Stephen Pepper

Stephen Pepper
Marketing Consultant
AREINZ Dip. Bus. Studies

Back to the Future
After 24 years in the real estate industry, 16 as General Manager for LJ Hooker, Stephen Pepper returns to his first love, selling property for people and to people.

After returning to the Bay of Plenty from an ‘OE’ spent designing conservatories in heritage listed homes in Britain, Stephen followed his father’s footsteps by making real estate a career choice.  After office topping success as a salesperson for five years, he was appointed branch manager for L J Hooker Tauranga then General Manager three years later; responsible for sales, property management and financial services divisions.

His role involved recruitment, and support for the sales team and has included working on more than 1500 auctions, and being fully involved in listing, marketing and negotiation alongside his team members.

Established Reputation
Stephen’s team consistently punched nearly 2.5 times above their weight. The team at LJ Hooker Tauranga and Pyes Pa represent 9% of the total number of salespeople in the local area yet their market share is 20%.  Stephen is proud to have helped achieve that reputation.

Stephen’s return to the sales force full time will allow him to lead by example and to focus solely on that aspect he enjoys most – marketing property.

Formula for Success
Stephen marked his return to grass roots real estate by attracting 130 people to a three week auction by a mix of marketing including the internet, social media, media advertising, and good old fashioned  tramping the neighbourhood. He proved yet again that most of a property’s buyers will view in the first couple of weeks, and that no matter how technology contributes to modern marketing real estate is a people business.

Personal Stuff

• Waikato born - Bay of Plenty bred.
• Designed conservatories for rich and famous in heritage listed homes in Britain during ‘OE’.
• Competitive kite surfer in younger days travelling the Pacific for his sport, now keen paddle boarder.
• Supported by and committed to his partner Maria and son Theo.