About Us

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Our story

Geelong Real Estate Co was founded by Director Ricky Forte who had the vision to offer Geelong a completely different real estate experience. As a previous #1 sales agent for two of Australia’s largest real estate franchises, Ricky set out to offer Geelong a boutique real estate agency that focuses on making a difference not just to its customers but the entire Geelong community.

By aligning GRECo with organisations and initiatives that are both socially and environmentally responsible, Geelong has a real estate agency that they can be proud of.

An approach that’s exclusively unique to GRECo.

 

An inspired team of only the best real estate agents in Geelong, our core values of authenticity and integrity drive us to exceed expectations. We’re dedicated to changing the perception of real estate agents, bringing something more to the table than just flashy suits and empty promises. With a focus on attention to detail, work ethic and the latest marketing and technology, GRECo delivers exceptional results time and time again.

 

At the heart of our real estate agency stands Director Ricky Forte, a visionary leader with a dedication to excellence and almost 10 years of real estate experience under his belt. Alongside him are seasoned sales agents Jess Templeton, Simon Braybrook and Michaela Miller, each bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to every deal. Complimenting our sales team, stand our property management team led by Reece Fidler and supported by Jelena Jovanovic, Abby Westgarth, Ted Arthurson and Shannon Halley ensuring seamless management of every property entrusted to our care. Together, we embody a collective passion for real estate, delivering a memorable and stress-free experience for what is one of life’s most important transactions.

Our vision

Not here to play it small, Geelong Real Estate Co was born out of the desire to offer something more to the Geelong marketplace. With the vision for excellence, professionalism, dedication and innovation. Our vision is to build a business and a reputation that Geelong can be proud of.

Our Values

People First: We care deeply about our clients and passionately support their property journey.

Authenticity: We are genuine, transparent, and true to who we are.

Integrity: We keep our word and earn trust through our actions.

Exceptional Service: We deliver value through an exceptional real estate experience.

Positive Impact: We promote positive change in our community and environment.

Our team

Ricky Forte - Geelong Real Estate Co

Ricky Forte

0438 307 579 ricky@geelongrealestate.co
Renowned for his unwavering commitment and long term view of building relationships. Dedicated to his craft like few others, loyal to integrity and ethical business above all else.

A previous #1 performer at two of Australia’s largest real estate franchises. The founder of Geelong Real Estate Co is just getting started, dedicated to innovation, culture and delivering exceptional service.

Jess Templeton

0449 978 716 jess@geelongrealestate.co
Starting her real estate career in 2013, Jess offers first-rate negotiation and an incredible work ethic.

Her no days off approach highlights her personal commitment to achieving the best outcome for her clients. Jess Templeton is known in the Geelong Real Estate scene for giving no less than 100% in every deal, whether it be a 1 bedroom unit or high-end luxury real estate.

Reece Fidler

0493 449 360 reece@geelongrealestate.co
Having started in real estate right out of high school, Reece brings over 15 years of experience to our team. Growing up working for a family business instilled that Customer Service is key in real estate and every client Reece has worked with over the years can attest to the best property management service on offer.

Reece has lived all sides of the real estate coin in Geelong, buying, building, selling and renting, so is best placed to offer you candid and professional advice about all facets of property investment to ensure you get the most out of your portfolio.

Michaela Miller

0412 461 195 michaela@geelongrealestate.co
Not your average Agent, Michaela offers a modern and fresh approach to Real Estate, with the highest level of communication. Starting her career back In 2018, she has gone from strength to strength, with a proven track record with her unwavering negotiation skills and dedication to all her clients.

Michaela’s natural zest for life shines through instantaneously, with her warm, genuine and trusting nature. She understands that selling your home is one of the biggest decisions to make, and she’s here every step of the way to ensure a seamless transition.

Simon Braybrook

0438 027 272 simon@geelongrealestate.co
With nearly a decade of real estate experience and a lifelong connection to Geelong, Simon combines deep local knowledge with a relatable, down-to-earth approach. Always striving to excel, Simon became a fully licensed agent in 2021 while working full-time—demonstrating his commitment to his craft and his unwavering drive to deliver exceptional results for his clients.

As a devoted family man and proud local, Simon thrives on building strong relationships within the community and sharing his love for the area with clients. Whether you’re buying, selling, or seeking advice, Simon’s experience and approachable nature make him an invaluable partner in your property journey.

Salyana McBurnie

0414 397 830 salyana@geelongrealestate.co
With an extensive background in new builds and residential construction, Salyana brings a unique perspective to real estate. Having worked closely with builders, developers, and trades, Sal combines practical knowledge of design and construction with a genuine passion for helping clients achieve their property goals.
Driven to excel, Sal has transitioned into real estate with a wealth of knowledge and an ability to see beyond the surface of a property to highlight opportunities that others may overlook. This builder’s insight, paired with her approachable nature, ensures clients receive both expert guidance and a supportive partner throughout their journey.

Shannon Halley

0494 385 254 shannon@geelongrealestate.co
With over 12 years of experience in real estate and 4 years as a Senior Property Manager, Shannon is deeply committed to providing exceptional property management services and we are thrilled to have her on board our exceptional team. Shannon's passion for customer service, communication, and fostering strong relationships has been the foundation of her career. She believes that building lasting connections with rental providers, renters and trades is the key to successful property management.

