At Elite Edge Real Estate Training, we believe the heart of the real estate industry is people. As I go out and meet Townsville’s wonderful real estate agents, I love to share their local stories, spotlighting the journeys, challenges, and successes of those right here in our community. From students stepping back into the industry to agents making their mark, these stories celebrate resilience, growth, and the power of connection. We hope they inspire others to see what’s possible.

Meet Jess Tupuola, Belle Property

From youth outreach to real estate, Jesse Tupuola’s path to property sales is driven by one thing, people.

With a background in youth services that spanned communities from Ayr to Ingham, Jesse has always been drawn to roles where he can uplift, connect, and support others. Today, just over 12 months into his real estate journey with Belle Property, that same passion is what drives his success.

“I absolutely love it—it really is all about the people,” Jesse shares, with the kind of sincerity that instantly puts you at ease. “Being able to help someone through such an important step in their life, whether buying or selling, is a privilege.”

Now a valued sales associate with Belle Property Townsville, Jesse brings a fresh energy and client-first mindset to the role. He works closely with Kody Dart, soaking up insights and sharpening his skills in one of Townsville’s most competitive markets. “Kody is a great mentor. I am learning how to get the work done, stay focused, and really deliver results,” he says.

That blend of focus and approachability is Jesse’s signature. He is known for his strong organisational skills, innovative thinking, and a natural ability to connect. Whether he is assisting a first-home buyer or supporting a vendor through the sale process, he ensures every client feels informed and supported at every step.

As a father of three young children, Jesse is especially grateful for the flexibility his real estate career affords. “I get to enjoy the work-life balance—being there for sports days, and everything in between,” he says.

And while real estate can be known for its highs and lows, Jesse remains unwaveringly positive. “There are no real lows for me,” he says. “The harder I work for my clients, the more I grow. It is rewarding on so many levels.”

With uncapped earning potential and a team culture that fuels ambition and support in equal measure, Jesse is excited about what lies ahead. His deep understanding of the Townsville property market, especially in Burdell, is matched by a strong desire to keep delivering value to his community.

In Jesse, Belle Property Townsville has found not just a driven sales associate, but someone who genuinely cares about helping others grow, just as he has.

I was amazed by how incredible this training was. It was so easy to follow, and the layout was perfect. The colours, videos, and audio were all on point. I could even listen to the material while working out on my treadmill, which made it incredibly convenient and fitted into my routine.

As a busy, time-poor working mum, I was thrilled to complete this training so quickly. It was straightforward, and I learned so much. The most valuable takeaway for me was truly understanding the laws and legislation. Cathy’s approach to presenting this information was brilliant – clear, practical, and easy to grasp, and it stayed with me. My boss is really happy about this too.

The assessments were incredibly relevant to my job, featuring actual RTA forms and real-life situations commonly encountered in real estate. This practical approach made everything click and felt directly tied to my daily work.

Do not go anywhere else, I honestly cannot recommend Elite Edge Real Estate Training enough. I had originally enrolled with another provider, but after two months, I had only completed two units.  There was an overwhelming amount of reading, I would spend hours on it, a confusing layout, and I just dreaded it.

What Cathy has created is truly exceptional. The thought, care, and expertise that have gone into every detail of the training platform is so clear. It is not just about learning, it’s about being part of an experience that truly empowers students to succeed. I felt supported throughout the entire journey, and the platform made it so easy to engage.

Making the switch to Elite Edge Real Estate Training was the best decision I have made. The difference was incredible. I am now able to truly support the principal licensee by assisting in managing property sales, handling documentation, and contributing more effectively to everyday key tasks.

Monica Glasser
Benchmark Real Estate Cairns

From the Defence Force to Department Manager, Natasha Elford is redefining Real Estate in Queensland

One of the first incredible women I met when I arrived in Townsville was Natasha Elford, a powerhouse in the property space and someone with a genuine heart for service, a dynamic force in the property industry with a deep-rooted sense of purpose. We connected through the Accelerating NQ Female Founders Program, and even then, it was clear: Natasha wasn’t just in real estate—she was here to make a difference.

Her journey into property is anything but conventional. A proud Army veteran, Natasha brings with her the discipline, resilience, and leadership honed through years of military service, including a deployment to the Middle East. In high-pressure environments, she developed the operational skills that now underpin her success in the fast-paced world of real estate.

After transitioning from Defence, Natasha threw herself into the industry, starting at the ground level right here in Townsville. Beginning as a Leasing Agent, she quickly progressed to Business Development Manager, building her reputation for strong client relationships, strategic thinking, and leadership. Her time in these early roles laid a rock-solid foundation in property management and deepened her understanding of the local market.

