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Allan Barrett a young man whose dream of business success is becoming a reality. A great insight into Allan and the ideas he has to make Portland Seaview Real Estate into a great business and to grow the business into be a leader in the south west of Victoria.

- Lou Cotter

Allan Barrett — a young man whose dream of business success is becoming realty

ALLAN Barrett is 28, the younger son of Gail and Wayne Barrett, with an older brother, David, 30, who lives in Melbourne. Allan was born in the Portland Hospital on June 31, 1980. His schooling was at the Bolwarra Primary School, and then at the Portland Christian Community College (now Bayview College). “I finished my last exam in VCE, and was then employed by the IGA supermarket in Portland as the duty manager. I was there for a couple of years and then moved to Safeway. At the time I was their youngest grocery manager in Victoria. It was after I’d been there for a couple of years that I was transferred to (Melbourne suburb) Camberwell’s Safeway store. This was their number one store in Victoria. My stay there was about six months, and then I returned to Portland because I missed it. “After my return, I stayed for about 18 months then decided I wanted to go to TAFE and study marketing. So I enrolled at St Alban’s TAFE in Melbourne, and studied marketing for a year. After this I enrolled at RMIT and studied Entrepreneurship for 18 months.” Intrigued, I asked Allan what this course involved. “Basically it’s a business degree to learn how to start and run businesses. After this time, I decided I’d learnt enough and was better off working towards my future. Mum, Dad and I discussed me relocating back to Portland to run their fiberglass business. On thinking it over, I decided this was a wise move. It was while I was running this company that I started purchasing investment properties in the Portland area.” I haven’t known Allan for all that long, and was curious about his change from the family fiberglass  business, into selling and renting real estate. “I purchased my first property when I was 20 years old, and have continued to purchase properties over the years. Now I have 10 properties in the area. “The (Huppatz) real estate company was bought in November 2006. My team and I have transformed it into a very successful business, and have increased the turnover by over 150 per cent in the first 12 months. I have big plans for our business, and look forward to seeing it grow into the most successful we have built. My aim is to make it the best real estate company in the Portland area.”

My guest’s enthusiasm for the work he’d taken on, brought back memories of what I’d been like three or four decades ago

From managing supermarkets to selling real estate is a definite career change. I asked Allan what he’d had to do to achieve this. “As part of purchasing the company, I have had to complete my full real estate license. This has been a challenging experience, and I had to spend eight weeks of my first 12 months in Melbourne. This was to study accounting, law, property management, auctioning and several other subjects that involve real estate.

“As of the first of July, we  are changing the name of the business to Portland Seaview Real Estate, but it’s been a long time getting the business ready for the change over. I would like to thank everyone for their support of our business, and words of encouragement. It’s great that there are so many people out there who want us to succeed.”

Allan’s certainly a hard worker, and his efforts were recognised by being named the State Winner of the Small Business Champion Awards in 2007, but I wanted to know what his other interests were.

“I enjoy renovating houses. I renovated eight up to date, and have done others tasks such as painting houses, tiling, replacing floors, polishing floorboards, renovating bathrooms or whatever else is required.”

“Travelling is something I enjoy, and I’ve been to the USA three times and visited New York, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Mexico. I usually head over there when its winter here, and summer in America.”

“What do you do for relaxation?”

“I walk with Jodi, my girlfriend, and our dogs to relax and it give me time to think and clear my head. This is also a good opportunity for Jodi and me to catch up, as we both lead very busy lives. Spending time with my family and friends is very important to me, and I like to catch up with them whenever I can. I love to dine out, and go for a good meal whenever I have a chance.”

None of my guests get away without telling me if they play or follow sport. “NO”, was Allan’s emphatic answer. Earlier we’d been chatting about travel, now I asked my guest the place he’d enjoyed the most. “Las Vegas is where I enjoyed myself most of all.

“The place is like a whole different world. There are so many things to do, and I found it interesting looking around the whole area, and at all the casinos. It’s amazing the different themes they all have.”

“What type of music do you like? Was my next question. “I like hip hop and alternative type music, and try to go to as many concerts as I can.” “Is there a concert you’ve been to which really out?”

“When I was 13, my bother and I went to the Guns and Roses concert, and we had Dad come along to look after us. It was held at Calder Park, and there were over 50,000 people there. This was the first concert I’d ever been to. Recently I have been to see Ice Cube and Ice T, which were also two great concerts.”

“You mentioned dogs before. Are you an animal person?” I wanted to know.

Yes, I love dogs. Jodi and I have two: a Labrador called Lilly, and a Labrador cross golden retriever puppy called Jack. I also have a miniature fox terrier called Snoopy, who my parents look after.”

“What was the best time in your life?”

“As far as I’m concerned every day is fantastic. I believe I’m lucky with my life and doing the things I love. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Allan is blessed to be able to give me his answer. Not every one is able to say this. “Is there anyone who has made a lasting impact on you?”

“I have met numerous people over the years that have influenced my life. Family and friends have made lasting impressions on me for various reasons. My parents would have to be on the top of the list for people who have influenced my life. They have helped me to be the man I am today.”

“Who do you admire most for thoughts and ethics?”

 “My mother and father have taught me to follow my dreams and to work hard. My parents have been in business for over 25 years, and I’ve seen the ups and downs in business, but my parents have never given up. They taught me to always be positive, and this has given me my drive.”

“Do you have a philosophy you live by?”

 “Treat other people, the way you want to be treated. This is the creed I live by.”

Having Allan here as my guest had been a pleasure. Gail and Wayne, his parents must be extremely proud of both his gentle nature, and his determination to succeed. With young men of his calibre owning and running businesses in town, Portland will continue to grow, and go from strength to strength.