Page 5 - TYSON PROPERTIES: 20 YEARS AND COUNTING

A TRIBUTE TO TYSON CARVING A LASTING LEGACY

PROPERTIES DEBRA MADDOCKS

oo many people come Twenty years later, there’s after winning every accolade
JUDITH NTOMBELA into real estate thinking a vibrant mix of youth and possible, Maddocks decided it
“T it’s quick money or an experience. The brand remains was time to hang up her real
easy career. Good agents make fresh and appealing to younger estate hat and ‘retire’ to the
it look easy, but it demands clients without alienating more Western Cape to work with her
hard work, commitment, and established ones.” son in his marketing agency
emotional intelligence,” says and Airbnb business.
Debra Maddocks, the managing MORE THAN AN AGENT
partner at Tyson Properties, A visit from Chris Tyson and
Helderberg. Maddocks admits that she has Lee Ellis changed her mind
never seen herself as “just an though and she found herself
Having, quite literally, enjoyed agent” but rather as a business based in the Helderberg office
two property careers, she within a business. in Somerset West.
now shares her experience by
mentoring newcomers. She wants She joined Tyson Properties “I love working with this
new agents to understand that with a single goal – to see if she amazing team that knows
real estate success isn’t easy - but could exceed her previous success how to have fun selling
it is possible. by joining a larger and more homes, making memories,
competitive agency. and having a laugh along the
For Maddocks, two traits are way! Because real estate isn’t
key to becoming a good agent At the time, many doubted that just about property – it’s about
– consistency and genuine care: her move to Tyson Properties’ personality!” she smiles.
“I always say, if you care enough Westville office would pan out:
Judith Ntombela “When I resigned, someone told On a more serious note, her
about your clients, your peers,
the people you mentor, it makes me that I would never make it as return to real estate has brought
udith Ntombela, a proud Tyson and, more recently, with a huge difference. That’s why my Tyson had all the top agents. That a renewed focus: building
mother of three, was recently Kim and Craig Woods with clients keep coming back. I cared lit a fire in me. I don’t accept ‘no’ up others. Her focus is on
Jhonoured with a long service whom she has also built a strong from the beginning, whether they or never.’ It became a challenge - training and mentoring new
award for her dedication and rapport. What has remained were buyers, sellers, or interns.” and I love challenges.” agents, sharing what it really
loyalty to Tyson Properties. constant throughout, she says, Driven by ambition, grit, and an takes to succeed in real estate
is the deep sense of care and She admits that what has driven and at Tyson Properties in
When Chris started his real community in the office. her success from the start is a unwavering belief in herself, she particular. 
estate business, he approached deep love for being challenged. rapidly rose through the ranks.
Judith with the opportunity to “One of the things that has She is also quick to help those After her first year, she wasn’t yet
work at the Tyson Properties new really stood out for me in all that she mentors to truly eligible for awards. “I remember
office. This offer was one that these years is that I’ve always understand what is known as sitting at the awards ceremony
would mark the beginning of a felt like part of a family,” she “the Tyson Advantage”. and thinking, ‘Next year, I’m not
sitting here empty-handed’.”
lasting professional relationship. says. “The family spirit is really Maddocks credits Tyson
important and has kept me From that point onwards,
He asked me to move from working for Tyson Properties.” Properties with offering a she became a fixture at Tyson
housework to maintaining the dynamic, forward-thinking Properties’ awards ceremonies.
office,” says Judith. “I was very As a single mother, the support platform that embraces Accolades included the Best
delighted, and the first thought in Judith received from the Tyson innovation and inclusiveness. Real Estate Agent in Africa
my head was, ‘No more ironing!’” Properties team has had a lasting “When Chris Tyson launched and the Best Real Estate Agent
impact. Tyson Properties, people said Internationally in 2016.
That simple but significant he’d never make it. There
transition opened the door to a Her story is a testament to were already long-established
meaningful career with Tyson the caring culture at Tyson players in the market. But he A SECOND CAREER
Properties. Over the years, Judith Properties. And for Judith that brought creativity, modern One thing is certain though –
has worked closely with Chris has made all the difference.  thinking, and innovation. awards do not define her and, Debra Maddocks

FROM VISION TO LEGACY

ARLEEN SHOTLAND

peaking with Arleen What started as a routine and fairness,” Arleen explains.
Shotland, one of the original valuation turned into a pivotal “We get so many compliments. It’s
Sagents who helped bring moment. “We just said, ‘This is the very rewarding when a client says,
Tyson Properties to life, it’s clear perfect place for you to open your ‘Thank you so much, you’ve been
that she has had an amazing own company.’” so professional.’
journey over the past twenty years.
“Ten days later, he called us in That’s what Tyson Properties is
“I met Chris Tyson at the and said, ‘I’m opening my own aiming at – to listen to people and
previous company we worked company – Tyson Properties. to understand what they’re going
for,” Arleen begins, reflecting on Will you come with me?’” All but through. Sometimes
their first encounter. That first one of the original team of agents you’re an agent, sometimes
meeting would mark the start of joined Chris on this leap of faith. a psychologist.”
an extraordinary journey, both They started from scratch. “We Arleen, who came into real
professionally and personally. sat on the floor, opened a bottle of
champagne, and that’s how Tyson estate with no formal background,
Chris wasn’t just another estate credits the company with helping
agent with ambition, he had vision. Properties started.” her find a career path. “My 20-year
As Arleen recalls, “Chris said to The culture that has been journey with Tyson Properties
us one day, ‘Please come and do cultivated at Tyson Properties has been absolutely phenomenal.
an evaluation on a property in has stood the test of time. “We’ve I don’t know what I would have
Windermere with me’.” been taught to act with integrity done without them.” Arleen Shotland one of Tyson’s founding agents still with the group
20 years later.

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