But Natasha’s ambitions stretched further. With a clear sense of mission and a drive to serve, she launched her own business—Investor Support—focusing on buyer advocacy and property management. For Natasha, this wasn’t just about property, it was about people, especially those who’ve served.

“My clients’ goals become my mission,” Natasha says. “Whether I am helping someone secure their first investment or supporting a veteran into stable housing, I bring transparency, loyalty, and purpose to every step.”

Through her initiative, Veteran Homecoming – Rental Advocate, Natasha worked tirelessly to support ex-service members as they navigated life after the military. For many, her guidance meant not just finding a rental, but reclaiming a sense of stability and home.

As a Buyer’s Agent, she offered strategic, personalised support, helping clients navigate the noise of the property market with clarity and confidence. Now, her career has taken its next powerful step forward.

Today, Natasha leads as Department Manager at Performance Property, a respected firm with national reach. In this role, she brings her sharp insight, operational excellence, and unwavering values to a broader audience—while remaining deeply connected to her original mission: helping others build wealth through property.

From military deployments to executive meetings, from grassroots growth to senior leadership, Natasha Elford is forging a new model for what real estate professionals can be—purpose-driven, people-focused, and unapologetically bold.

She is not just helping clients buy property, she is building legacies, shaping lives, and proving that service never really ends… it just evolves.

Contact Natasha at https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-elford-9a530716b/

Email: Natasha@performanceproperty.com.au
Mobile: 0407 201 134

Elite Edge’s first student shares his experience on the Road to Real Estate Success

Every journey has a first step and for Elite Edge Real Estate Training, that first step began with Louka Mathie from Hartley Partners in Townsville. As our very first student to enrol, Louka has now officially completed his Real Estate Registration training, and it’s been an absolute pleasure to watch his growth from day one.

With a sharp eye for detail, a great attitude, and a genuine interest in the industry, Louka has embraced the course with professionalism beyond his years. Throughout his training, he demonstrated a willingness to learn, ask great questions, and apply every concept to real-world practice, just the kind of learner every trainer hopes for.

“I really enjoyed the course,” Louka said. “It was clear, practical, and gave me everything I needed to feel confident stepping into the industry. Cathy was supportive throughout, and the flexibility of the learning style worked really well for me.”

Backed by the outstanding team at Hartley Partners, Louka is in good hands as he begins his real estate career. With a strong foundation of training and on-the-ground mentoring, he’s well on his way to becoming a standout agent in Townsville’s competitive market.

As the founder of Elite Edge, I couldn’t be prouder to have Louka as our very first graduate. He has truly set the tone for the kind of high-calibre professionals we aim to support, motivated, grounded, and ready to make an impact.

Congratulations, Louka, we can’t wait to see what’s next for you.

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a property manager?
Imagine a ringmaster at a circus, an air traffic controller, and a part-time therapist—all rolled into one. If you think real estate is just about signing leases and collecting rent, think again. A property manager’s day is a whirlwind of maintenance mishaps, tenant dramas, and landlord negotiations.
Let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at a typical (if that even exists) day in the life of a property manager.

6:30 AM – The Calm Before the Storm (a.k.a. Coffee Time)

The alarm blares. I question my life choices for five solid minutes before rolling out of bed. First priority? Coffee. Because caffeine is the only thing standing between me and a full-blown meltdown by noon.
A quick glance at my phone reveals 12 unread emails, five maintenance requests, and a tenant threatening “legal action” over a dripping tap. Fabulous. Here we go.

8:00 AM – The Email Avalanche Begins

I arrive at the office, only to find my inbox has doubled overnight. Landlords need updates, tenants want answers, and a contractor has cancelled an urgent repair because his cousin borrowed his toolbox. Fantastic.

Prioritizing my To-Do List:

• Emergency repairs
• Chasing overdue rent (again)
• Conducting property inspections
• Playing detective to figure out why a tenant’s dishwasher is making “weird noises”

Oh, and let’s not forget the mystery water bill that has quadrupled overnight. Somewhere, somehow, there’s an underground swimming pool I don’t know about.

10:30 AM – The Great Maintenance Marathon

The next hour is spent coordinating repairs, which mostly consists of begging tradespeople to show up. Conversations go something like this:
Me: “So… when can you fix the leaky ceiling?”
Plumber: “Next Thursday.”
Me: “The tenants are collecting rainwater in buckets.”
Plumber: “That’s… resourceful. Still Thursday.”

12:00 PM – Routine Inspections and Tenant Shenanigans

Off to property inspections, where I discover:

1. A tenant has painted the living room hot pink for “creative energy.”
2. Someone has built a chicken coop—on their apartment balcony.
3. A tenant has turned their unit into an Airbnb, which explains why their “cousin” always seems to be visiting.

