In profile: Knight Frank's Queensland project marketing manager Mathew Cassidy

Knight Frank's Mathew Cassidy says he would invest a spare $750,000 in a couple of two-bedroom apartments in Brisbane’s CBD.

Agent: Mathew Cassidy

Position: Project marketing manager

Company: Knight Frank

Office location: Queensland

How long have you been in the industry?

I’ve been in the real estate industry for about 15 years, and I’ve specialized in development project marketing for the vast majority of the time.

What’s happening in the area you specialise in?

Right now’s an exciting time, most developers have a really good handle on the realities of delivering projects effectively post GFC. It’s great to finally have a stable market. Personally, I love how creative we need to be in order to ensure developments sell fast and target every possible purchaser. In particular, Asia is doing very well at selling international projects within our network.

Describe the most interesting property you have sold

For me that’d have to be The Oracle at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast. It’s an icon. The developer had incredible vision, fortitude and nous. I recommend anyone who visits the Gold Coast should stay and dine there, it’s sure to impress.

What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?

The best advice I ever got was this, “If every single decision you make is designed to maximise the developer’s return on investment then you can always hold you head high.” Another important ingredient is to success is being aware of what you don’t know and have no qualms about admitting so. However, it’s important to know exactly who to contact to broaden your knowledge base. To simplify, always learn. Nobody knows it all, but it’s worth it to try.

What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?

I love the fact that every day poses its own individual challenges. I also very much enjoy the boardroom discussions in various locations around Australia. There’s some truly remarkable visionaries out there who show no fear and have adapted to the new world order in development very well. It’s humbling to sit in the same room as these people and hold deep, frank and honest discussions. Australia is in some good hands going forward in the development industry.

Where would you invest a spare $750,000?

Simple, I’d buy two two-bedroom apartments in Brisbane’s CBD. I would make sure they both had two car spaces and were unique in some way such as large balconies, river views, storage. I think Brisbane is amazing for buying right now with rent remaining solid and space in the CBD at a premium.

Which football team do you support?

Depends on the code. Hawthorn for AFL and the Titans for NRL

What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?

My favourite app is Coastalwatch Lite. I relax by chasing any swell event and surfing it. This app gives me 5 day forecasts, current photos of most places in Australia, live wind and swell information.

How do you use social media?

In my professional life, I use social media for every area and constantly looking for ways to use it to maximise sales, reporting and mapping of market trends.