Leapfrog Property Group’s Awards held at the end of March acknowledged residential property professionals within the group who have excelled during the period 1 January to 31 December 2009.

The outstanding performance of these agents is proof of the fact that even in the toughest economic climates, there is business to be done and individuals who will excel despite overwhelming property market odds.“We take every opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of top performing offices, agents and support staff. Recognition of Leapfrog’s top performers is an important part of the group’s overriding ethos of the fact that ‘it’s always about the people’.

By virtue of the quality of principals, agents and support staff, Leapfrog completed a year of solid growth in 2009, achieving projected turnover of almost R3 billion by year end in the face of arguably the worst property year in South Africa’s history,” says Bruce Swain, MD of Leapfrog Property Group.

“One of the key factors that have helped us retain the incredibly high quality of agents and franchisees was our decision to take a pro-active stance through lowering their monthly franchise fees for eight months to help franchisees manage their cash flows during the recession.

The concession represented a collective saving in fees of R1.3 million during 2009 and has seen Leapfrog come through the downturn with all its offices and agents intact and even adding a number of new offices to the fold during this time,” explains Bruce. “Leapfrog’s methodology is that of championing the agent, rather than bolstering a few family-owned elite structures.

As such, the responsibility lies with us to assist and help our agents wherever possible and we choose to weather the storms with them, rather than leave them out in the cold. The performance of our agents as evidenced at these awards is proof that our support and vested interest has dividends for all parties concerned.”