PROPERTY DEVELOPER: Liberte Guthrie
Liberte Guthrie. Liberte is a highly qualified and experienced property developer with a Bachelor's Degree in business. She has completed over 30 projects in Queensland and New South Wales, showcasing her expertise in renovation, design and development.
She has successfully established and sold an interior design company and actively invests in and supports small developers. Liberte's role involves overseeing projects, conducting development feasibility assessments, and providing ongoing education and mentorship to others in the industry.
Liberte is dedicated to continuously improving her knowledge and skills in the field. She has completed various development courses and has been recognised for her exceptional contributions to the industry. Notably, she was nominated for Exceptional Women in the Industry and received recognition as an HIA Business Development Professional.
Beyond her professional achievements, Liberte is passionate about supporting women in business. She co-founded a non-profit organisation that specifically focuses on supporting women in the development space. Furthermore, she serves on the board of other non-profit organizations in the South East Queensland region.
How did you initially get into the property industry?
Following a challenging breakup, I found excitement and inspiration in the idea of transforming spaces. As a personal distraction, I embarked on the journey of purchasing a house and delving into the art of renovation. With the help of online platforms like YouTube, I taught myself various skills, from tiling to painting. The process was not only therapeutic but also ignited a passion within me. Witnessing something that could be knocked downturn into a beautiful home was incredibly fulfilling, and it set the foundation for my deep-seated love for property development.
What do you love most about it?
I find immense joy in property development because it allows me to unleash my creativity. The process of envisioning a concept, designing it, navigating approvals, and finally witnessing the construction is not just a job—it's a captivating journey. Walking through a space that started as a mere idea, now transformed into a beautiful reality, brings a unique sense of accomplishment. What makes it truly special is the opportunity to share these creations, knowing that they can inspire and bring joy to others. Whether it's selling a property to someone who falls in love with it or creating spaces that young minds can explore and appreciate, the entire journey is a testament to the power of imagination and hard work
What are the top three skills every person should have if they want to undertake their first property renovation & development?
Resilience and Perseverance: It is important to stay strong and keep going even when things get tough. In this field, you will have good times and bad times. You need to be ready for both of them. That's part of what makes property development exciting but also hard.
Passion for Creativity: If you want to work in property, you need to love it. You also need creativity and an interest in design. Working with other people can make it enjoyable. Being creative makes your projects stand out and will help keep you excited about the project as it develops.
Financial Detail: It is important to understand numbers, budgeting and forecasting. Being good at money management and following your budget are key skills. Staying successful in property development depends on being able to manage finances well. That means you need to always be aware of the numbers, and stick to your financial plan.
You are also an entrepreneur - can you give one piece of advice for someone wanting to run their own business?
As an entrepreneur, my advice for those aspiring to run their own business is rooted in the understanding that success takes time to unfold. Embrace the journey with patience and be prepared for delayed gratification. By investing time and effort, prioritising quality, and fostering positive relationships with those you collaborate with, you lay a solid foundation. Stay dedicated to your goals, be flexible in adjusting strategies if needed, but always maintain focus on your ultimate objective. Believe in yourself, and with determination, you will undoubtedly reach your destination. Remember, the path to success is a journey, and each step you take contributes to the larger picture of your accomplishments
How did you go about selling your first business?
Selling my first business, an interior design styling company, was a unique journey. Initially faced with expensive quotes from brokers, I opted for a more personal approach. I extended an offer to sell the business to anyone who had previously applied for a job with us. Ultimately, the business found a new home with an interior designer who had once applied for a position with us, even though they were initially unsuccessful. This experience taught me the power of connections and the unexpected paths that opportunities can take when you open them up to those who have been a part of your journey.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career?
Working for myself has been the biggest challenge of my career. It's hard to turn off and not think about work all the time. It's important to spend time on things in life that make me happy, like friends and family. Taking care of myself and making sure I don't just focus on work is a journey that has made my life more enjoyable and rewarding.
What sort of student were you at school?
As a student, I faced considerable challenges due to dyslexia, which made the academic journey quite difficult. Attendance was inconsistent, and my reading and spelling abilities were not at the conventional level. However, I discovered the transformative power of hard work and commitment, realising that diligence could overcome inherent challenges. This realisation fuelled my determination, leading me to successfully pursue a business degree at university.
In the real world, I've come to understand that one's success in life isn't solely defined by academic performance. The commitment to overcoming obstacles and dedicating oneself to continual improvement can lead to meaningful achievements. It's a testament to the fact that with persistence and resilience, individuals can carve their own path to success, irrespective of the challenges they may face in traditional educational settings
What’s next for you and the business?
We are doing big things right now. We have projects that include a childcare centre, land for building lots, and commercial places like a vet clinic, medical centre, gym and grocery store. It is very exciting to be able to contribute to our community in this way. We are looking forward to the positive impact these projects will have on the area and our business. The future looks bright with potential for growth, new ideas and making a difference in property development.
Franc’s Fast Five
Favourite design style? White on White
Go-to holiday destination? Bali
Champagne or coffee? Coffee
Book you’re currently reading? Awaken the Giant Within By Tony Robbins
Biggest fear? Lack of freedom to choose my life