Jan Goetze is one of the best-known and most respected real estate agents in the country.  She had a distinctive 30-year career in the industry recognised with awards at state, national and international levels - but real estate is just one part of Jan’s fascinating life story to date.

Jan started work when she was 15 years old in the family fruit and vegetable business at the Rocklea Markets in Brisbane, where she learned every aspect of the business, from bookkeeping to selling produce. Her father’s failing health forced her to take over the reins at an early age, and this involved canvassing for fruit and vegetables in areas such as Bowen, Bundaberg, Stanthorpe, Toowoomba, Redland Bay, and Rochedale – the only woman at that time ever to do this. Her efforts ensured the business became extremely successful but the arrival of her first son meant she was unable to continue working such long hours and the business was eventually sold.

When her sons (Trent and Brett) went to school, Jan began doing voluntary work for Lifeline as a phone counsellor and was later asked if she would help set up and manage ‘The Mrs Australia Pageant’. After her marriage broke up, Jan needed to earn some serious money and decided as she knew and understood the art of selling, to go into real estate. The job became a career and then a passion as Jan worked six and a half days a week for the past 30 years - for the first several of those she worked up to 80 hours per week.

As a child, Jan was a champion horse show rider who excelled at all sports and whose competitive nature stood her in good stead when she moved into the challenging world of sales. Jan began her real estate career as a salesperson in May 1991 and within two years she was recognised as the number four salesperson in Queensland with a major franchise.  A year later she was approached to set up an office at Alexandra Hills and a year after that she bought ‘Cleveland House’.

Jan is a team leader whose staff responds readily to her. Her open-door approach and willingness to give advice to up-and-coming young agents are admired throughout the region and she is equally well respected by staff, clients, customers, and suppliers. Jan is also highly thought of within the network internationally, where she has personally earned the highest sales accolade possible – that of Admiral. “I have always loved real estate and enjoyed every day working in it. I believe I work in the most fascinating industry of all.”

Her commitment, passion, and integrity have been essential factors in making her an international success.