In profile: Doran Commercial's associate director - retail sales leasing and projects, Tom Doran

In profile: Doran Commercial's associate director - retail sales leasing and projects, Tom Doran
Katherine JimenezDecember 7, 2020

Name: Tom Doran

Position: Associate director - retail sales leasing and projects

Company: Doran Commercial

Office location: Neutral Bay - Sydney

How long have you been in the industry? 

13 years

What's happening in the area you specialise in? 

Retail investment stock continues to tighten buoyed by the low interest rates, falling retail vacancy and the influx of Asian investors.

Describe the most interesting property you have sold? 

10 years ago we sold the Stoned Crow at Crows Nest. The Stoned Crow was renowned for its "Cougar" segment of the market. Being a young impressionable 19 year old at the time i certainly had my eyes wide open when conducting late night inspections.

What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?

Energy, empathy and enjoying yourself.

What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most? 

I love meeting an array of high successful and interesting people. From Wallabies, media celebrities and heart surgeons to Olympians, politicians, mums and dads

Where would you invest a spare $750,000? 

The retail investment market is strong currently. Traditionally investors prefer leased investment rather than vacant possession stock that has to be leased. With the retail leasing market strengthening buying retail strata and leasing can be highly profitable. Before purchasing vacant retail strata you need to ensure that the following is clarified before purchase

  • Access to grease trap and exhaust
  • What services are available into the shop
  • Are there any restrictions on usage or trading hours?

Which football team do you support?

The mighty Manly Sea Eagles. Go Manly!

What's your favourite app or techno gadget? 

The flashlight on my iphone is crucial in retail property. When entering older buildings or tenancies without power, this is a crucial part of the trade.

How do you use social media? 

We love social media in our office. We have made a commitment to keep our clients as up to date as possible with trends, forecasts and recent transactions. We have tried to break down our social media into segments so that we can provide information the median expects. Our rough rule of thumb is below

  • Linkedin - Strictly business
  • Facebook - Combination of business and fun
  • Instagram - Combination of business and fun

Editor's Picks