Ryan grew up in Willunga. As a teenager he was determined not to follow in his father's footsteps in real estate, instead joined the army and moved away from home. Now, with his young family in tow, he cannot imagine living anywhere else but 'home'.

Please tell me what your roles is at Elders. How long have you had the business, and what was your inspiration to take on this industry?

I’m a sales consultant or real estate agent, mainly in the lifestyle and rural sector of Real Estate, but happy to sell anything my client’s needs!

I am very new to the game. My father Jurgen was in the Real Estate game for 35 years. He started as a stock agent, then worked down the road at Bushy Martin Agencies.

As a teenager I was never going to get into real estate, so I joined the Army instead! When I came back to South Australia, I ended up running a housing program to support veterans experiencing homelessness. Then earlier this year, Elders purchased the agency that Dad was working for. Dad told me that Elders were looking for some young, keen sales agents and was I interested? The opportunity was there to work with dad, so I took it.

No matter how much we try and fight becoming our parents…it eventually happens!

Have you always lived in this part of the Fleurieu?

I was born in McLaren Vale and grew up in Willunga, until we moved to a property in Aldinga. I moved away with the Army, then we have returned when the opportunity arose to settled back at Aldinga with my young family. I’ve done the full circle.

Growing up I thought this town was boring, but now I am older, and particularly now I have my own family, there is not another place in the world I would rather be. This is the perfect spot to bring up a family. The Fleurieu is one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

What is it that makes you proud of the place you live and work?

It still has the community feel. The café down the road dad has always gone to and they know everyone by name, now I go there, and they know who I am. It’s that hometown feel, the community aspect that is very special. It’s not a fast-paced flashy place, it’s a nice slow-paced community. Willunga will always stay a quaint little town. It has changed since I was little, it is a little more alternate lifestyle living now, but it is still lovely. It still has those events that we have fond memories of the Willunga Almond Blossom Festival and the Christmas Parade in McLaren Vale. Those growing up staples! I look forward to having my kids now grow up with this kind of childhood and all those memories. 

Is there something unusual or interesting that you have come across in your new role?

I am only very new in this industry, but it has been a pleasant experience so far! I like that a lot of what we do we can do from our phone these days. Not the way my dad would do things, but it’s nice to be able to help the team move into the digital era of the real estate business. I am really enjoying learning all this stuff. 

The challenges in this job tend to be unusual. For example, a client has a council road going through his property. It’s not a physical road, but it’s on the maps and titles! Weird but true. I’ve been helping him to work with the council and sort it all out. Just out of the box kind of stuff, which makes the role very interesting. I love different challenges and I have so much to learn!

On a more personal note, tell us a little about yourself and what you love to do out of work.

Family time. We have a young family and live on 15 acres, so there are always farm jobs to be done in our ‘fun’ time. The kids love the beach, so we are often at the beach and doing swimming lessons every weekend. Simple life.

Ryan with his son William. Photo supplied.

What is something many locals would not know about you (that you are willing to share!)

I’m pretty open really, most people know most things about me.

I joined the military, specialising as a heavy diesel mechanic, and therefore moved away from home for 15 years, before returning home. I worked in the homelessness space for three years before real estate.

Maybe that I was a heavy diesel mechanic TAFE teacher for a whole 7 weeks! TAFE teaching was not for me.

Tell us a little more about your homelessness role.

I was running a RSL Care SA program called the Andrew Russel Veteran Living (ARVL) program (https://www.arvl.org/). Which is about providing emergency and affordable housing for ex-service men and women experiencing homelessness. My role was involved in the transitional housing, getting people off the street sometimes, or from mental health facilities, prison, drug rehabilitation facilities, domestic violence, the whole spectrum. Transitional housing meant putting appropriate support in place and help them into the next home location. More like a property management role, but really looking after our veterans finding affordable long-term housing.  Being a friendly, tolerant, patient landlord is how I would describe it. It was a very rewarding role and sometimes a very hard one too! Totally different world from being a diesel mechanic 😊 I am still involved with the RSL Care SA, I have a real affiliation with the veteran community, I see it as something I will always be involved in.

Anything else you would like to share?

I am involved in Operation Flinders. This program exists to transform the lives of young people. These young people have had their fair set of challenges. By the time they have trekked 100km through the Flinders Ranges the transformations can be overwhelming.  I’ve been a volunteer team leader for the past 4 years. The experience for the participants on this camp is incredible and it is so rewarding to be a part of. 

YOUR TOP TIPS for the Fleurieu Peninsula / Kangaroo Island:

Best place to....

• Grab a quick bite or a more serious feed

Breeze café on the Esplanade at Aldinga was our got too. Our children love their ice-creams on a Sunday afternoon. We also like being amongst the Old Coach Road, Aldinga precinct, love what they have done there. Russell’s Pizza in Willunga is always a go to, and so is Agostino’s. Great food and great hosts!

• Have a beer or wine…

We are spoilt for choice on this part of the Fleurieu. We love visiting Shifty Lizard brewery. We have so many awesome wineries…having said that, with a young family, we don’t tent to get out that often!

·      Go for a dip…

Sellicks Beach at the end of Norman Road. You can still drive on for the day. It’s a pity we can’t be selfish and keep it to the locals!

• Explore nature…

I love hiking, so much so I have done the Kokoda Track a couple times! We have plenty of places to hike amongst nature here, Deep Creek being a favourite. Hiking down to Blow Hole Beach and across the ridges with awesome views. We have a lot of trees on our property, and I often go walking through our forest looking for giants with my children!!

When I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I…

• feel…

at home

• always make sure I visit… 

the small local shops, cafes and our conservation parks

• stock up on… 

Berg Herring Wines Nero D’avola !

Weirdest thing that’s happened to me here:

Nothing really stands out, although I still get referred to as Jurgen’s son! In fact, Mum gets called Jurgen’s wife too!

My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region: 

Spend time at the local cafes, talk to the local business owners that’s where you get to know the region.

Want to find out more about Ryan and Elders? Elders Fleurieu, Hills & Vales