Two women, one vision

Bree originally planned to study accounting after taking a gap-year position at a local real estate agency.

Gemma, meanwhile, had plans to move to Melbourne to complete a beauty diploma.

Both women took what they thought would be temporary steps into the industry, only to discover they had found a career they loved.

“I took a gap-year position at a local real estate agency before planning to head to university to study accounting,” Bree said.

“I quickly fell in love with real estate, decided to stay in Shepparton and have been in the industry ever since.”

For Gemma, the plan was also very different.

“I originally had a passion for hair and beauty and was preparing to move to Melbourne to complete my beauty diploma,” she said.

“An opportunity came up in real estate that I thought would only last 12 months, but I fell in love with the industry and never looked back.”

The pair met through previous employment and quickly discovered they had plenty in common, particularly when it came to their approach to clients and their work.

There was a similar work ethic, shared values and a genuine focus on looking after people.

Gemma had already heard great things about Bree, while Bree quickly recognised Gemma’s attention to detail, passion and natural ability to connect with people.

“We shared a very similar work ethic, values and approach to looking after our clients, so working together came naturally,” Gemma said.

As their careers progressed, conversations about doing things differently began to emerge.

There wasn’t one defining moment, but rather a gradual realisation that they could create something that reflected the way they wanted to work.

“Those conversations gradually went from ‘imagine if we did this one day’ to ‘why couldn’t we?’,” Bree said.

Taking the leap and launching DeRose & Graham Property Co was a big decision, but the pair knew there would probably never be a perfect time.

They backed their experience, trusted each other and decided to take the chance.

Their vision was to create a modern, progressive agency without losing the traditional values they believe matter most in real estate.

“We never wanted to fall into the mindset of ‘this is how it’s always been done’,” Gemma said.

“We wanted the freedom to question processes, adapt and find better ways of doing things.”

Today, DeRose & Graham offers residential sales and property management, as well as management of small commercial spaces and storage sheds across Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley.

For the two business owners, however, the business is about much more than property.

“Real estate is ultimately a people business,” Bree said.

“No two clients or situations are the same, and experience teaches you how to adapt, communicate and understand what someone genuinely needs from you.”

That personal approach is something the pair want to carry through every part of the business, from the first conversation to the final outcome.

“We want people to feel heard, informed and supported from beginning to end,” Gemma said.

“Real estate can involve some big decisions, so our aim is to make the process as straightforward and positive as possible through honest communication and genuine care.”

And while the agency is still in its early stages, the response from the community has already been a highlight.

“The support we’ve received from our clients, family, friends, local businesses and the wider community has been incredible,” Bree said.

“Seeing people genuinely excited about what we’re building has meant so much to us.”

Looking five years ahead, the pair aren’t simply focused on how big DeRose & Graham can become.

They want to build a thriving team, loyal clients and a respected local name, while holding onto the personal service and values the business was built on.

“If we can achieve that and still love what we do, that will be our version of ‘we really did it’,” Gemma said.