Change the Game
Carlie Wacker meets a game changing man with a remarkable history and a story about embracing new challenges.
Alexander Payne remembers fondly his early years in Noosa – visiting family who were responsible for building the very first house on Edgar Bennett Drive.
Born and raised in Melbourne and later Japan, Alexander would spend holidays in Noosa.
“In the early sixties we used to drive up from Melbourne to Noosa twice a year. I remember houses on Hastings Street
and no Noosa Sound. It was always such an adventure as a kid; taking the tinnie up to Harry’s hut, driving along the beach past the Cherry Venture,” he reminisces.
Educated at Melbourne Grammar and then finishing school in Japan, he became a Japanese translator and quickly fell into a career in the hotel industry. Not one to do anything less than extraordinary his hospitality career took him all over the world, working with the Leading Hotels of the World Group and the Sheraton and Hyatt Hotel Groups. His speciality was in the planning and implementation of hotel pre-openings and he was a key player in recruiting and training staff in Australia and abroad. In fact Alexander worked on the Hyatt Regency Coolum opening back in the late 80s!
With stars in his eyes and a track record of exceptional events, Alexander transitioned from hotels to cinemas becoming the International HR Implementation Manager for Village Roadshow Group, travelling the World opening large cinema and entertainment complexes. His vision, drive and tenacity can be thanked for the birth of the Gold Class Cinemas experience.
Alexander then went on to HR Directorship at Yamaha Music Australia before deciding on a sea change.
It was a move for love and life balance that saw Alexander and his partner Adrian relocate from Melbourne to Sunshine Beach in 2013. Adrian, a hairdresser launched Adrian J Hairdressing in Sunshine Beach while Alexander started a HR Consulting company which serviced many local businesses including Bistro C, Chris Clout Design, COMLINK and Sundale.
After a stellar career of 25 years there was a niggle and Alexander knew it was time to break out of his comfort zone and explore a passion that had been simmering in the background for quite some time.
“I had always thought of doing Real Estate,” he said. “Over the years I have bought and sold houses, project managed renos for friends and had a keen interest in Interior Design and Landscaping.
“I also love change and a challenge,” says Alexander.
In 2020 he enrolled to do a Full Real Estate License and obtained it in March just before we went into lockdown. Accepting another challenge, he continued to pursue a role in his new industry.
Enter David Berns from David Berns Real Estate. “We had a chat; I knew his success and he suggested I come and shadow him,” Alexander said.
“David was pleased to have someone to concentrate on beachside, emulating his success in the hinterland; it has been a great opportunity working alongside him for five months, learning the ropes and gaining experience,” he states. “It’s been the most interesting time to be in this business.”
As a Sales Consultant at David Berns Real Estate, Alexander will cover the 4567 to 4573 postcodes (Noosa to Coolum).
“I couldn’t have joined at a more exciting time,” adds Alexander. “Australia is on the move!”
Potential buyers unable to get into the state are buying sight unseen (apart from Facetime viewings and video). There has been movement from Noosa to the Hinterland and vice versa.
Brisbane people are moving up also after being forced to re-evaluate the work from home situation. “I think people have thought about being stuck in traffic, they’re concerned about the fragility of the future, and they are designing their lives to incorporate our beautiful part of the world,” Alexander adds.
Alexander Payne believes that his honesty, integrity, engagement and tenacity are keys to career success
(in any industry). “I believe that if you provide exceptional service to your clients, if you are real with them, they will be clients for life and recommend you to others. I am really enjoying the process of finding people the right home and sharing their excitement when we do so.”
