About
Kirk has been active in the property industry for over 35 years now, the vast majority of that has been in hands-on roles within the property management sector.
Over his time Kirk has run businesses for himself, property developers and estate agencies alike, using his vast knowledge and experience to the benefit of all. He has taught industry practice through the Real Estate Institute of Victoria, the TAFE system and national franchise brands.
Kirk knows the front line of property management, and after close to 30 years there, there isn’t a lot that he hasn’t covered – his first foray into the industry came as Australia was in the grips of the recession of the early 1990’s – out of a rent roll of 220 properties, both the delinquency rate and vacancy rate were well into double figures and it took a huge amount of work to turn this around – something which was recognised by the Real Estate Professionals group 2 years later when he won his first “Property Manager of the Year Award” with them.
Success followed success as, within 3 short years, that rent roll had doubled in size under his leadership, and profitability had escalated by 130% – a pattern which would be followed in most of the businesses he took management of.
He has since managed rental management firms from start-up level right through to close to 2000 properties under management, and a high number of the people who he has either managed directly or managed businesses for still rely on his wisdom and guidance as they further their own firms and careers.
His strong presence within the property management community has seen his advice being sought by industry leaders; he has held very senior roles within most of the major franchise groups in Melbourne and is regularly called on by the staff within those organisations for advice, guidance, and mentorship – areas where he has developed a reputation as a calm, professional and exceptionally knowledgeable leader and advisor.
With a strong focus on what used to be called “soft skills” in communication, negotiation, conflict resolution and mindset, Kirk has developed team to perform at their optimum, and now, as we start to imagine what our working worlds are going to look like in 2021 and beyond, the skills he has acquired are being put to use helping company owners and directors, department managers and property managers re-craft and re-imagine their property management divisions and their futures.
What the industry says
“Kirk would have to have the most acute comprehension on the workings of the residential tenancies act and has an innate ability to assess property management complexities and train and nurture the relationship between clients and the property managers.”
Robyn Adair – Real Estate Strategic Solutions
“Kirk Stafford is the ‘go-to’ guy for anything real estate and specifically Property Management. He has a huge wealth of knowledge and is always on hand and happy to assist with any PM question, no matter how tricky or trivial. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending him to anyone if they need a coach or general business advice.”
Renee Whitehouse – Your Property Mentors
“Kirk Stafford is a huge wealth of knowledge and has been my mentor ever since I worked for him in 2002. He has helped me immensely over the years, from giving me my first opportunity in Property Management – teaching me everything I know, to remaining a good friend and business acquaintance over the years. I can always rely on Kirk for sound advice and help with any curveball thrown at me and there are plenty in this industry! His skills and ability to think quickly, keep up to date with the latest legislation means he the “go to” person, especially in the current climate.”
Amy Lawson – Director, Adore Property Management