RYAN TOGIA

What did you want to be when you were at school?

A musician! I still play the piano.

What was your first job?

Professional, Executive 3 star Michelin Chef at KFC.

What inspired you to become an agent?

One of my old clients was an agent at the time and encouraged me to give it a go.

How long have you been in the real estate industry?

I’ve just finished my first year!

What motivates you to succeed?

Meeting new people day in and day out.

What interests do you have outside of real estate?

My little family definitely gives me a reason to look forward to coming home. I’m also a huge UFC fan.

What do you wish you knew in your first year of being an agent?

Just enjoy the journey.

What’s the best piece of life advice you’ve ever received?

Silence is golden, unless you have kids, then silence is suspicious.

What’s the most challenging part about your work?

There are definitely peaks and troughs in this industry however, I am getting more apt at dealing with these over time.

If you could own a home/holiday home anywhere in New Zealand, where would it be and why?

A Hobbit hole in Hobbiton. They live a very “you do you” life and I am a massive Tolkien fan.

Who do you look up to in terms of your career?

A former boss. I had a part time job when I was studying in Wellington, and I’ve taken a lot of pages from his book.

What advice would you give to prospective vendors in the current market?

No matter what the market is doing or what anyone says, buy or sell only when it suits you and your family.

What’s your biggest career highlight to date?

There certainly are many but one that stands out is helping my first couple into their first home. Mr and Mrs Higgins were great people and got themselves a great home.

Outside of your career, what achievement are you most proud of?

My children will always be my biggest achievement.

To anyone looking into getting into the real estate industry, what advice would you give them?

Put people first and everything else will fall into place.