Interviewer: Today, we’re speaking with Brian Taylor, Managing Director and Property Advisor at Home Equities. With over a decade of experience running one of Australia’s leading property advisory firms, Brian has invaluable insights into starting and managing a successful business in the property investment industry. Brian, thanks for joining us.

Brian Taylor: It’s great to be here. Thanks for having me.

Interviewer: Let’s start at the beginning. What inspired you to start your own property advisory business?

Brian Taylor: My business partner, Donal Nee, and I both come from finance backgrounds, having worked for some of Australia’s leading financial institutions. But we always had a passion for property and helping people build wealth through real estate. We saw a gap in the market—too many people were making property investment decisions without proper guidance. We wanted to create a business that not only provided expert advice but also empowered clients to take control of their financial future. So, I started Home Equities in 2015 and Donal joined as partner in 2017.

Interviewer: Many entrepreneurs struggle in their first few years. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting Home Equities?

Brian Taylor: The biggest challenge was establishing trust. When you’re new to the industry as a business owner, you don’t have the brand recognition or track record that more established firms do. We had to work hard to prove ourselves, building relationships with clients and partners and demonstrating that we had the knowledge and dedication to guide people toward smart property investments. There were also financial hurdles—starting a business means taking risks, and we had to be strategic with our resources to ensure sustainable growth.

Interviewer: Looking back, what do you think has been the key to Home Equities’ success over the past ten years?

Brian Taylor: Without a doubt, it’s been our commitment to our core values: empowerment, trust, and dedication. We genuinely care about our clients’ success, and I think that resonates with people. We also focus on education—helping clients understand the investment process rather than just selling them a property. And, of course, having a strong team has been crucial. Donal and I work incredibly well together, and we’ve built a team that shares our vision and commitment.

Interviewer: Speaking of your partnership with Donal Nee, how important has it been to have a business partner in this journey?

Brian Taylor: Having a partner in business is invaluable. Donal and I balance each other out—we bring different strengths to the table, which has been key to our success. I focus more on the strategic direction, client relationships, and investment strategies, while Donal, as Operations Director, ensures that everything behind the scenes runs smoothly. He’s incredibly detail-oriented and keeps the business organized, which allows me to focus on the bigger picture. I think having a business partner who complements your skills is a huge advantage.

Interviewer: What advice would you give to someone considering starting their own property advisory business?

Brian Taylor: First, make sure you truly understand the industry. Property investment is complex, and you need to be able to provide real value to your clients. Second, focus on building trust—your reputation is everything in this business. Be transparent, always act in your clients’ best interests, and provide solid, evidence-based advice. Third, surround yourself with the right people. Whether it’s a business partner like Donal, a mentor, or a strong network of industry professionals, having the right support system can make all the difference. And finally, be prepared for the long game. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but if you stay committed to your mission, the rewards are worth it.

Interviewer: What’s next for Home Equities? What are your goals for the future?

Brian Taylor: We’re always looking for ways to improve and expand. One of our goals is to reach even more Australians and help them achieve financial freedom through smart property investments. We’re also exploring new technology and data-driven approaches to enhance our advisory services. But at the core, our mission remains the same—helping people build wealth and secure their futures through property.

Interviewer: That’s fantastic. Brian, thank you for sharing your insights and experiences with us today. It’s been great learning about your journey and the success of Home Equities.

Brian Taylor: My pleasure. Thanks for having me.