Barry Plant franchise’s reach has been extended across Phillip Island and the Bass Coast with offices in Phillip Island (Cowes), San Remo, Wonthaggi & Inverloch.

The move marks a new chapter for Rod Patch, the long-standing owner and director of the thriving Cowes, San Remo and Wonthaggi offices, as well as the recently acquired Inverloch office. It also paves the way for industry veteran and current CEO of the Cowes, San Remo, Wonthaggi and Inverloch offices, Jodie Hanssen, to become a shareholder and director alongside Rod in the future.

“We are thrilled to join a network with the reputation, support, leadership and integrity that Barry Plant offers. This is a significant step in our history, and I believe it could be our most successful yet,” Rod said.

The decision grew from shared values and long-standing professional connections. After Barry Plant won Major Network of the Year at the 2025 REB Awards, Franchise Development Manager Ben Burling shared the news on LinkedIn. That post caught Jodie Hanseen's eye and set the wheels in motion.

“I knew Lisa Pennell had stepped into the CEO role, but until I saw that post, I had no idea Ben had also joined Barry Plant. A bit of digging revealed that not only was Ben on board, but Stephen Dullens had become fractional CFO. That discovery made me want to learn more about the organisation that could attract such high-calibre people,” Jodie recalls.

Earlier in her career, Jodie worked alongside Lisa, Ben and Stephen at another major real estate network, building strong professional relationships. She knew that if respected colleagues with shared values were joining Barry Plant, it was worth serious consideration.

“Lisa, Stephen and Ben have high standards, an incredible work ethic and real integrity. Those are values I prioritise, so the connection and alignment ultimately led us here, with Rod bringing our offices in Cowes, San Remo, Inverloch and Wonthaggi into the Barry Plant network.”

Franchise Development Manager Ben Burling said he was delighted with the addition.

“I have known Jodie for a long time, and I am thrilled we can work together again under the Barry Plant banner. Rod and Jodie are outstanding operators whose values and ambition align perfectly with the brand. With the backing of Victoria’s largest real estate franchise support team and expanded resources, we are confident they will go from strength to strength,” Ben said.

Rod and Jodie’s professional partnership goes back more than a decade, beginning when they first worked together in 2009. Originally from the Yarra Valley, Jodie moved to Phillip Island after a stint in country NSW and joined Rod’s Cowes office as rental department manager. In 2011, she relocated to Melbourne, where she achieved outstanding results with a major real estate network.

In 2022, Rod invited Jodie to return to Phillip Island to help overhaul his businesses. After several months of persuasion, she agreed and quickly became instrumental in transforming the network. Over the past three years, the business has transformed its systems, processes and team, building a strong operational foundation perfectly positioned for growth.

It is a journey that mirrors Barry Plant’s own recent transformation, evolving and refining a long-standing, successful business to position it for future growth.

“It is more than just a rebrand for our offices. Barry Plant’s commitment to integrity, innovation and growth really stood out to me. I could see the changes Lisa and her team had implemented in such a short time, and it was clear this network is forward-looking and striving to be the best,” Jodie says.

Rod agrees that the benefits extend far beyond a new logo and a fresh coat of paint.

“Joining Barry Plant gives us a huge leg up with access to better systems, training, education and support, things we did not have before. This allows us to focus on growing and expanding our sales team using Barry Plant’s proven approach to developing outstanding salespeople.”

In their first 12 months under the Barry Plant banner, the team will focus on consolidating recent operational gains, establishing the newly acquired Inverloch office, and ramping up their next phase of growth with the support of Barry Plant’s industry-leading resources.

Barry Plant CEO Lisa Pennell said she was excited to welcome the offices to the franchise.

“We are honoured to welcome such a strong group of offices into the Barry Plant network, filling a key gap in our geographical coverage. This expansion brings the Barry Plant brand and everything it represents, from excellence in customer service to integrity and genuine care for clients, to a part of Victoria where we previously had no presence,” Lisa said.

These offices serve a diverse market, attracting holidaymakers, permanent holiday-home owners, retirees, young families, backpackers and long-time locals. Rod and Jodie know the area inside out, having spent over a combined 45 years living and working there.

“With Barry Plant behind us, we can combine the personalised, small-town service that builds lasting relationships with the efficiency and reach of a major real estate franchise. It means we can deliver the best real estate experience in the Bass Coast,” Jodie said.

With the partnership now in place, Barry Plant’s distinctive watermelon, sand and cobalt branding will soon be a familiar sight across Phillip Island and the Bass Coast. For Rod and Jodie, this is not just an expansion; it is the start of a new era, with a commitment to delivering market-leading results while maintaining the community focus that has been the hallmark of their success.