Popular Maleny agent calls it a day

Pia Buick, centre with Catherine and Rodney Millett ... “The most important factor for me was to be handing my clients over to an agency who shared our ethical standards”.

Maleny real estate agent Pia Buick will be retiring today, July 1, after many successful years in the hinterland market. 

Ms Buick has called Maleny home for 32 years and spent 21 years in real estate after an early career in hospitality. 

“What I will miss most is the wonderful variety of people that I’ve met and that I’ve been privileged to work for,” she said.

“I will definitely be continuing to live in Maleny as I have put down many roots here. My children grew up here so it’s nice for them to be able to come home. Also many of my very good friends are here. I feel very fortunate to live here. We have the best climate and easy access to all that we need.

“I’m Looking forward to having the time to enjoy some of the nice things about the area that you don’t have time for when you’re running your own small business. Like exploring National Parks, going to markets etcetera. I’m also looking forward to having time for pursuing passions like art, travel and maybe even getting fit! My immediate family are scattered from central western Queensland to Berlin so it will be very special to be able to visit them more often. 

“I also have my elderly parents in Brisbane and am needing to have more time for them.”     

Ms Buick reflected on the hardships of running a small business. “Although it can appear to be getting harder for independent small businesses to survive, I believe they do offer something that we, as a nation, all want and need. And people in Maleny are generally very supportive of this model of business.”

Pia Buick Real Estate will be welcomed into Maleny & Hinterland Real Estate and come under its brand. Pia will work with new owners Rodney and Catherine Millett for some time as a consultant and mentor. 

“I always had respect and liking for the previous owner of Maleny & Hinterland Real Estate, David Gamble, and have gotten to know Rodney and Catherine since they took over the business. 

“The most important factor for me was to be handing my clients over to an agency who shared our ethical standards. I felt that they were not only very personable and efficient, but also had their hearts in the right place.

“Being younger than me, they are very hard-working and keen to build their business up, which I think bodes well for users of their service. 

“I have met some truly wonderful people over the years and have made some good friends. In a profession where the traits of trust, honesty and loyalty are most critical and will lead to the best result for all involved. It’s been rewarding to see that these traits, which may seem old-fashioned to some, do still exist and are appreciated.

Rodney and Catherine said they have always admired Ms Buick’s passion for the community, its people, and family.  

“She is such a pioneering woman of this market, well respected and a truly genuine person.”

“We have gotten to know Pia since buying our agency and my family has known Pia for some time as my parents purchased their house from her many years ago,” Catherine said.

“Pia’s departure from the Maleny Real Estate landscape will be really felt by many. She is such a pioneering woman of this market, well respected and a truly genuine person.”

Ms Buick is well known for her passion for the Maleny community and its people and her support for groups like the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre, the Maleny Film Society and Maleny Show Society. She also gave to humanitarian groups wider afield including Amnesty International.

Catherine said she and her husband Rodney planned to carry on Ms Buick’s community support.

“Rodney and I have always, and will continue to, support the Maleny Show, Maleny State School and community groups like Studio 23-but we plan to also carry on Pia’s support for a number of groups she has been part of.”

Contact Maleny & Hinterland Real Estate: 5494 3022  |  www.malenyrealestate.com