Heathmont real estate professional Shane Stone has fulfilled a longstanding ambition with the launch of First National Stone & Associates.
Born and raised in Heathmont, Mr Stone established the agency to provide sales, property management and auction services across Heathmont and the wider Maroondah area.
His connection to the community began as an infant in day care and kindergarten in Viviani Crescent and continued through Heathmont Primary School, Ringwood Technical School and the Heathmont Football Club.
‘Owning a real estate agency in the community I call home has been a goal for most of my life,’ Mr Stone said.
‘My parents were active members of the local community, and continuing their legacy is very important to me. I want this agency to be known for its involvement in Heathmont, its accessibility and the trust it earns from local people.’
Mr Stone entered real estate at 31 after a career in finance and fraud investigation. Over the following three decades, he led and expanded property management departments, worked in residential sales and conducted auctions.
He also served on industry committees and taught real estate qualifications part-time at Swinburne University for five years. He continues to operate a boutique training business, coaching property managers and agency leaders throughout Australia.
A period working in Albury-Wodonga introduced Mr Stone to First National through his association with First National Bonnici & Associates and its director, Will Bonnici.
He said the network’s cooperative structure and support for independent agency ownership made First National a natural fit for the new business.
‘First National members share knowledge and help each other, while each agency remains independently owned and closely connected to its local community,’ Mr Stone said.
‘That gives us the support of a national network without losing the personal accountability that comes with running a local business.’
Mr Stone said the agency’s approach would centre on clear communication, practical advice and reliable follow-through.
‘Good service begins with doing the basics properly. We will return calls, keep clients informed and make every interaction as straightforward and pleasant as possible,’ he said.
‘Our team brings 60 years of combined local knowledge, supported by current industry training and a genuine enthusiasm for helping people.’
First National Stone & Associates will celebrate its launch with clients, friends, family members and local traders on Friday, 4 September, from 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm.
Issued by: First National Real Estate
For more information contact:
Stewart Bunn, First National Communications & Corporate Affairs – 0413 624 317