Investpro celebrates 20th anniversary

"In the fast-paced world of real estate, where trends shift and markets evolve, one property business, East London's Investpro, has stood the test of time, emerging as a beacon of innovation, vision, and entrepreneurship. Established in 2003, Investpro's journey began in Penny Lindstrom's and Roy Taylor's real estate business, in a backroom office, which Roy's son Dan, and Dan's partner Robin Knott, rented.

Knott and Taylor fought a strategically planned and executed assault into the commercial property scene, and were later joined by new partner Justin Price, who was at St Andrews College with Taylor. Knott matriculated at Dale College, in King William's Town. Sport was a binding influence. The three had shared a vision of a new look property concern. The vision has not dimmed and has shaped their path to success over the past two decades. 

 

Investpro celebrated its 20 years in business at a cocktail party at East London Golf Club on Tuesday evening. In a speech Taylor said the property market had taken a quantum leap from the time they opened their embryonic company. "Our success has always been based on our team's (now numbering 28) agility and willingness to embrace change. They have assisted us in staying relevant, but have also allowed us to stay ahead of the curve."

 

"Constant innovation and diversification have resulted in us broadening our offer. We now operate in the residential, commercial and agricultural sectors, offering a complete property solution, whether it be sales, letting, management or auctions." 

 

Strong associations along the way have helped to cement growth, such as a partnership with national auction company In2Assets (I2A), based in Durban. This has seen Investpro, through I2A, successfully dispose of large scale non-core assets for multiple national companies. Add to this, another 100 properties set for auction next month. 

 

In 2018 Investpro bought into a small management company in Putney, London. In June 2023 they expanded and purchased a share in Brinkleys Real estate, a London-based property firm. "Expanding our footprint in the national and international markets has been a strategic objective, not for the sake of growth, but to give our clients greater scope. Brinkleys has over 500 properties under management, and 100 of them are owned by South Africans. The back office work will be done in East London, already a team of four managed by Richard Watt, a partner in the business." 

 

Taylor said that growth often means bigger and busier, but Investpro's management team intentionally strive to create and maintain a family focused environment, fostering the type of organisation their team not only finds fulfilment in, but has fun doing so. Social events that promote team morale are regularly part of their schedules and often include supporting other local businesses in the process. Recognising that their success is intriniscally tied to the well-being of the community, Invetsopro endeavours to partner with various orgsnisations with a vision to create a positive impact in the city. A long-term partnership with Land of the Living has them getting their hands dirty, volunteering at city clean-up projects. Other community initiatves include regular blood drives as well as sponsoring various school, and sporting events.  

 

"Celebrating 20 years is no small achievement," said Taylor. "We owe a lot to our loyal client base and to our team. The 20-year celebration is not just about looking back at the achievements and milestones. It's a celebration of the people, the ideas, and the unwavering spirit that has propelled them forward, as they embrace the future with enthusiasm and determination. Here's to the next 20 years of excellence, innovation, and making a positive impact in the world of real estate."

Author Ted Keenan - Daily Dispatch