Breaking Barriers: How Buxton’s Sophie is Redefining Business Development
In December 2024, Sophie added another accolade to her impressive career, receiving the National Business Development Manager of the Year Award at the prestigious PMP Awards. This recognition cements her position as one of Australia’s leading business development professionals in property management, an accomplishment that Sophie finds deeply personal.
“When I think about this award, it’s more than just a career milestone—it’s validation of the years I’ve spent pushing myself through challenges, both personal and professional,” Sophie shares. “It’s a reminder that I’ve built something meaningful in an industry I truly love, surrounded by a team that supports me every step of the way.”
Sophie’s role as Business Development Manager with Buxton Real Estate has not only been a testament to her expertise but also a reflection of the company’s innovative culture. Tasked with onboarding new clients and listing properties across seven offices, Sophie has redefined the role of a BDM by creating a system that balances volume with quality.
“When I joined Buxton four years ago, this role didn’t exist,” Sophie explains. “But Ben Riddle, who leads the Buxton Geelong Group, had a vision. He didn’t just want someone to fill a position; he wanted the right person to drive the group forward, someone who aligned with the cultural values of Buxton.”
Under her leadership, Buxton Geelong has seen unprecedented growth in property management across all offices, a feat Sophie attributes to the team around her. “It all comes down to the people you work with. The support I’ve received has been integral to my success,” she says.
Sophie’s journey into real estate started humbly at age 18 as a receptionist, a role that quickly snowballed into managing rental teams and developing new business strategies. Her natural ability to connect with people and her hunger for growth set her apart early on.
“I’ve faced my fair share of challenges, from juggling multiple roles at offices, learning where I needed to grow and trying to find work and life balance,” Sophie says. “But I’ve learned that resilience is key. You can’t take losses personally. You just have to keep pushing forward.”
This tenacity has earned her several career awards, including winning Buxton’s BDM of the Year for three consecutive years, being named a national finalist in the REB Awards for excellence in sales, business, and administration in both 2024 and 2025. Sophie has also been recognised with awards such as Most Property Management Listings (2018) and the runner up Property Management Team of the Year (2018).
Sophie’s achievements are deeply rooted in her connection to people. One of her most poignant moments came when a previous assistant nominated her for an award. “It was incredibly emotional because it reminded me of the impact I have on others, beyond the day to day at work. That’s the kind of legacy I want to leave behind,” she reflects.
For Sophie, business development isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building relationships, mentoring the next generation, and nurturing a team that thrives. “My goal is to step more in to a training space for our group, help fellow BDM’s rise, and see them succeed. I want to see my team up on-stage winning awards one day.”
As Sophie looks to the future, she sees the role of BDMs evolving to become central to an agency’s growth strategy. “There’s a growing emphasis on business development, and I believe more agencies will start prioritising this. It’s not just about maintaining the status quo; it’s about progressing and staying at the forefront of the industry,” she says.
Her advice to aspiring BDMs? “Be hungry, resilient, and never take anything personally. Find the right cultural fit and align yourself with a team that shares your vision. This role isn’t easy, but if you love what you do and stay focused, the rewards are incredible.”
For Sophie, those rewards are not just measured in awards but in the relationships she’s built, the milestones she’s achieved, and the legacy she’s creating in the property management industry.
