Dane Crawford is a young businessman who knows what he wants and goes after it! It was this tenacity that led to his first role with Colliers International, where he is now Director of Residential Project Marketing.

In his role Dane is responsible for the inception and delivery of all developments. His extensive experience in development and project marketing covers a broad base across all facets of high density development.

Dane’s no nonsense approach to high density development has earned him a reputation within the industry as being the go-to professional within project marketing.

• What career path led you to where you are now?

I grew up in Kurri Kurri, moved to the Central Coast after school, then to Sydney then to Newcastle. My initial career was in hospitality, more specifically in nightclubs however I have always had an underlying love and passion for property. In my mind I always knew I would end up where I am now.

I remember when I first approached the Managing Director and asked for a job. He told me there wasn’t one available. So I told him I would wait! And that’s what I did! I waited over six months before I was offered a job however I knew that it was what I wanted and the firm I needed to be with if I was going truly succeed. Now I am leading the entire project marketing division. So if there is a message in any of that, I would say follow your heart and back yourself!

• What motivates and drives you?

I believe that life in general is binary. You are either winning or losing. Going forwards or backwards. I like to move forward. So I therefore am always looking to improve. Constant improvement at everything I do in life is a big motivator for me.

Also nearly every day I ask myself ‘what do I want to do for the rest of my life’. If ever that is different to role I am in then I will change it. Simple as that. You have to do what you love. I happen to love property. Property touches the lives of all Australians. We play a role in creating prosperity, jobs and help shape strong and lasting communities. In effect we are changing people’s lives, that’s what motivates me.

• What has been your biggest learning curve in your career?

Understanding that you need to be a value-add provider. People don’t care about who you are or what you are doing. Most people care about what they can get out of a situation. What is the upside for them. So the biggest learning curve for myself is that we all need to be value add providers through the service we specialise in. I ensure that I disproportionately provide so much upfront value to the people that I am dealing with that it is almost impossible for them not to stick with me. I operate in the project marketing space it.

And being patient. Project marketing and real estate in general is a long game. So many people I now focus on the quick upfront wins, I believe building long lasting relationships that foster on the back of trust are far more critical for long sustained success.

• Where would you like to be in 10 years?

I’m not sure. I haven’t focused that far ahead. I think year on year. Where am I today? Where will I be this time next year? I think in those terms. For me that will be further solidifying our presence as the market leaders in project marketing, focusing on further improvement and seeing out or current pipeline projects successfully.

I am also in the process of establishing a website to help the broader market on all things property. It will be a help guide to anyone wanting to grow their knowledge in the property sector.

• Have you had any significant Hunter-based mentors during your career that inspire you?

I have never had any direct hunter based mentors. I just focused on mirroring successful people that inspire me. I have always had a thirst to learn and improve. I always want to be better.

I look to people who are the market leaders across the globe currently operating in the same space as me.

With thanks to Hunter Young Professionals who Hunter Headline collaborated with to source this interviewee.