Navy and sales a good mix
Alex Barnett has followed family tradition with her Forces role.
While many real estate agents might take a holiday in the sun over winter, Alex Barnett spent a week at the Devonport Naval Base in Auckland, as a Naval Reservist.
A fulltime salesperson for her family’s real estate business, NZR in Feilding, for the past 18 months, Alex joined the New Zealand Navy straight out of school and spent five years there as a junior supply officer.
‘‘It was an awesome experience where I learned so much, met so many great people and saw so many places,’’ says Alex.
‘‘While I left the fulltime Navy at the start of 2017, I am still part of the Navy Reserves, which involves parttime work when I’m able.’’
Now a Sub-lieutenant, Alex recently spent a week on a Naval Supply Chain project.
‘‘I think joining the forces is such a great place to start your working life, and you learn so many skills that can you can apply later.
‘‘We had a great social life too, however, it also was the perfect place for me to save some money, which has enabled me to purchase my second home.
‘‘I’m pretty proud of being able to do that on my own, although I do have a few flatmates to help.’’
Alex’s example must have rubbed off on younger brother Jack who is in his fourth year with the Air Force as a Flying Officer at Whenuapai.
As well as the normal brother versus sister banter the Barnetts also have the Navy versus Air Force competition as well.
The wider family has had a bit of involvement in the Forces too, with father Peter spending time in the Army Territorials, their grandfather Graeme did Army CMT, and their great grandfather was a Squadron Leader during World War II and was awarded the Air Force Cross.
‘‘The past year and a half has been really busy at work, there seems to be real growth happening in smaller communities across the whole country.
‘‘I think people like dealing with the owners of a business and like us most because we offer lower commission rates.’’
As if the 24-year-old doesn’t have enough on her plate, Alex is studying two commerce papers per semester extramurally as well.