ONE OF THE TREASURES OF DPPG

ONE of the most valued and upbeat staff members of the fast-growing Dormehl Phalane Property Group (DPPG) is a man whose first job was as an audit clerk before he moved into marketing, then into the security field.

It was only after 25 years at management and director level in the world of security that John Wilkie, respected trainer for DPPG, opted to enter the real estate industry.

Pretoria-born John has been with DPPG since April 13, 2013, but has been a trainer since August 2005, he points out.

"Before joining DPPG I was a trainer for possibly the oldest Natal-based 'family' estate agency in the country for eight years, and prior to that I was at branch level as an agent and a manager, in sales and leasing."

Since joining DPPG, John estimates he has trained more than 2000 candidate/intern agents - as far afield as in the Cape, North West, Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

"I first entered the property industry on the October 3, 1994, as a 'candidate' agent, passing the 'Old Board' exam in July 1995. I moved through the ranks, from a candidate agent to a full status agent (PPRE), and into management in 2001," explains John.

"My qualification comes from on-the-job experience, with excellent training having been given to me, in particular, by two of my past managers."

John, who is now based at the DPPG Training Academy in Sherwood in Durban, adds that his coaching in the training field came from Lindsay Gartrell, a training director at another property group.

"I conduct training at least two to three times a week, on average, and the rest of my time is spent on research and updating company documents pertaining to the DPPG training material, as well as formal company documents," explains John.

What have been some challenges John has faced over the years he has trained?

The first challenge was being given the opportunity to be a trainer in the real estate industry by Owen Dormehl, without having had any formal training, he says. That was before Owen started DPPG and when he worked for another property company

"I have a passion for training and sharing knowledge and saw an opportunity to fulfil this passion with Owen's dynamic real estate group," adds John, in response to a question as to how he came to be a member of the DPPG family.

The strengths of the group he summarises in just two words: "Passion and transformation".

He speaks very highly of Owen Dormehl, summarising him as "a person who is driven to be a successful leader of the pack".

John adds: "Owen is willing to mentor his agents with impromptu training sessions based on his experience, wherever they happen to be at the time. He also often sees opportunities where others do not, and is willing to take on such challenges. He is a go-getter!"

Asked for his appraisal of DPPG's other company head, Tau 'Daniel' Phalane, John says: "I have only met Mr Phalane once, but he is a thorough gentleman and appears to have a humble and approachable disposition".

Among big challenges he faced as a trainer, says John, was the implementation of the National Credit Act and getting agents to change their mindset on qualifying buyers.

"When deals collapsed, the general villain was the new Credit Act, never the agents' inability to properly qualify the buyers" he adds.

"I believe the biggest and most challenging task has been the introduction of the education requirements and the Internship programme by the EAAB, which I believe was well overdue. Unfortunately, many in the industry saw this as a negative development as it required a totally new mindset in realising that 'professionalism' was not just a word, but now a necessity."

Where does John see as his own strong points?

"I see my personal strengths coming from my faith and my desire to help people better themselves, find a purpose for themselves and be successful in these difficult economic times.

"I am a patient person who gives encouragement and support, particularly when interns are struggling to do their best but are hampered through lack of support and their backgrounds."

Born on April 26, 1946, John had most of his schooling at King Edward the VII in Houghton, Johannesburg. He played a good deal of sport and represented the school at different levels.

"My strengths were athletics, swimming and rugby. I was a prefect in both my preparatory and high school days," he continues, adding that he did his compulsory national military service in 1963, at the Air Force Gymnasium at Valhalla, Pretoria, before taking his first job.

A for his views on the South Africa property market in general, John looks on the bright side.

"I am very positive about our industry, even though, in my 25 years, I have experienced many market shifts and challenges. I feel that if we stay focused on our goals and adopt a positive outlook, and accept change, those in the profession will grow and be successful."

Away from the property world, family is very important to John, albeit that his loved ones are spread over three continents.

"I have a son and two daughters, plus five grandchildren, with whom I keep in regular touch."

Among other interests, he and his partner, Kay, enjoy watching rugby and cricket and are ardent Sharks fans. John also enjoys helping Kay in the kitchen and participating in her hobbies and activities.

The three-times married John is passionate about animals and orchids, and rates the Drakensberg as his favourite holiday spot: "It's where I feel closest to God because of the silence and tranquillity".

He admits to loving to simply observe people and their antics, especially when they are unaware they can be seen or watched.

"I am passionate about my work and am proud of all my interns," he adds.