Pak Chat

Angus Barwick, a Sydney-based entrepreneur and property expert who is currently managing four distinct businesses while navigating the journey of new fatherhood. Angus shares raw, unfiltered lessons from his time as a carpenter to becoming a top Sydney buyers agent, discussing everything from manufacturing "ghosts" to the secret of securing off-market property deals. If you want to learn how to build a business that works for you—rather than the other way around—Angus’s practical, "no-BS" approach is exactly what you need to hear. 00:52 The Sustainability Trap: Lessons from the eco-friendly toothpaste industry 09:23 Knowing When to Exit: Why Angus is selling "The Good Company" 13:05 Manufacturing Nightmares: Losing $3,000 to "ghost" factories 16:21 Buying Undervalued Assets: Finding a "garage business" with massive upside 25:57 The Founder’s Face: Why personal branding is the future of business 31:33 The Outsourcing Blueprint: Cutting costs by 63% with offshore talent 44:30 The Hardest Lesson: Relinquishing control to allow for true growth 51:34 The Sydney Property Game: Data-driven investing vs. emotional buying 55:18 Off-Market Secrets: Why agents prefer working with buyers agents 01:01:46 Low-Risk Entrepreneurship: Advice for starting without "fucking up

Jason Peterson is the founder of Sensational Services — a Sydney-based trades business covering everything from electrical and plumbing to carpentry, drafting, and pool maintenance. In this episode, Jason breaks down exactly how he structures renovations to deliver maximum value without the bloated margins — including why he swears by IKEA kitchens over custom cabinetry, how prefab frames could cut your duplex costs by 10–15%, and what a full gut renovation on a two-bedroom investor unit actually costs. He also gets into the business side: trade accounts, cash flow, how to fund a renovation without a traditional loan, and why he's never once charged a call-out fee. Whether you're a property investor, a homeowner planning a renovation, or a tradie thinking about going out on your own — this one's packed with practical, no-BS advice from someone who's been doing it for 25 years. 04:01 – What Sensational Services Actually Does (One-Stop Shop Explained) 09:03 – How COVID Made Sensational Services Busier Than Ever 14:54 – The Full-Service Model: Concept to Completion in One Team 28:09 – Trade Accounts, Cash Flow & the Bargaining Power Most Tradies Miss 37:41 – Why He Recommends IKEA Kitchens Over Custom (Custom vs IKEA: Real Numbers) 48:10 – Full Investor Renovation Cost Breakdown: What to Spend and Where 57:20 – Where Sensational Is Headed: School Contracts, Drafting & the Next 12 Months 01:03:35 – How to Fund a Renovation: Equity, Future Rent & Paying on Completion

In this episode of Pak Chat, Richard Bharata walks through every step of the journey — from working four jobs post-engineering degree (including getting fired from a sushi restaurant and a kebab shop) to cracking a $150K government role through networking, losing his savings to gaming addiction, and then systematically building a 19-property, 25-tenancy portfolio using low-doc loans, equity recycling, trust structures, and relentless imperfect action. This one is full of real numbers, real mistakes, and real strategy. If you want to know exactly how someone goes from $0 to $14M in Australian property — don't skip this. 0:36 — Sent to Australia alone at 13 with no English 8:06 — Engineering degree, 4 jobs, fired from sushi & kebabs 12:35 — One-way Tiger Air ticket to Sydney with 50 resumes 20:16 — How a high-paying job led to a $50K gaming addiction 26:00 — First property: $1.2M in Sydney, $220K deposit, nearly wiped out 32:16 — The strategy: how he went from property 1 to 19 39:03 — Low-doc loans, equity recycling & the CBA LMI waiver that unlocked everything 54:04 — Launching the buyer's agency: iProperty Finder 1:01:36 — Caught at work, resigned, and went all-in on the business 1:09:06 — $14M portfolio today: cash flow, trust structures & what comes next 1:19:35 — Advice for anyone starting their property journey now

