary says. ‘That’s always been our benchmark. It’s not just about skill – it’s about fit.’

Another quality the Gary Peer culture is built on? Support.

‘These people have been by my side through all the highs and lows,’ Kristy says. ‘And I couldn’t be more grateful for that.’

For Arlene, the camaraderie of the team has been key to her long tenure.

‘Hard work and commitment blended with the backing from my colleagues have allowed me to grow personally and professionally,’ she says. ‘I’ve developed skills I never knew I had and grown into a confident leader.’

 

 

The evolution of Gary Peer

Staying with a company for over a decade means witnessing its evolution firsthand. And at Gary Peer, that evolution has been rapid.

Gary admits they haven’t always played by the rules.

‘We’ve always thought we’re a bit of an accidental success because we’ve never been great planners,’ he laughs. ‘But really, our success has been due to a combination of hard work, integrity and the desire to get results.’

Kristy believes this is what keeps Gary Peer thriving.

‘We’re always evolving,’ she says. ‘Fresh ideas are always encouraged and everyone’s voice matters.’

Arlene agrees: ‘The brand became more entrenched as the company grew, which definitely underpinned my growth as an agent – and a person.’

 

 

Decades of hard work

At Gary Peer, people are always encouraged to push themselves. And they do – knowing they have the backing of a close-knit team and supportive leadership.

That unique, ambitious energy is palpable – and rewarded.

‘Gary Peer enabled me to grow and develop an executive career later in my life,’ Arlene says. ‘I’ve gained the confidence to handle challenging situations and feel good doing it.’

So, what’s the secret to Gary Peer’s success?

‘We genuinely care for each other here,’ Gary explains. ‘Which is why we don’t have a history of people leaving here and thriving elsewhere. They thrive here, too.’

 

 

Looking to the future

Looking ahead, the future at Gary Peer is bright.

‘I’m proud to be part of this team,’ Kristy says. ‘My journey has been one of continuous growth and I’m still learning and pushing myself every day.’

Arlene is equally excited about the future.

‘As the company grows, I expect my career to grow alongside it,’ she says. ‘I see a bright future ahead and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.’

But for Gary, success looks a little different.

‘For me, it’s not just about the numbers, it’s about creating an environment where people want to stay and thrive,’ he says. ‘That’s something you can’t put a price on.’

 

 

Want to hear more about our outstanding company culture? Read our workplace articles on The Peer Blog.