Eleven years ago, when Barry Plant directors Matt Ketteringham and Paul Dabb hosted a training day for their Berwick and Pakenham offices, no one could have anticipated the profound impact it would have on the Barry Plant Group. That single day sparked a chance meeting that led to a beautiful marriage, two wonderful children, a thriving business partnership, and the addition of two new directors at Barry Plant Warragul-Drouin.

“Matt would love to take credit for our marriage, and honestly, without his training day, we might never have met. Candice deserves plenty of credit too—she wasn’t shy about going after what she wanted,” Chris said with a laugh.

While Chris and Candice have been inseparable since that day, their journeys to becoming directors at Warragul-Drouin are distinct stories of dedication, perseverance, and success in the real estate industry.

Candice began her career in 2013 as an assistant to a Sales Agent at the Barry Plant Pakenham office, and her determination and ambition were evident from the outset.

“When I was starting out, I applied for numerous real estate roles and made it to the final round of interviews for three positions, including one at Barry Plant Pakenham. I was initially offered the other two roles, but I turned them both down, holding out hope for an offer from Barry Plant Pakenham. Thankfully, my gamble paid off—a few days later, I got the job. Looking back, it was a bold and risky move,” she said with a laugh.

After landing the assistant role, Candice quickly made her mark. Six months in, she had the chance to step up into a Sales Agent position. The next six months saw her talent and exceptional work ethic make her the top-ranked agent at the Pakenham office.

Candice’s connection to the Barry Plant brand started even before she joined the network, a loyalty inspired by her parents’ experiences.

“My parents have always sold their homes with Barry Plant. The first was in 2003, sold by Lana Maher, who is still with the network at the Emerald office,” Candice explained.

“Their experience was so positive that they’ve only ever used Barry Plant for their real estate needs. That formative impression—and the years I’ve spent at Barry Plant—showed me the brand's deep trust in every community.”

Candice consistently achieved impressive sales figures at the Pakenham office until 2018, when everything changed. Two years after meeting Chris, the couple welcomed their first child, Lola. With a new chapter of life beginning, Candice stepped back to focus on motherhood but couldn’t stay away for long.

“I loved becoming a mum, but I missed the thrill and the grind of real estate. Six weeks after giving birth, I was back calling auctions on weekends with baby Lola in tow. She was a wonderful auctioneer’s assistant,” Candice joked.

Chris’s journey mirrored Candice’s in many ways. He started as a Sales Cadet at the Berwick office in 2008, progressing to Sales Agent in 2011, where he excelled. Chris quickly became the number one agent in the Berwick area, one of Barry Plant’s top 10 agents, and, in 2014, stepped into a Sales Manager role, thriving with added responsibilities.

After the birth of their first child, Chris and Candice decided the time was right to explore opportunities outside the Barry Plant network. They welcomed their second child, Arlo, in 2019 and continued to achieve remarkable sales results. However, it wasn’t long before the pull to return to Barry Plant proved irresistible.

In 2022, Candice rejoined the Berwick-Pakenham-Warragul-Drouin Group as a Sales Agent, while Chris became a Franchise Development Manager at Barry Plant Head Office. In this role, Chris gained a unique perspective on how the most successful offices operated.

“The Franchise Development Manager role was an amazing opportunity. I had a bird’s-eye view of all the Barry Plant offices and learned so much about running a successful business. But what really drew Candice and me back to the network was the genuine care and deep personal connections we have within the Barry Plant group. The brand is prestigious, family-friendly, and welcoming,” said Chris.

By June 2024, the opportunity arose for Chris and Candice to join Matt and Dan as directors of the Warragul-Drouin office. Chris departed his Head Office role to focus on building a legacy with Candice.

“We’ve always dreamed of directing an office together as partners. It helped immensely that Matt and Dan already knew Candice so well through working at the Warragul-Drouin office. She was the key reason we were able to step into these director roles together,” Chris explained.

“I loved my time at Barry Plant Head Office, but working with other offices made me hungry to lead one myself. Candice and I are committed to making Warragul-Drouin the best it can be. I’m applying the skills I gained at Head Office and personally managing all the training, mentoring, and development—I’m loving every minute of it,” he added.

Barry Plant CEO Lisa Pennell reflected on Chris’s significant contributions during his time at Head Office and shared her excitement for the future he and Candice are building at the Warragul-Drouin office.

“Chris joined Head Office as an exceptional Sales Agent and quickly became an outstanding Franchise Development Manager. While it was bittersweet to see such a talented and valued team member leave Head Office, we couldn’t be prouder to have him and Candice continuing their journey within the Barry Plant network. They’ve already accomplished so much at the Warragul-Drouin office, and we’re excited to see what they achieve next,” said Pennell.

Under their leadership, the office has flourished. Before their tenure, it averaged six listings per month. In October 2024, it listed 22 properties, followed by 19 in November. This remarkable improvement reflects Chris and Candice’s shared vision and their ability to inspire their team.

“We have an amazing working relationship. We share a vision, have clear roles, and communicate effectively. While our personalities differ, we deeply respect and understand each other,” said Candice.

Now, the pair are focused on recruitment and expanding the office's presence in the region, determined to compete with established brands and build an outstanding team culture.

Chris and Candice Hill’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and partnership—both in life and business. Together, they have transformed Barry Plant Warragul-Drouin into a thriving office that continues to set new benchmarks for success.

With a shared vision, unwavering determination, and a genuine passion for real estate, they are not just building a legacy for themselves but also creating opportunities for their team and delivering exceptional outcomes for their clients. As they look to the future, Chris and Candice remain committed to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and community at Warragul-Drouin, solidifying their place as leaders within the Barry Plant network and the broader real estate industry.

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