Maddy Bockett didn’t set out to build a brand - she just wanted better outdoor gear for women. What started as a frustration turned into Tilda Outdoors, a women-led outdoor brand built entirely through organic content, with zero paid marketing, and backed by a loyal community of adventurous women. By showing up online as her true self, Maddy has grown both Tilda Outdoors and a powerful personal brand from the ground up. Today, she reaches hundreds of thousands of people across platforms - with over 51,000 followers on Tilda’s Instagram, 26,000 on Tilda’s TikTok, and a personal audience of 149,000 on TikTok and 124,000 on Instagram. Her journey has even taken her to the national stage, featuring on Shark Tank Australia. In this episode of Pak Chat, we dive into how Maddy built a brand and community without ads, and how leaning into who you really are can become your biggest advantage online. If you’re curious about building something real, growing an audience the right way, or backing yourself before anyone else does - this one’s for you.

What if you could invest in property with confidence - backed by data, not guesswork? Alex Minter, Founder of Astute Property Network, has helped clients purchase over 1,000 investment properties across Australia. With 15 years in real estate, Alex has built a reputation for uncovering opportunities through geospatial mapping, data analytics and an investment strategy that transcends markets nationwide. In this episode, Alex shares: How to find high-growth suburbs using real data, not online hype Why rentvesting is helping younger buyers enter the market sooner The hidden traps of “cheap” regional investments and inflated insurance costs How to compare established vs new builds and spot real value What to check before investing interstate (and how his team de-risks it) The importance of transparency and how to identify genuine buyers agents This episode breaks down the numbers, tools and strategies that separate educated investors from emotional ones. For anyone building a portfolio or buying their first investment, this episode is a must listen.

What does it take to call 1,000 auctions a year and move more than $6 billion in property under the hammer? For Cooley Auctions Partner Jake Moore, the answer is momentum, discipline and the ability to turn pressure into profit. In this episode of Pak Chat, Jake shares: Why his first five years nearly broke him The psychology of bidding wars — and how to read people in real time The mistakes vendors make that cost them tens of thousands How a chef’s apprenticeship prepared him for the auction floor Why confidence — not cash — often wins the day Auctions are more than sales events. They’re theatre, strategy and human behaviour on display. This conversation pulls back the curtain on how great auctioneers create great results.

In this episode of Pak Chat, we sit down with Jaya Yoannidis — the founder of A Man & His Cave, a brand that’s pulled in over $18 million since launching in 2020. What started as a small online store has grown into Australia’s go-to destination for man cave essentials — from kegerators to arcade machines. But behind the numbers is a story about building trust with overseas suppliers, leveraging AI before it was cool, and assembling a team that runs like clockwork. We get into the real playbook Jaya used to scale fast, the marketing moves that cut through in a crowded e-commerce market, and why he believes investing in yourself and your people is the ultimate growth hack. This conversation isn’t just about e-commerce — it’s about thinking bigger, moving faster, and building something that lasts.

Shane Vincent is the Principal of Belle Property Randwick and one of the most respected figures in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs real estate scene. With nearly two decades of experience in high-performance sales, Shane is known not just for his market knowledge, but for his relentless discipline, work ethic and no-nonsense approach to building a sustainable, values-driven business. In this episode, Shane joins us to unpack the real truths about succeeding in real estate and in life. We discuss how he stays consistent in an industry known for burnout, the mindset needed to outperform in a saturated market and what he’s learned about people, money and long-term success. If you're chasing excellence in any competitive field, this conversation is a blueprint. Expect to learn why most agents fail, how Shane thinks about leadership, why personal standards matter more than motivation and the power of patience.

In this episode of Pak Chat, we’re joined by real estate agent and co-founder of Mauve Property, Sam Groutsis. Raised in a family of agents, Sam’s journey started behind the reception desk at his mum’s agency and has evolved into running a high-performing business managing a gowing rent roll and selling homes worth up to $10 million — all while still finishing his university degree. We dive into how Sam broke away from the safety net to build something of his own. Mauve Property isn’t just another agency — it’s a bold new venture with a people-first, quality-over-quantity approach, built to challenge the status quo of Sydney’s Inner West and Upper Harbour markets. Sam opens up about the mindset shift it took to go from self-doubt to self-belief, how training and personal growth fuel his discipline and why he refuses to run cookie-cutter campaigns. He shares what it's like working with his brother as co-founder, how they use tech and targeted digital marketing to outsmart the big players and why they’re building a business that’s about more than just transactions — it’s about creating clients for life. We unpack everything from vendor psychology to imposter syndrome, building brand trust from zero and styling properties with scent and sound.

