Former Woolworth exec turns real estate agent in booming hinterland town

From groceries to real estate, a Sunshine Coast former supermarket executive has given up canned goods for a new career.

Inspired by a love of flipping houses, a former Woolworths executive has traded groceries for a new career in real estate.

Allister Millican says he got the nudge he needed from the pandemic, deciding now was as good a time as any to dive head first into a booming Sunshine Coast property market.

“I was working four or five days a week in Sydney and along came Covid and I could work from home,” Mr Millican said.

“With that came a career reassess, I’ve been buying and selling houses forever.

“I spent many years flipping houses, and always felt that it could have been done a little better, from communication to the processes.

“It has inspired me and set me on a path to build an agency in the place I call home.”

Ray White Maleny opened its doors officially on Thursday, July 1, with the former executive of 20 years at the helm and several properties already on the books.

Mr Millican said he was now on the lookout for sales agents to join the team.

“I am really keen to surround myself with passionate, like-minded people as I believe the culture of any business is the most important element,” he said.

The 41-year-old has been a hinterland local for the past seven years and has called the Sunshine Coast home for 16 years.

“Maleny is a unique and beautiful place to live,” he said.

“I absolutely loved living on my cattle farm and spending my spare time farming, building and playing around in my shed.

“There’s a big gap when it comes to real estate in the Sunshine Coast hinterland and there’s a big opportunity with technology and various platforms.”

Former Woolworths executive Allister Millican has packed in the grocery business for real estate as the Maleny market heats up.

The father of one said the region has always been a major attraction but has seen a particular surge in the past 12 months due to the pandemic.

“The median sale price in Maleny is going through the roof, month after month,” Mr Millican said.

“The market is quite buoyant at the moment.

“And when you come and see the place, it’s no mystery why.”

Ray White Queensland CEO Jason Andrew said he was thrilled to add another location to the brand.

“We are thrilled that Allister has decided to join us,” Mr Andrew said.

“He is set to amplify the real estate offering in Maleny, and I am looking forward to seeing what he achieves for his local community.”