John said ‘A Biographical Account of The Life and Times of John Wesley Owsnett’ simply describes his life adventures so his eight grand-children – the last one born on Monday – will know and understand what he has achieved.
Growing up in Peakhurst amid many new subdivisions, John says he believes that is what may have sparked his interest in real estate at about 13 or 14.
But it would be almost another decade after spending four years working in a bank when he first left school, before his passion would be ignited.
Always having an incredible work ethic, John got his first paid job at age 11 at St James Picture Theatre as a tray boy and worked so many other part-time jobs, he was regularly earning the equivalent of $30 a week while still at school.
Now 73, semi-retired and also celebrating 50 years of service as a JP, John started his real estate career in his early 20s in Bexley, before moving to Schloeffel and Sons (no longer operating) in Padstow, and then setting up his long-term family real estate business on the corner of Howard and Faraday Roads, Padstow.
A Justice of the Peace, John quickly became a familiar face in the area, being President of the Padstow Chamber of Commerce and President of the local Lions Club, which saw him distinguished with the Lions’ highest award in the world, the Melvin Jones award, in recognition of outstanding service.
“I feel this is one of my greatest achievements since the award is international and rare; it was a nod to my efforts, raising over $500,000 in 1983 for St Vincent Hospital’s Victor Chang Institute being one of them,” he said.
Reflecting on how the area has changed, John said: “I sold my first house in Faraday Road for $14,950. It’s now worth over $1 million and the family who bought it then are still residing there some 50 years later.”
Following John into the industry, his children – Belinda, Todd and Dean – are each now Directors of the business.
Boasting 22 staff, the family business has grown from a staff of five, including his lovely wife Joy, whom he has been married to for over 50 years and who has worked alongside him.
“All of my success I owe to Joy and her support,” John said.
In a fantastic testament to John and his children’s expertise, Professionals Padstow is consistently ranked as one of the top Professionals real estate offices in Australia.
A registered valuer and auctioneer and now enjoying semi-retirement, John still provides valuable mentorship to Belinda, Todd, Dean and all the staff at Professionals Padstow.
