Moni Mazzeo Rental Property Network, Carews Florist, Justmonde Developments, and the Flower Farm.

I started my real estate career in the 1990’s, first in sales, then admin and property management, and finally as a principal. My background is diverse and ranges from retail, working in fashion, the department of corrections, cooking on cattle stations, telemarketing, hospitality, health and wellness and sales.

Rental Property Network was established with the goal of better Property Management with continuity for Investors through retention of Property Managers. Carews Florist is our Profit for Purpose Business and donates over 100K per annum to the community. Between our four businesses we employ around 40 local residents and our goal for Rental Property Network is national expansion. 

Our team cultivates an environment of innovation, measuring every aspect of performance and mentoring team members for improvement. My role is to ensure that our Property Management Team is supported so they maintain positive mental health and are able to well manage our Investors properties

When did you start your business?

Carews we purchased in 2011. Rental Property Network we started in 2013.

What was the inspiration behind starting this business?

Previously Justin and I owned and operated the second largest real estate business in South Australia under both a franchise and a marketing cooperative banner. While we loved the comradery that exists in these environments something that we could never understand was the absolute adoration of sales people and the mere toleration for Property Managers that existed in most sales offices. We recognised that the Property Management arm of the business was undervalued and held in a lower regard than was deserving for such a valuable component of the office, so we created A completely different remote business pre Covid that rewarded Property Managers for their roles.

What are you most excited about in your business?

Helping people achieve financial independence and freedom. Giving people the financial ability to invest, travel, take that dance class or enter that body building competition, whatever it is that they want to do inspires me. A lack of finances can prohibit people from really living life, and that’s what we set out to eliminate in Property Management. There is a shift looming, and we are proud to be active leaders in that movement where businesses reward their team more generously, make changes to allow for more flexible working environments, and provide more development and learning for their key stakeholders – their team members.

What has been the most challenging thing about starting your business?

People believing that it was real. Even today I was chatting with a potential new team member and I asked, “How are you feeling?” and her response was its hard to believe its real!

What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a business?

Go the Direction less travelled, Find ways to expand – products, services, ideas, add on’s, Find something no one else does and do it, Use the tools available to us in this time – social media, google, networking groups, Learn to understand your financial statements fast, Get to know your creditors and establish relationships with them, Focus on your people and let them take care of the businesses clients

Why did you enter the AusMumpreneur Awards?

I think it’s a wonderful national award for working mums. Raising four children with a terminally ill husband while owning and operating at least three often four businesses is challenging. I want other people to know it can be done, but I’m not super mum and I don’t like that label. I think its unrealistic. Everything is a compromise, more time with kids means less time working on the business, more time working means missing some of our children’s milestones. For me recognising this trade-off means decisions are made more freely, I am not torn and riddled with guilt – every decision is simply made by considering the unavoidable trade off. Missing my daughters sports day and securing the valuable client means financial security for my family. If I could do both I would but sometimes that’s just not possible. And in our family we have those conversations openly with the children to help them understand the implications of our decisions.

What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?

I loved the energy in the room. I wasn’t able to attend, we had another function here the following morning and yet I could feel the energy through the video.

What surprised you most about the awards?

The criticism on the chat

How did the awards help you in your business?

I don’t know yet but I do love meeting other entrepreneurial women, public speaking, and helping where I can.

What advice would you give to other mums thinking about entering the awards?

Enter, it can only help your business. Even if you don’t win you will spend a hour or two looking at your business with a different set of eyes.

What has been the best thing about starting your own business?

Helping other mums and dads achieve financial ability, total flexibility, and have time for their families.

What’s happening next in your business?

Mental Health First Aid courses for the entire team, I am training my first group in November.

What are your big plans for the future?

National Expansion for RPN

What is your website and/or social media links (eg. Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram)

www.rentalpropertynetwork.com.au

https://www.linkedin.com/in/moni-mazzeo-40352458/

https://www.facebook.com/moni.mazzeo.7