The Soukop Annual Awards were recently held in the dazzling setting of the aquarium at uShaka Marine World. Besides a spectacular function – guests in black tie, cocktails and a glorious meal all amidst the glowing tanks – a couple of local residents were recognised for their very special achievements.
Photo: June Flitton with Dina Soukop
June Flitton, Sales Associate, Soukop Umhlanga
Awards: Regional Sales Associate of the Year, Platinum Agent, Top Umhlanga Sales Associate
June moved to Umhlanga from Johannesburg some 20 years ago, and hasn’t looked back for a moment. Besides finding Umhlanga a really lovely place to work and live, her job has led to many genuine friendships and many repeat clients: “sometimes I’ve sold two to three properties to the same people over time.” And that’s not just local residents. Many of June’s friends from Johannesburg get her to keep a look out for those perfect investment holiday spots – and why wouldn’t they? – it’s so lovely, they want their bit too!
How long have you been with Soukop? I started with Soukop when the Umhlanga branch opened in 2009, and haven’t had a dull day! I started in the property business in Bedfordview, Johannesburg in 1980, before moving to Umhlanga where I owned my own property company for 10 years and had a property franchise for a while.
Your secret to success? I see every sale as a challenge and view it in the same way as the first one I ever did. I turn every negative into a positive – I believe very strongly in just being positive and not letting the bad things that happen to you get you down. I think we need to learn from our downs and carry on going up. I believe in doing a good job every day and getting to know the sellers and buyers properly – if you do so they become genuine friends. I have gathered so many friends through this over the years! I also believe that you should make at least two appointments every day per property, that way you’re sure to find a buyer.
Favourite part of the job? Closing a sale! I see them all as challenges and get an adrenalin rush every time. That never changes!
Working for Soukop? I really do enjoy working for Soukop, I’m very, very happy and comfortable here, and I think Dina and Fred Soukop are amazing!
Favourite thing to do in Umhlanga? To sit and chill over coffee or at one of our lovely eating places. I love the breakfasts at Ferrucci, I love having Woolies just around the corner, and sitting on the deck of the Beverley Hills with a glass of wine and looking over the ocean is unbeatable! I’m lucky enough to play golf at Mount Edgecombe too, so a lot of my work is done on the golf course. For me, Umhlanga is a fabulous place to live and work – and everything is so easy to reach.
Nadine Matthee, Rental Agent, Soukop Umhlanga
Award: National Rental Agent of the Year
Nadine Matthee has been a local girl all her life – having grown up and raised a family in the area. As top rental agent for Soukop countrywide, Nadine says that she’s delighted to be able to work in Umhlanga, where there is a high demand for rented accommodation which includes everything from private long term and short term residential, to holiday rentals and of course, the buoyant corporate rental market.
How long have you been with Soukop? I started in November 2012 and I love it!
Your secret to success? I think it’s vital to listen to a client’s needs and to be consistent, polite, friendly and approachable. You need to also be quite careful in how you match a client to a property. There are a lot of rental agencies here in Umhlanga so I believe that it’s vital to serve clients well and build relationships of integrity.
Favourite part of the job? The adrenalin rush – and the fact that every day is different. I also meet new people, see new places and fulfil different sets of needs daily which I enjoy.
Working for Soukop? It’s a great place to work – we have stunning offices in the hub of Umhlanga. We have a great time and I love the fact that it’s a family business.
Favourite thing to do in Umhlanga? I love the vibe, I enjoy eating out as well as the nightlife, the social scene, the beach and the promenade. I think Umhlanga is a beautiful location and when I’m not working I’m often at one of my favourite restaurants: Little Havana, Ferrucci, Olive and Oil, Vovo Telo.
www.soukop.co.za
