John Piccolo

Imagine a world with no mobile phones, internet, digital cameras, or drones - that was the time I commenced my career in real estate. Working two jobs, playing pennant squash/basketball and in between, doing the Property Diploma course part-time at RMIT - life was busy then and with the advent of all the above is even busier now. The pace is faster and expectations greater. Fortunately, I’ve managed to maintain my physical and mental fitness and keep abreast of all the technological advancements. Change is inevitable but progress is optional. What has not and will not ever change however is people and relationships. Our unwavering commitment to our staff, customers, and the communities we serve are all contributors to the success of the company I lead today. Statistics, budgets, and spreadsheets though will always rank second behind this. With privilege comes responsibility. We have an environment that allows people to grow and prosper and become the best they can be. As custodians of the Woodards brand, we are indebted to our predecessors and find ourselves privileged to build on its legacy. One of our most satisfying achievements is that of the Woodards Foundation. Through the work of the Foundation, we have bought six soup vans for the St Vincent de Paul Society. These vans provide food and essentials for Melbourne’s homeless. Each year they distribute around 200,000 meals. We have also donated land in Boroondara and built transitional housing for women experiencing homelessness, in one of the first private/public partnerships of its kind. For the past four years, I’ve been an ambassador for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout. Woodards Directors and staff participate with me in the event. Our team has now raised almost $400,000 for homeless services. I regularly challenge myself and live by my personal ethos “perfection is our goal; excellence will be tolerated.” I don’t do lunch and I don’t play golf but am always open to a brekky consisting of a caffe latte and toast with apricot jam.