Now into its third decade, the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales (REINSW) Awards for Excellence is the most prestigious and respected industry awards in NSW.

This year a new category was introduced, to recognise the people who first assist and develop relations with property investors, known as Business Development Managers.

Leah Jay has reaped in this success, receiving the inaugural Award at a virtual event held last earlier this month.

REINSW President, Leanne Pilkington, said this year’s Awards for Excellence were bigger than ever despite the COVID-19 pandemic, which completely disrupted the industry’s usual working practices.

From its Newcastle office, the Leah Jay team celebratedas Madeline Freemantle won the Business Development Manager Award at the online event.

Madeline joined Leah Jay in 2017, after relocating from the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, where she had worked in the real estate market for 16 years.

Madeline is committed to delivering her clients great experiences and starting off the relationship in the best possible way.

Her unique approach has fitted well with Leah Jay’s client centred approach and seen success all round, culminating in the recognition that goes with the prestigious award.

Madeline said receiving the REINSW Award was a bucket list moment and a proud moment in her professional career.

“A REINSW Award is something I have coveted for a long time, but it’s not lost on me thereason I am able to achieve this accolade is because I have an entire team behind me who are exceptional at what they do,” Madeline said.

Leah Jay also had another finalist in the running, with Holly Ekert, the youngest Senior Property Manager in Leah Jay’s 26-year history, inthe running to be named Property Manager of the Year.

Holly hails from Osterley and began her career with Leah Jay four years ago.

Currently halfway through an MBA at Newcastle University, Holly epitomises the new face of property management.

Director and Operations Manager at Leah Jay, Cassandra Lantry said she was thrilled to see their team members recognised on the national stage in their industry.

“I am so pleased for all of our teams across the business. We are all about property management and work tirelessly to continually improve everything that we do,” she said

“Our nominations in two categories illustrates our determination to remain at the forefront of property management.

“We’re always proud to be representing the Hunter region in the industry’s most prestigious awards.”

Now with nine wins and 25 finalists since the awards began in 1997, Leah Jay is proud to say they are an adorned property management group in NSW.

IMAGE | Winner of the Business Development Manager Award, Madeline Freemantle.