I take polite notes while mentally screaming, then remind tenants that:

• Chickens are not “support animals.”
• DIY paint jobs require approval (especially when the color resembles a flamingo explosion).
• Subletting without permission is a hard no.

2.00 PM – The Rent Chase

Time to put on my debt collector hat and chase late rent payments. Cue the excuses:

 “I paid it—must be a bank error!”
 “My dog ate the rent reminder email.”
 “I was abducted by aliens and just got back.”

After multiple follow-ups, a few awkward phone calls, and a silent prayer, payments start rolling in—except for one tenant, who insists they sent the money via carrier pigeon.

4.00 PM – The Mystery Complaint

An email arrives:
“There’s a weird smell in my apartment. Fix it.”

No details. No photos. Just… a smell.

Gas leak? Dead fish? Science experiment gone wrong? Who knows. I call the tenant for clarification, but they just repeat, “It smells weird.”

Wonderful. Guess I’ll have to come sniff around and play real estate detective.

5.30 PM – Wrapping Up… Kind Of

The office is closing, but my phone certainly isn’t.

A tenant has locked themselves out and demands I drop everything to let them in.
A landlord wants an urgent update on their property because they “just felt like checking in.”
Someone’s shower has exploded. Yes, exploded.

I take a deep breath, remind myself that real estate is a marathon, not a sprint, and grab one more coffee before calling it a day.

7.00 PM – Home… but still Working

I finally make it home. My phone buzzes.

Tenant: “Hey, just a quick one. Can I get a cat? Also, I already got the cat.”

Sigh.

And that, my friends, is a day in the life of a property manager—a nonstop rollercoaster of calls, complaints, repairs, and late rent. But amidst the chaos, there’s problem-solving, people skills, and a whole lot of patience.

Despite the madness, I love what I do. Helping tenants find homes, assisting landlords with their investments, and keeping everything running smoothly—it’s all part of the job.

Would I trade it for anything else? Not a chance.

You have just finished school—congrats!  Now comes the big question: What’s next?

If the thought of sitting in an office 9-to-5 or going to university for years doesn’t sound like your vibe, we’ve got an exciting idea for you: Real Estate.

Yep, it’s not just for people in suits with years of experience—it’s for YOU. Whether you’re into people, property, or just the idea of earning big while living life your way, real estate might be your perfect fit.

What’s So Cool About Real Estate?

🤸‍♀️ Freedom to Do You
Forget the rigid 9-to-5 grind. Real estate lets you work flexible hours, so you can hit the beach in the morning or game late at night. You’re in charge of your schedule.

💸 Money Talks
You don’t have to wait years to see the payoff. With hard work and hustle, you can start earning solid commissions early on—and there’s no cap on how much you can make.

🌟 Every Day is Different
If the thought of sitting at a desk all day makes you cringe, you’ll love this. One day you’re showing apartments, the next you’re closing deals. It’s exciting, fast-paced, and never boring.

Do I Need a Degree? Nope!

Unlike many careers, you don’t need a university degree to succeed in real estate. Instead, you’ll take short courses to get qualified, like the CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice—your ticket into the industry.

Places like The Elite Edge Training Academy make it super easy with flexible, online learning so you can study wherever you want, whether it’s your bedroom or your favorite café.

Why Real Estate is Perfect for Young People

You’ve Got Energy to Burn
Let’s face it—young people like you have the energy and enthusiasm that clients love. Real estate is all about connecting with people, and your fresh perspective will make you stand out.

Sky’s the Limit
Want to own your own agency one day? Travel the world and work remotely? Or just stack some serious cash? Real estate is full of opportunities, and you can grow as fast as your ambition takes you.

Meet Awesome People
From helping families find their dream homes to connecting with industry pros, real estate is all about relationships. Plus, you’ll make friends (and maybe even future business partners) along the way.

How to Get Started

Take the First Step
Check out training programs like those at The Elite Edge Training Academy. They’ll help you get the qualifications you need to hit the ground running.

Learn the Ropes
Get your foot in the door as a real estate assistant or junior agent. It’s the perfect way to learn and grow while you start building your career.

Start Earning
Once you’re qualified, it’s time to start hustling. Whether you’re helping someone buy their first home or sealing a big deal, you’ll love seeing your hard work pay off.

The Future is Yours

If you’re ready to ditch the “what should I do with my life” stress, why not give real estate a shot? It’s flexible, exciting, and full of opportunities to grow.

So what are you waiting for? Get started today with The Elite Edge Training Academy, and take the first step toward an exciting, rewarding career.

Real estate isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle. Are you ready to live it? 💼✨