Over the past few weeks, I’ve been interviewing some of our valued sponsors.  Each month we will endeavor to bring you a story of the person behind the company that supports the Illawarra Cycle Club. This months’ story is on Colliers International Wollongong, and our member; 

Simon Kersten

Simon Kersten driving the Masters Team Pursuit, 2014.

Simon began cycling in year 7 of high school when he met Jonathan and Simon Hall.  

“Jonathan introduced me to road racing and I became a member of the Illawarra Cycle Club in 1987. In my first season I was approached by Brian Rudd who suggested I should try the track. 

The next year Simon was selected in the NSW team to race the Australian track Championships in Shepparton. From that moment Simon was selected in every NSW track team each year until I retired in 1993”. 

Career Summary: 

• Scholarship Holder Australian Institute of Sport 1988-1992 (Track Cycling Program) 
• Australian National Track Cycling Team member, representing Australia throughout the world including Junior World Championships and Commonwealth Games 
• Silver medalist at the 1991 World Junior Championships in the 1km time trial. 
• Dual Gold medalist 1989 Oceania Games 

• Current national record holder in outdoor U17 500m time trial 34.39 sec (set in 1989 and still stands) 
• Named the Australian Track Champion of Champions (all ages) 1989. 
• Named NSW Cyclist of the year (all ages rod and track) 1989. 
• 8 Times National Champion and 35 Times NSW Champion. 
• Various Medals at the Tokyo and Manchester international Cycling Grand Prix 

• 2013 – 3rd Place Australian Masters Criterium Championship (road) 
• 2014 NSW Masters 3000m Teams Pursuit Championship (track), 4th fastest time in World history. 
• 2015 NSW Masters 3 Road race champion. 

So, when did Simon get involved in the Real Estate industry? 

Simon began his real estate career in 1993 within residential property management, moving into commercial the following year. In 1996 Simon had the opportunity to purchase the business he was working for, West End Real Estate. In 1999 the business was re-branded to Raine & Horne. By 2003 the business had grown to 4 other franchises. In 2005 Simon sold all but one of the real estate offices, and in 2006 a decision was made to open Colliers International Wollongong, whilst operating PRDnationwide office in Dapto. After speaking to Simon and his colleagues at Colliers International Wollongong, it was clear that his professional approach to cycling has continued into his business life.  

How would you describe the members of your team? 

Our team of property experts know the local real estate market intimately, combined with specialist industry sector knowledge, they provide unparalleled service and expertise to our clients. Our team are dedicated to working in partnership with our clients to create an innovative and collaborative environment to ultimately benefit our clients.  

What sets us apart is not what we do, but how we do it. Our enterprising culture encourages our people to think differently, share great ideas and create effective solutions to accelerate the success of our clients and partners. 

The difference is real people at the forefront of the industry who genuinely partner with our clients to ensure the best possible outcome is achieved.  

We specialise in all aspects of the property industry from commercial and industrial sales and leasing, through to commercial and residential property management. We are specialist project marketers in the commercial and residential space and provide property consultancy services. 

How big is the Colliers International name? 

Colliers International is an industry leading global real estate company operating from more than 500 offices across 67 countries. Our Wollongong office is locally owned and benefits from not only local knowledge but the combined global strength of Colliers International. 

Simon has been a proud member of the Illawarra Cycle Club for many years. On behalf of the President and members, we thank you Simon and your team at Colliers International Wollongong for being a valued sponsor of the Illawarra Cycle Club.