This week’s Business Ninja is someone who is probably quite well known to you if you work in the real estate profession in Melbourne. Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you the vivacious and talented Justine Buhrmann, Director of Gough Recruitment in Melbourne. Justine leads up a knowledgeable and approachable team of recruiters who specialise in recruitment for the property industry. Here’s Justine! 

1. What makes your business magical, setting you apart from other competitors?

You’ve got to have worked with Gough, to experience the magic I guess.  Our staff are amazing and our speed to market is second to none.  As a National Business, now in 4 states, our branding allows us to attract some pretty magical candidates too. 

2. What are your maddest ‘ninja skillz’ in recruiting?  

I’ve worked in Real Estate and Property in Melbourne for some great agencies – so I know exactly what my clients are looking for.  And I’ve also been a client (Real Estate agent using a recruiter), so I’ve got a unique perspective.    

3. When did your lightbulb moment in creating your business come about? 

 I actually started working at Gough as an employee (I was headhunted to work here).  When my old boss, Graham Gough, mentioned that he was interested in selling, I jumped at the opportunity.  So I didn’t start the business from scratch.  But I have always wanted to own my own business (from my teenage years) and sometimes, I question why I wanted to!  Ha!

4. What is your earliest memory? 

Earliest memory is colouring in the wallpaper of my first home.  I think I was about 3 years old.  The cherubs on the wallpaper looked so much better with eye colour.

5. What would your last meal be? 

Last meal would probably be of the liquid variety – some bubbles I imagine!

6. What is your best tip for choosing business partners? 

Best tip for a business partner is to respect them.  When choosing staff, try to find people who are different to you (to compliment you) and if you can, try and find people who are better than you too!

7.  What is your favourite sound?

Favourite sound is my 16 month old son (Orlando) belly laughing – cute as!

8. Who would you like to invite to dinner? 

Probably my husband – the days of us going to beautiful restaurants and relaxing over a delicious meal are quite limited with a baby – so dinner with him would be a treat!

9. What is something unexpected that has come from your work in recruitment?  

Unexpected has been the great relationships I have built up at Gough.  My business partner Joel and our State Manager in WA were all employees at the same time as I was (when I first started).  So to become partners and co-Managers with them and grow together, has been a fantastic experience – they’re great people.