Women in Property: Julie Drago, Executive Director Hero Properties. 

Julie believes the first step to promoting women in the industrial sector would be to see female agents in the industrial space. 

1. What do you consider to be your greatest achievements in life? ( personally or professionally)

   Professionally, it would be the growth in the Hero Properties portfolio over the last 5 years. More specifically, following a major building fire in 2014 in one of our larger industrial properties we completed a major refurbishment and repositioning of the property to secure 3 long term tenants in a tough market.  Personally, it is my three beautiful children.

2. What advice would you give to future leading women in property?

    I work in the industrial space and therefore there are not many women in the field, which I believe to be a real shame. My advice would be to not be afraid to speak up and to try and tackle things from a different perspective.

3. What are the greatest challenges you have had to overcome in your career to date?

   Unfortunately it is sad to say that I still come across some people who are not as ready to accept a women’s point of view in this industry. I have had to learn to be patient with some biases and allow my work ethic to speak for itself.

4. What can/ should the industry be doing to promote women in industry?

   The industrial space needs to promote women, the first point would be to see if the larger real estate agents could employ a women agent in industrial.  This has not been done to date.

5. Did you always want to work in property, if not what were your original plans?

    I completed an economics degree at UWA with the intention of working in the family business in the manufacturing industry.  Following the downturn in the late nineties a decision was made to close the manufacturing business after some 30 years in operation and focus on property development. My background in manufacturing has been a real benefit in property given that we specialise in workshop space and I can offer input into building process layouts.

6. What is the next goal or project you are working towards?

   We have recently purchased a prime 4.7 hectares industrial landholding in Latitude 32 Estate, Hope Valley and have recently launched Ovest Industrial Park to develop this land.  We have started planning for the first development and hope to secure many long term tenants for the estate.  The Ovest Industrial Park is ideally positioned to support the expanding and developing Western Trade Coast within Perth’s southern corridor.

7. How did you come to be the Executive Director of Hero Properties?

    Following many years in the manufacturing industry in various roles, I was appointed executive director to lead the growth in property development for Hero Properties.

8. Who have been your greatest influences, both personally and professionally?

   Professionally we have a board of directors and make use of a variety of advisors to support out growth plans. Personally, my husband Joe is a great influence and helps me see things from other perspectives.

9. What do you think are the biggest issues affecting the property industry?

    There are many but I think the main focus is on planning reform.  I have recently been appointed Chair of the Industrial Lands Committee and hope to use this position to push for much needed planning reform. The second major issue is the need for tax reform more specifically land tax reform.

10. Why did you choose to be involved in the Property Council and what are your thoughts on our various diversity initiatives?

     I have been involved with the Property Council for just over a year and hope to actively contribute to push for change within the industry.  I am strong advocate for the government to actively support property.

11. What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

          Slow down and look at all options before making any major decisions.