3rd March 2022 / Sarah Lowry: Family. It’s a Fletchers Thing.

You would be hard pressed to find a fourth-generation family business in any industry, let alone one that has been serving the community for over 100 years!

It's those family foundations and longevity that make Fletchers truly unique stalwarts of the real estate industry. From the humble beginnings of their first office in Kew to a successful, award-winning, multi-office network, the rise of Fletchers has been nothing short of remarkable.

Back in 1919, two young men - Mr Harold Fletcher and Mr Percy Parker - recognised that the demand for land and housing in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne was about to explode. Their timing was perfect - post war, the roaring twenties brought increased optimism and business opportunities. Following success after success, Fletcher & Parker, as it was known at the time, had become one of Melbourne's most respected real estate agencies.

By the early 1930's, Harold Fletchers' oldest son, John, joined the business and was followed by his brother David four years later. From the mid-1960's, Fletcher & Parker became a third-generation family business when John Fletchers' sons, Tim and Rob, joined the business. The company continued to expand and by 2000, it was rebranded as Fletchers Real Estate, to more accurately reflect the identity built by the Fletchers family over the majority of its history.

In 2006, John Fletcher passed away, leaving the business in the capable hands of his sons, Tim and Rob. In that same year, Fletchers embarked on a period of expansion by opening up their first office on the Bellarine Peninsula, in Queenscliff. Both Tim and Rob also had the satisfaction of seeing their children join the enterprise their grandfather began all those years ago.

In the years that followed, the company began offering franchise opportunities to like-minded real estate operators, with the network growing to nineteen offices by the late 2000's.

Tim Fletcher retired in 2014, after giving fifty years of service to the business and to the real estate industry. Rob succeeded his brother as Executive Chairman, bringing his characteristic approachability and breadth of knowledge to the role. Although his tenure as leader came to an end at the close of 2021, Rob remains involved in the business on a consultancy basis.

In 2022, Fletchers sees the transition of fourth-generation members of the family, Mark and Nick (Rob's sons), stepping into leadership roles. Unsurprisingly, the boys have real estate running through their veins and are thrilled to be taking on a greater level of responsibility as Directors and securing the continuation of the Fletchers name.

Nick says, "I feel very fortunate to have had the guidance of my father not only in life, but in my career as well. I feel ready to help lead and develop the business alongside my fellow Directors and wish nothing more than to continue the legacy that my father, grandfather and great grandfather have created in assuring the Fletchers name remains synonymous with loyalty, success and longevity in the local communities we serve".

Mark adds, "Nothing will really change in my eyes. I will continue to do what I love, helping families achieve great success within our local community. However, I look forward to continuing the family legacy and developing the company alongside my brother and fellow Directors for generations to come".

The family involvement and love of real estate doesn't end there! Over the years, both of Tim's daughters have worked in the business across the sales, property management and marketing departments. Currently, Kate is an integral member of the Fletchers Corporate Marketing Department, whilst Anna is working alongside Director Charles Caldwell in sales along the Bellarine Peninsula. Rob's youngest son, Tom, is a much-loved and familiar face in Boroondara, as he assists the Balwyn North team with their weekly letterbox drops.

In 2019, Nick's wife Prue took on the role of Brand & Lifestyle Ambassador for the Fletchers Group. Formerly a Senior Property Consultant with the Diamond Valley sales team (2009-2016), Prue's new role involves delivering regular property and lifestyle content for our clients and local communities and being a strong advocate for the brand.

With the newest generation at the forefront of the company, we're extremely excited about the future of Fletchers - for our staff, families, clients and suppliers. Combining the foundations of integrity, local knowledge, commitment, and quality service with innovations in technology and service, we're confident that the next 100 years will be as successful as the first!