Rural milestones
BY NINA CLARKE
FROM ONE GENERATION TO THE NEXT IN ATHERTON
The transition of ownership from Margaret Black AM to her daughter Diane Brennan and son-in-law Morgan Brennan is a story woven with threads of dedication , family bonds and a deep-rooted connection to Atherton ' s community .
From humble beginnings with a small team , Margaret ' s leadership and structured approach saw the business flourish , expanding to employ eight dedicated individuals .
Beyond her business success , Margaret ' s heart lies in community service . Her three decades of voluntary work , including advocacy for children ' s education , culminated in her becoming a member of the Order of Australia - a testament to her unwavering dedication beyond the realm of real estate .
“ I am passionate about kids getting a good education , and I have employed several year 12 students to give them some work experience ,” she said .
Diane ' s journey into the family business began in 2008 . Previously in the culinary field abroad , Diane found herself drawn into the world of real estate , navigating the complexities of property management and administration . Juggling these roles alongside raising four young children , Diane ' s resilience and capability shone through .
Morgan Brennan , Diane ' s husband , brought his own dynamic to the team in 2016 , excelling as a sales agent known for his commitment and community involvement . His efforts extended beyond transactions , often assisting with local events and even cattle movements - embodying the spirit of holistic service that defined their approach .
As Margaret transitions into retirement , she leaves behind a legacy of integrity and growth . The reins of the business now firmly in Diane and Morgan ' s hands , they embrace the opportunity with enthusiasm and respect for the traditions Margaret instilled .
THE CROFT FAMILY LEGACY CONTINUES IN DALBY
James Croft ’ s career spans 27 years ; 17 in livestock agency and stud stock auctioneering , where he honed his expertise in rural industries before moving into rural real estate . Sally , with 25 years experience in banking , joined the team in 2015 to create a true family business .
“ When we moved into real estate , we were driven by a shared vision to provide exceptional service grounded in honesty and integrity ,” James said .
“ Ray White is a family business and that is how we see our own business as well . We understand the juggles of family life and really want to provide our team with a happy , safe place to work ,” Sally said .
For the Crofts , each office opening and their anniversary milestone is not just a marker of business success , but a testament to their dedication in serving southern Queensland ’ s rural communities .
In the heart of Queensland ’ s Darling Downs , amid acres of rural farming land and tight-knit communities , James and Sally Croft have etched out a remarkable story of growth and country spirit .
Celebrating their 10-year anniversary as business owners with Ray White Rural , the Crofts have expanded their footprint with the opening of Ray White Rural Dalby , joining their successful existing offices , Ray White Rural Pittsworth and Warwick .
“ We took the leap of faith when we acquired Ray White Rural Pittsworth in 2014 and over the years strategically expanded , opening Ray White Rural Warwick in 2019 with just one team member , gradually growing to a team of 22 in total .”
James and Sally are graziers themselves , giving an added layer of depth and insight when dealing with clients .
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