In this episode of Pak Chat, we’re joined by Jason Titus - expert Buyer’s Agent and Founder of Buyers Edge Property. With over 650 properties secured across Australia, Jason is a leading voice in the real estate industry, renowned for his fierce work ethic, clear communication and client-first approach. Jason brings expertise in the Australian property market, with a proven ability to identify undervalued suburbs and high-growth areas well before they hit the mainstream radar. Jason doesn’t just buy properties — he builds long-term strategies for his clients. We dive into how he earns trust, the role of transparency in property investing and the smart buying tactics he uses to help clients secure better deals and long-term value. From emerging market trends to property investment and work ethic tips, this episode is loaded with practical advice for home buyers, investors and real estate professionals alike. Jason says he’s “addicted to the progress” and by the end of this episode, you just might be too.

Josh Ellison is a high-performance real estate agent based in Sydney’s East. He’s sold everything from $500k apartments to $19 million trophy homes and built a reputation on trust, pace, and honesty. In this episode, we explore the mindset and tactics that separate average agents from elite performers. Josh reveals how he creates clients for life and why speed beats hesitation every single time. Expect to learn why copying others is the fastest way to lose in business, how Josh reads buyer psychology like a book, and the power of auction campaigns. Josh shares why the best agents are also the most human, and unpacks how to build unstoppable momentum in a saturated market. If you work in property, sales, or any high-pressure field, this conversation will sharpen your instincts, challenge your habits, and remind you why staying authentic is the most powerful strategy of all.

Clive Carter is a leading agent at Belle Property Randwick, known for delivering high-performance auction campaigns across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. Originally from Wollongong, Clive has leveraged the strength of the Belle Property brand to consistently achieve standout results while maintaining a strong focus on client relationships and emotional connection. In this conversation, we explore what makes a great auction campaign, the impact a national brand can have on seller success and how understanding how a property feels to a buyer can be the ultimate advantage. Clive also shares the story of his first property purchase and the lessons it taught him about emotion, decision-making and value — lessons that now shape the way he works with buyers and sellers today. Expect powerful insights on real estate, branding, emotional buying and the human side of great property transactions.

Josh Cottam is the Founder of Think Private, a tech-driven platform designed to connect brokers, clients, and private funders in one streamlined system. In a world where traditional lending can fall short, Josh is at the forefront of a growing movement that’s reshaping how private finance is accessed and delivered. In this episode, we unpack why private funding is becoming an essential part of the financial ecosystem, the challenges of building a technology platform from scratch and the future opportunities Josh sees in an evolving industry. Josh also shares the vision behind Think Private and why he believes bridging the gap between funders and borrowers will define the next generation of lending. Expect insights into entrepreneurship, finance innovation, and how to spot growing opportunities in underserved markets.

Josh Meli is the Co-Founder of CH Secure, a fast-growing buyer’s agency created in partnership with leading industry expert Simone Cohen. With a bold ambition to become Australia's top buyer’s agent, Josh is building not just a business, but a trusted brand for people entering and investing in the property market. In this episode, we dive into the mindset behind building a reputation in a competitive industry, the critical role of gentrification when choosing suburbs, the power of strategic renovations, and how buying off-market can give buyers a major edge. Josh also shares what he looks for in a property and the long-term vision that drives CH Secure's success.Expect practical insights for anyone thinking about buying, investing, or understanding what separates good advice from great advice.

Mitchell Farah is a third-generation real estate professional and the Managing Director of First Hand Property, a boutique agency specialising in property management, holiday letting, and strategic sales across Sydney. In this episode, we explore Mitchell's journey growing up in a real estate family, the sales tactics that work in today’s market, and the evolving landscape of property management and holiday rentals. Mitchell also shares tactical advice for buyers navigating a competitive market, and the mindset it takes to build trust and longevity in the property industry. Expect real-world lessons in negotiation, client service and how to think long-term in real estate.