30 years in real estate: A life in homes, people, and lessons with Matt Hayson

Nearly 30 years in the same game. One company, one community, one industry that has shaped me as much as I’ve shaped it. I’ve lived through it all from the wild beginnings, the tough lessons, the moments that dent your optimism, and the many more that restore it.

The Wild Start

I started in leasing. I was young, I was wild and didn’t mind big nights out, then straight into open homes. But I always turned up. In three decades, I’ve only taken two days off sick, and that consistency is something I still carry with me today.

From leasing I moved through property management, sales support, sales, and eventually business ownership. In those early years I’d take cash to the Redfern post office at midnight for landlord end of month payments. I’d spend hours at Kodak flicking through negatives to pick the best property photos. I’d fax ad copy back and forth with the Herald. Slow, manual, repetitive, but all of it built resilience, resourcefulness, and perspective.

The Industry Arc

Real estate has changed beyond recognition. From the fax and Kodak days to the digital revolution, everything is faster. We save time with technology, but we fill those savings with more – more staging, more pre-sale renovations, more client touchpoints. The pace is relentless, but so is the opportunity.

I’ve sold homes for celebrities, politicians, captains of industry, and families at every stage, from first timers starting out to people closing the final chapter of their life. Real estate is not just about bricks and mortar. It is life itself: joy, loss, love, change. Our job is to guide people through it, calmly and steadily, even when hearts are full or broken.

The CobdenHayson Journey

At CH, the milestones have been countless. We’ve set more peninsula records than any other agency. We’ve sponsored countless local events and sporting teams, and along the way played a part in shaping Wallaby rugby players, artists, musicians, and young people who’ve gone on to extraordinary things. We don’t just work in the community; we are the community.

But what really defines this journey are the people. Many of our team have been with us for 10 years, some for 20 – this business has been a huge part of their lives, and they’ve been a huge part of mine. I’ve been fortunate to share the path with incredible directors and colleagues: Ben, Alex, Chad, Nick & Joe, Mia, George, Lisa, Debbie, Jim, and so many more. We work together, laugh together, sometimes console one another, but above all, we trust one another. Their trust in me is humbling, and it reminds me daily that leadership must be delivered with consistency, clarity, care, and energy.

I’ve also been blessed to do this with remarkable individuals: Rita, whose generosity makes her a saint in human form. Rosie, who is kind, fun, and loyal. Josh, whose drive will rocket his career forward. And the broader CH family of great people who get up each day determined to be better, serving thousands of clients with passion. To all our partners like Cooley auctioneers, buyers’ agents, brokers, valuers, solicitors, inspectors, trades, tech partners and Macquarie Bank, you’re part of this extended family too.

Gratitude and Anchors

None of this would have been possible without my business partner, Danny Cobden. He took a chance on me, and I hope I’ve delivered. To my coach, Matt Griggs, who’s helped me strip back complexity and live with clarity. To my Dad, who financially helped me to start my business ownership. To my late mum, who still steadies me from above. To my wife Camilla – my everything, my anchor – and our kids, Lola, Frankie, and Auggie, who are my daily fire and joy. To my mates, many still with me since I was five years old. To all the books, podcasts, trainers, and coaches who sharpened me. I owe a debt of gratitude that words can’t fully repay.

Lessons and Forward Vision

What have three decades taught me? That life isn’t easy, but adversity builds character. That calmness, humility, gratitude, and fortitude are the only real ways forward. That laughter is essential. That when darkness comes, self-belief is your best companion.

And what excites me about the future is simple: my cup of knowledge feels full, and I want to pour it forward. To guide with care, insight, and perspective. To move with efficiency, grace, and style. To help my team, my clients, and my community chase better every day.

After nearly 30 years in the same area, little surprises me, but every day still excites me. I wake at 4am with energy, vigour, and gratitude. I love what I do, I love who I do it with, and I feel like I’m only just hitting my stride.

Thank you

To my clients, my colleagues, my community, and my family – thank you. For three decades, this industry has given me more than I could have ever imagined. This is my tenure in the wild, crazy, beautiful world of real estate. And the best part is, the journey is still unfolding.