Iron Bridge celebrates 10 years
by Lisa East
Clocking up 10 years is no small feat in business, especially with the world economy going into downturn for several of those years. Here at Iron Bridge it’s been a great ride and we’re by no means slowing down now.
We began in 2003, when Brent Smith started Iron Bridge Property Group, with investment sales, real estate and property management divisions.
We’re still owned and operated by the Smith family – Brent Smith as Managing Director, his son Adam Smith as Principal and Director, Brent’s wife Sue Smith as Accounts Manager, and daughter Pam Marshall as General Manager of Property Management – so it really is a family affair. Our team of over 35 staff who work in our offices in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, are passionate and dedicated in helping people connect with property.
The company started out with a strong focus on residential property investment and that has remained key at Iron Bridge. “Over the decade we’ve helped hundreds of people successfully make a sound property investment, some purchasing multiple investment properties through us over that time,” says Brent Smith.
Iron Bridge 10-year veteran, David Lewis started out in the investment side of the business working as an Investment Sales Consultant, matching investors with potential properties. But after the Christchurch quakes, he decided to move into property management, as he saw a real need there in the aftermath.
Of the place he’s worked for more than a decade, he says, “The business culture and the people make it great – they’re the biggest asset.”
As part of our team we have specialists trained and personally experienced in property investment. They go through an in-depth and proven process with clients, discussing everything from property location and design, ideal tenants, protecting your investment, and ongoing management of your property. “It’s a comprehensive service that you won’t find in a lot of other residential agencies”, says Brent Smith.
“Over 10 years a lot of people walk through your doors, and we’ve been proud to help so many families into the property market whether they are buying, renting or growing their wealth through sound property investments,” says Director, Adam Smith.
Alongside residential property investment and real estate, property management is also a big part of Iron Bridge’s business, and works neatly alongside the property investment division.
“It’s been a very rewarding and interesting journey with Iron Bridge, seeing the growth over the past 10 years” says Sue Wallis, our Christchurch letting agent for the past decade.
Sue believes that honesty is one of the best policies at Iron Bridge. “We’re on the ball and very honest with our landlords. Rules are set and we abide by them. We really do look after our owners.”
Another long-serving colleague, Pip Rowbotham, started in the Christchurch office as a receptionist over 10 years ago. She has grown her career alongside the Iron Bridge business, and is currently a key member of the real estate team.
“My role has just kept moving and developing with the extra tasks and challenges I needed being added along the way.” Pip now works as a Sales Secretary to the Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington offices, helping agents by organising the background paperwork to get their sales agreements finalised.
“We’re a great team,” says Adam Smith, “and we thank David, Sue and Pip for their loyalty to Iron Bridge. They have added a lot to the business and have given stability during our founding years – we would love that to continue.”
“Property is our passion here at Iron Bridge and as a team, we look forward to another 10 years (and many more!), serving our customers and enjoying the continued growth of our business.”
If you want to know more about what we do – Iron Bridge property management services, real estate sales, or property investment – please get in touch, we’re always happy to give you free advice.