The property market is all about numbers.

It’s said that 80% of the business is done by 20% of the agents. And it has a drop-out rate of about 80%, meaning just 20% of graduates from training programs will still be in the industry in a year’s time.

It’s not about fast cars and easy money. The history of Sunshine Coast real estate is littered with talented people who have fallen by the wayside.

Too many people view the sales profession as one that requires little formal training.

They couldn’t be further from the truth. Apart from the training provided by organisations such as the Real Estate Institute of Queensland and TAFE, there are mentoring programs, business development courses at university, and seminars and conferences to provide greater understanding of the complexities and responsibilities of the profession.

Look back at some of the names who have formed the backbone of the industry over the past 10-20 years.

They are out there each day, simply doing the things that matter in business. Syd Walker and Mark Unkel at PRD, Peter Ford at Henzells, Greg Young at Ray White Mooloolaba, Olivier Miller at Laguna, Pip Covell at Sunshine Beach Real Estate, Lyn Wildman at LJ Hooker Peregian Beach. The list goes on.

Jean Hamer has returned as REIQ Sunshine Coast zone chair after relocating her business to Mooloolaba a few years ago.

Di Davidson has expanded the Elders brand from Mooloolaba and Mountain Creek to Palmwoods and Nambour.

After 18 years in sales, Vicki Stewart has started her own agency with Mary Tandy. Brett Graham has provided much inspiration at Ray White’s Maroochydore, Buderim and Coolum offices.

At Ken Guy Real Estate we have seen Danny Redman, David Millar, Rob Keam and Kevin Reilly being joined by Steve Turner, Loren Wimhurst and Anthony Gorman.

At RE/MAX, Di Swan, David Garwood and Tony Nash have welcomed aboard such skilled operators as Michael Kettle at Caloundra and Craig Brumby at Noosa.

Andrew and Tom Garland have revitalised Ray White Caloundra, while Mark Clayton at Maleny Realty is making an impact on the Range and Ian Baker has restructured the crew at waterfront only.

Yet there is also a generation of 20-somethings who are stepping up to the mark. Amber Werchon is one of the best agents in Australia and has just turned 25. Grant Smith has taken over Century 21 Buderim at the ripe old age of 21.

Brent Higgins and Dan Sowden are doing well at Ray White Maroochydore, and so is Luke Carter at Caloundra.

At the same time, a new generation are making their way through reception, administration and property management into sales.

People skills are learned from an early age – working at surf shops or at Subway. And business skills have to be learned, as you are not just selling but working as an entity in a team environment.

It’s also about life skills, as your business does not end when you walk out of the office. Instead it spills over into social life – volunteering at the surf club, helping out at the school fete, sponsoring a sports day, taking part in a charity event.

The gold chains and white shoes of the 1980s have given way to the business suits and laptops of the noughties. As well as window displays and sign boards, we now have databases and web pages.

Instead of deals being done over a few drinks at the Sunday session and the details worked out on a beer coaster, they are carried out with a cafe latte, a spreadsheet and Powerpoint presentation.

Real estate is not just a career, it’s a lifestyle. You end up living, eating and breathing it.

It offers those involved the opportunity to navigate through a minefield of technical and emotional issues to complete a transaction in which all parties are happy.

Now excuse me a moment ... I’m just off to check my emails and recharge by Blackberry.