The Truth Of Going Out Alone In Property Management With Deborah Gidman

Sometimes the most courageous step you can take isn’t chasing the biggest growth possible, it’s deciding exactly what kind of life you want your business to support, and then building it that way.

In this episode, I chat with Deborah Gidman from Resident Property who shares how she how she went from 14+ years working for others in WA’s property management industry to starting her own boutique agency  without a perfect business plan, without wanting to create an, empire, but with a clear vision for freedom, flexibility, and family involvement.

Before taking the leap, Deb had the same doubts many aspiring business owners face: What if it fails? Will I make enough to live on? Am I really ready? She also knew that while her skills and experience were strong, running a business would bring a whole new set of challenges.

Deb opens up about the financial safety net that gave her confidence to make the leap, the surprises she faced once she started, and how she’s grown Resident Property into a family run business with her daughter and husband on the team.  Her story is both practical advice and a reassuring reminder that you can design a business that fits your life, not the other way around.

“If you have an inkling that you would like to start on your own, go and run the figures. And yes, it is tough to start, but if you put your everything into it and you really go for it, you will be really glad that you did it”

— Deborah Gidman

In this episode we explore:

  • Why Deb chose to start a lifestyle business rather than chase industry domination
  • How Deb financially prepared to leave her “safe” corporate role
  • The overlooked challenges  of business structure and why Deb’s restructuring two years in
  • What to expect when friends and family don’t become your first clients
  • Why social media consistency is essential  even when you hate being on camera
  • The mindset shift from “winging it” to setting and achieving sales goals
  • How to work with family while keeping harmony and clear roles
  • The advice Deb would give property managers on running the numbers before starting their own agency

Connect with Done For You Services

Resources:

Connect With Deborah Gidman

Connect with Kylie: