REAL ESTATE TODAY ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR THE 2025 TRAILBLAZER AWARDS

REAL ESTATE TODAY ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR THE 2025 TRAILBLAZER AWARDS RECOGNISING THE INDUSTRY LEADERS RESHAPING REAL ESTATE IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

Real Estate Today has officially announced the finalists for the 2025 Trailblazer Awards, showcasing the individuals, businesses and networks that are redefining leadership, innovation, culture, marketing and operational excellence across the real estate industry.

Following one of the most transformative periods the industry has faced, with rapid changes in consumer behaviour, technology adoption, workforce expectations and brand positioning, this year’s finalist group reflects a sector in motion. These finalists have demonstrated measurable impact, strategic innovation and leadership that extends beyond their immediate businesses.

Founder of Real Estate Today, Nic Fren, said this year’s finalists signal a clear shift in the capabilities and qualities that now define industry excellence.

“The landscape has changed,” Fren said. “These finalists are not simply responding to the market, they are shaping it. From culture and wellness to innovation and technology, marketing, community impact and leadership, every finalist on this list represents the forward momentum of our industry.”

FINALISTS

INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY TRAILBLAZER

• Margaret Foley - KOLMEO

• Mindy Powell-Hodges – ONE AGENCY

• Adam Ma - Voqo

• Julie Davis – AD360

• Joe Shannon – The Efficiency Co

• Ellen Bathgate - Cotent Collab

• Sam McIntyre – Ownly

• Jonathan Rostron – Wingman Group

WELLNESS AND CULTURE TRAILBLAZER

• Shannon Welch – Property Assist

• Rachel Atkin – Harcourts

• Julie Davis – AD360

• Jo Black

• Jonathan Rostron – Wingman Group

RISING STAR TRAILBLAZER

Karan Vaghela – Ray White Judd White Glen Waverley

Tommy Laybourn – Professionals Lower Hutt

Cathy Myers – One Agency Select Realty

RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION TRAILBLAZER

• Julie Davis – AD360

• Zoe Tink – The Recruitment Partners

• Mitch Logan – Ownly

BOUTIQUE NETWORK TRAILBLAZER (UNDER 40 OFFICES)

Agency HQ

Ownly – Sam McIntyre

LJ Hooker (NZ)

MAJOR NETWORK TRAILBLAZER (OVER 40 OFFICES)

LJ Hooker (AUS)

ONE AGENCY

@realty

EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES TRAILBLAZER

• Joe Shannon – The Efficiency Co

• Nikki Osbourne – Wingman

• Rod Fitzgerald - Raine & Horne

• Samantha Hobbelen - Sapia

• Cat Dearlove - PMC 2025

COMMUNITY IMPACT TRAILBLAZER

Jo Black - Black Book Solutions

Nikki Osbourne – Wingman

Rachel Atkins - Harcourts

Travis Smith - Harcourts

THOUGHT LEADERS TRAILBLAZER

• Rachel Atkin - Harcourts

• Shannon Welch - Property Assist

• Maria Edwards - REIACT

• Michael Anania - Laing & Simmons

• Cassie McMillan - Gary J Smith Real Estate

• Nick Georges - Wingman Group

• Jo Black - Black Book Solutions

MARKETING TRAILBLAZER

Brooklyn Poacher - Wingman Group

Alex Iannelli - Stockdale & Leggo

Ellen Bathgate - Content Collab

Shannon Welch - Property Asisst

Adam Nelson-Misa - LJ Hooker Dunedin

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TRAILBLAZER

Joe Shannon - The Efficiency Co

Laura Walker - Gary J Smith Real Estate

Meagan Crump - M&M Property

Monita Keshwan - Head of Property Management | Barfoot & Thompson

SALES TRAILBLAZER

Kylie Johnston - LJ Hooker

Mac Dawson - One Agency Scone

RURAL AND REGIONAL TRAILBLAZER

Megan Dale - LJ Hooker Property Plus

Winners across all categories will be announced in 2026, followed by a series of in-depth editorial profiles exploring the strategies, innovations and leadership approaches behind this year’s most influential contributors.

“These awards reflect the true engine room of our industry,” Fren said.

“The people who build systems, elevate teams, innovate under pressure and support their communities. These finalists are the ones setting new benchmarks for what excellence looks like.”