From Botswana to the Gold Coast: My journey to management rights

By Marion Simon Management Rights Owner/Operator. Boulevard North Apartments, Gold Coast

Moving across the ocean from landlocked Botswana in Southern Africa at a mature age is never easy. Deciding where to stay, what career to follow, and where to establish a business were some of the challenges I faced.

I hailed from an expansive, happy, and content working life. I owned and managed a variety of businesses, including a full-service marketing agency, waste management, property management and investment, a personnel agency, a consultancy company, mentoring, and lecturing.

I had also gained experience in radio and television presenting and media writing. However, a common thread that ran through all these businesses was a passion for property.

Based on this passion, I decided to focus the Australia-based business on property. I loved short term rental and investment properties, so this was my automatic preference.

My research commenced in Botswana, and the term “management rights” popped up in every search. This was a foreign term, one that had no meaning and one I had not heard before.

A Google search for management rights unearthed: “Management rights refer to a business model in which an individual or company purchases the right to manage and let out units in a residential or holiday complex on behalf of the property owners.

This involves the manager living onsite or nearby and handling the day-to-day operations, including maintenance, tenant relations, and administrative tasks. The manager typically earns income through a combination of management fees and letting commissions.” This sounded like the perfect business.

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Once my decision was made, the search began. I contacted a large variety of management rights agents and the picture painted was one of an unbeatable lifestyle, fun in the sun, and a great return on investment. Here is one of the hundreds of amazing statements made about management rights: “This lucrative industry offers lifestyle, security and high returns. It is a unique business opportunity and how you and your family can secure your future, living a quality lifestyle.”

Sounds too good to be true? You know the saying… and so the journey began.

Upon arrival on the Gold Coast, accommodation was booked in Kirra, Burleigh, Broadbeach and Labrador. Areas south and north of these locations were explored and investigated, accompanied by experienced management rights agents. Over 30 management rights buildings were viewed. After the investigation process, I decided to position the business in Broadbeach. This area was central, offered a wonderful lifestyle, restaurants, the casino, conference centre, and was on major transport routes.

Sounds easy? Buying management rights in Broadbeach was a challenge in itself because they seldom come on the market. But, with the aid of an active agent, the management rights for Boulevard North Holiday Apartments were secured off-market.

My husband Chris had remained in Botswana to conclude a consulting assignment, so living, starting, and learning the business filled my every waking moment for the next six months until Chris joined me in February 2020.

He arrived in Australia one week before the borders closed for the following two years due to COVID-19.

Five years later… The experience has been life-changing!

Here is what I have learned:

• What is said, more often than not, is untrue. You must investigate, investigate, investigate.
• The management rights industry is operated by the most wonderful, resilient, caring people. Find them and form your industry family.
• It is an industry that has very high ups and very, very low downs. Remember, everything will change, end, and improve; the current situation is only temporary.
• The hardest lesson for me is not to take ANYTHING personally! There are awful people in every walk of life, and for some reason, there seems to be a double dose in the management rights industry. Do not allow their behaviour and moods to affect you and the amazing industry that we are privileged to operate in.
• Working with bodies corporate, owners, managers, guests, and the public is the lifeline of the business. You need the stealth of a cat, the resilience of an oak tree, and the ability of a tightrope walker. You need to love variety, daily challenges, and the opportunity to grow.

Boulevard North Holiday Apartments was honoured to be awarded the ARAMA 2023 Resident Manager of the Year award. What an honour, what a privilege. To be recognised by our peers in the industry, an industry that is often hard and uncompromising, was beyond description.

The annual ARAMA TOP Awards are a fantastic opportunity to interact with the other warriors in our industry, to network and to build the industry family that is so needed.

In closing, would I change anything about the past five years or the decision to enter this industry? The resounding answer is no.

Would I make changes, are there regrets or missed opportunities? Absolutely, but that is the wonderful challenge and opportunity that is life. Living each minute with the very best intention, with care and gratitude, is our mantra. Making mistakes is how we grow.

Interested in a Management Rights business? Click HERE