Shannon takes pride in her ability to navigate the complexities of property management with a focus on detail, professionalism, and integrity. Whether managing a single property or an entire portfolio, Shannon’s goal is to ensure that both rental providers and renters experience seamless, positive interactions.

Ted Arthurson

Ted has real estate running through his blood, with both parents and extended family having had a background in a real estate for years. Growing up in a family real estate business, Ted understands the importance of customer service and delivering on expectations. Ted also has experience in the construction sector, having worked with Metricon in their pre-site team for a number of years. As a result, Ted is well versed in all things property and is well placed to keep an eye on your investment.

At home, Ted has a young family with his partner Georgia which keeps their hands full most of the time. They love spending time with family and friends on the weekends.

Brittany Plummer

0494 591 407 britt@geelongrealestate.co
Britt has lived in Geelong her entire life and has joined Geelong Real Estate Co after spending seven years with a real estate agency on the outskirts of Melbourne and in Geelong, where she worked as a both a client service manager and property manager assistant across both Sales and Rentals

She is extremely organized, with every task carefully planned and scheduled to run seamlessly. This enthusiasm and energy are qualities she brings to her position as a Property Manager.

Her role aligns closely with her personal life. She thrives on being highly organised and maintaining a routine. With young Levi and Louis at home, she stays on her toes, and sticking to schedules is essential. Bringing this mindset and work ethic into the workplace has certainly helped her make an early impact at Geelong Real Estate Co.

Abby McConnell

0494 162 328 abby@geelongrealestate.co
Based in Geelong for the past four years, I began my real estate career as an Assistant Property Manager, gaining valuable hands-on experience across all aspects of property management. Over the past two years, I have progressed into a Property Manager role, steadily building my own portfolio and developing strong, lasting relationships with both rental providers and renters.

I pride myself on my professionalism, organisation, and strong communication skills. With a bubbly personality and friendly approach, I aim to make every interaction positive and seamless, ensuring clients feel confident and supported throughout the entire process.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending my weekends with my husband and daughter, making the most of family time together.
When I get a spare moment, you’ll often find me out on the golf course enjoying a round.

Rob Manning

0493 742 123 rob@geelongrealestate.co
Rob Manning brings more than 12 years of real estate experience to the Geelong Real Estate Co team. After establishing himself in sales and later moving into corporate real estate, he identified an opportunity to broaden his skill set by stepping into property management. Now, with over two years of hands-on property management experience, he has proven his ability to adapt and excel.

Rob’s strengths are firmly rooted in customer service, reliability, problem-solving and honesty—qualities that sit at the heart of exceptional property management. These traits have made his transition into his current role both natural and successful.

Gus Els

Gus brings high energy and drive to the team, working alongside Ricky Forte as he takes an exciting new direction into the world of real estate. With a background in hospitality and events, Gus has spent years curating memorable experiences, whether that’s managing large-scale functions or delivering seamless, personalised service to clients. These experiences have shaped his approach: always anticipating needs, handling pressure with ease, and ensuring every interaction leaves a lasting, positive impression.

In his role now, Gus is focused on keeping buyer momentum strong and making sure no opportunity is missed. He’s on the front foot with every enquiry, staying connected with buyers and helping them feel confident, informed, and supported throughout their journey. By dedicating his time to understanding what buyers are really looking for, Gus helps maintain pace in the campaign and creates space for more meaningful conversations, stronger engagement, and better results.

Ava Newling

03 9063 2007 reception@geelongrealestate.co
Joining Geelong Real Estate Co straight out of school in 2024, Ava’s impressive work ethic stans out from the crowd most recently balanced multiple customer-facing roles while completing her studies. Her proven ability to provide exceptional service, combined with her vibrant and professional approach, makes her an incredible asset to our team.

Ava’s natural enthusiasm for helping people, coupled with her long-term focus on building genuine relationships, aligns perfectly with our values. We’re excited to see her grow and thrive in her role, delivering outstanding results for clients and contributing to the success of our team.

Jade Bryant

0426055045 jade@geelongrealestate.co
Working alongside our very own Jess Templeton, Jade brings a unique blend of skills and experience to her new role in real estate, backed by a distinguished career in customer service and the legal sector. Her background has refined her ability to pay attention to detail, manage complex processes efficiently, and offer exceptional client service, qualities that she is excited to bring to the real estate field.

Driven by a passion for helping people achieve their property dreams, Jade is thrilled to embark on this new journey in real estate. Jade is committed to delivering personalised and dedicated service to each client, ensuring that their real estate experiences are smooth and satisfying. We are confident that her background, skills, and enthusiasm will make a significant impact as she works alongside Jess to help clients achieve their real estate goals and experience success in the property market.

Jessica Standfield

0493 765 508 jessica@geelongrealestate.co
With over 20 years of industry experience, she is a highly professional, efficient, and knowledgeable property manager known for delivering tailored investment solutions. She thrives on complex challenges and takes pride in understanding each client’s individual property needs. Her approach is both strategic and personable, building long-term relationships grounded in trust, clarity, and consistent results.

Having lived on the Surf Coast for the past 10 years, she has a deep appreciation for the region and all it has to offer, from its gorgeous beaches to its strong sense of community. She enjoys making the most of the coastal lifestyle with her partner and two children, and can often be found walking her dog along the beach, playing netball or having a hit of golf to unwind and recharge outside of her professional life.
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