How two Brisbane agents built a powerhouse business on gratitude, grit and good people
When Place Woolloongabba principals James Curtain and Denis Najzar look around their bustling office after seven years in business, it’s hard not to feel a strong sense of pride and gratitude.
“There is a real sense of satisfaction in what we’ve created,” James said.
“We talk about small wins, the growth of our young agents, the high level of team retention. It’s fair to say we’re a “happy place”, and culturally strong in how we support each other.”
Humble Beginnings
When James and Denis first opened their doors more than seven years ago, the odds weren’t in their favour. They began with a team of six, a large empty office, and a market reeling from government changes to lending criteria that suddenly sidelined buyers.
“We had those moments of asking, ‘What have we done?’” James said.
“But even through the uncertainty, we never lost faith in what we were building.”
That early resilience became a defining trait of the business.
“There’s a misconception that building a great real estate office is easy,” James added.
“Unfortunately, it’s not. So, when you achieve it, it’s worth pausing to acknowledge.”
Building Culture Over Convenience
Rather than chasing fast growth, the pair focused on quality, recruiting people who operated with what they called an “above-the-line” mentality.
“We looked for people whose values exceeded typical expectations, who genuinely cared about their craft and the people around them. It’s slower to build that way, but it’s sustainable.”
That strategy worked. Place Woolloongabba has grown to 42 team members - a 600% increase since inception - and is now regarded as one of Brisbane’s standout real estate offices.
This year brought major milestones: a successful merger with Place Annerley alongside the leadership of agent and Principal, Mitchell Smith, the title of Place Property Management Business of the Year, and continued expansion across Woolloongabba and the 10-kilometre ring of surrounding suburbs.
The leadership now comprises three selling principals, James Curtain, Denis Najzar and Mitchell Smith, who collectively guide the business.
Their combined experience and hands-on approach have created a leadership structure that is dynamic, highly accessible and central to the culture and performance that define the office today.
“Four of our team members becoming shareholders was the ultimate endorsement of how far we’ve come,” James said.
A Business of Attraction
Finding the right people, not just more people, remained central to their growth.
“You need scale, but it’s not always easy to find the right fit,” Denis said.
“We chose to be selective, and while that can feel slow at times, it reduces turnover, boosts productivity and strengthens culture. We always want to be a business of attraction, where people are drawn to our standards, not just our results.”
That philosophy extends to their physical environment. Eight years ago, the pair invested in a world-class office fit out designed to inspire collaboration and pride.
It has since become known as one of Brisbane’s best offices - featured on the news and recognised locally for its design, energy and success.
Deep Roots in the Gabba
For the principals, connection to place has always been personal.
“The Gabba is a community that’s proud of who it is,” James said.
“It’s a little understated. It had its heart ripped out in the seventies when the freeway went through, but it’s coming alive again. You can feel its renaissance.”
That local connection runs deep.
The team partners with neighbouring businesses, participates in Chamber of Commerce events and supports community causes.
Their signature charity initiative, 30 Hours of Power, has become a fixture on the calendar, raising more than $24,000 for Ronald McDonald House this year alone.
The Decade Ahead
As the Gabba precinct undergoes one of Brisbane’s most ambitious transformations, with Brisbane Live, Cross River Rail, hospital expansions and the redevelopment of the Brisbane Cricket Ground, Principals James, Denis and now Mitchell Smith, are positioning their team for the next era.
“We’re on the edge of something extraordinary,” James said.
“The Gabba, East Brisbane and Kangaroo Point will soon feel like one connected, world-class precinct. The opportunity ahead is unprecedented.”
The pair both agree, they’ve always defined their own success.
If they had to sum it up:
“We’ve built a happy place; one defined by people, perseverance and purpose.”