What’s your favourite place on the Northern Beaches?
South Steyne, between the surf club and Wentworth Street. Early mornings there on nice days are magic with some sea mist around the Pine trees. very closely followed by Manly Oval on rugby days.
Is there something about you that would surprise people?
I am a bit of a history nerd, particularly WW2 & Modern American history. I find it fascinating and history is a great teacher.
What’s something everyone should do at least once?
Teach a child to ride a bike. Painfully rewarding.
It’s Sunday afternoon, where do we find you?
At home barbecuing & listening to music or a podcast on football or history.
If you were down to your last $50 what would you spend it on?
A good steak and a bottle of red wine. The budget is modest but I think I can make it work.
Business
How did Bergelin Property happen?
My late father (Bernie) started the business in the late 80’s so the name has been around for a long time. He was originally Century 21 then Bergelin Estate Agents and now Bergelin Property. The business has had offices on The Corso, the Wharf, Belgrave Street and now Wentworth Street. We sell and lease property in Manly.
Best business experience?
Probably buying our own office in Wentworth Street last year. I think it was a bit of a full circle moment for the business and provides a strong foundation for future growth.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
Probably something in sports or journalism. I do love sports! I was President of the Manly Marlins for a few years which was great fun and I still host a weekly podcast on Club Rugby.
Best part about your job?
Meeting new people. Manly has change so much particularly in the last 15 years or so. It’s transient community which has its strengths and weaknesses but it’s always nice to meet new people.
Most stressful part of your job?
Running the Property Management department. There are many facets to the job. While technology has helped in automating many of these processes, it’s still quite an intensive workload and quite high churn rate in the industry. So monitoring our staff to make sure tasks are in hand and they are not drowning can be a challenge.
Weirdest thing that has ever happened at work?
I won’t go into too many specifics, but in real estate you can occassionaly open the door on things that can’t be unseen.
What’s the best part of working on the Northern Beaches?
The lifestyle is unparalleled especially for a working environment. I was born here so by default I am very lucky!
Personal
What would you rate 10/10?
A day skiing someone in the world with fiends followed by a really good apres session.
What is the best advice you’ve received?
Never lose the ability to laugh at yourself.
Greatest strength?
Interpersonal skills.
Greatest weakness?
Patience.
Does anything scare you?
The speed of certain technologies. Particularly my kids growing up through the social media lens.
Most treasured possession?
My bike.
What’s your idea of absolute happiness?
A morning run, a swim and a coffee.
How do you switch off?
I go for a run or cook a meal for my family/friends.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Video games.
Who’s your personal hero?
They’ve probably been all cancelled, ah let’s play it safe and go with Arsene Wenger.
If you were an animal, what would you be?
Chimpanzee.
How would you like to be remembered?
Authentic and helpful.
If we could ask you one more question, what would it be and what’s your answer?
Question: If you could bring back three Manly Businesses from the past what would they be?
Answer: Manly Twin Cinemas, Tilt Arcade at Manly Wharf & Fairlight McDonalds.