Nitschke Podcast - Leadership, Community, Real Estate and Business in the Adelaide Hills

When 18-year-old, Tom Oswald, opened Homeboy Café on Hahndorf’s main street, he thought customers would wander in. But with 10 cafes in town, he had to get creative – so he turned to TikTok. His first video, honestly sharing how he had no customers, went viral. 32 videos later, Tom’s become a TikTok sensation, gaining 75,000+ followers in a few months and local fans who come in to support him. 

In this episode, Tom shares the power of using social media to get the attention from local and national media, the importance of a good product, and why customer loyalty must be earned. Tom proves success can be only one clip or coffee away. 

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After 17 years at Mount Barker District Council, Marc Voortman, the General Manager of Planning and Community, is committed to unifying the town with one vision – not ‘old’ vs. ‘new’ Mount Barker. 

With approximately 1,000 new residents per year and only 20% through Mount Barker’s 30-year planned growth, uniting the communities will become critical to Mount Barker’s culture. 

Marc believes – while growth isn’t inherently bad for the Hills – what’s important is servicing growth with the right infrastructure and community involvement. In this extended episode, the council leader highlights a few of Mount Barker’s success stories, such as transforming the dilapidated Chapman’s Factory into Nairne’s new supermarket. 

He takes listeners behind the scenes of what goes into achieving good development outcomes, especially when there are heritage buildings involved. This is a must-hear for any Hills local, or the many who will call it home in the years to come. 

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All homes and businesses need a plumber to call for repairs and maintenance. Local plumber, Tom Babidge, started his business with a mission to bring good old fashioned Hills hospitality to the job. 

Doing what he says he will, taking his boots off at the door, and showing appreciation for the craft and customer, are all luxury touchpoints he’s bringing to the trade. 

In this sit down with Michael, Tom chats about how he’s built a successful plumbing business in the Hills, by prioritising the customer relationship equal to the workmanship. His ‘go out and get it’ attitude serves as inspiration for tradies and technicians who want to build their own thing, too. 

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Real estate is an industry unlike any other. It directly rewards what you put into it, yet health of the body and mind are often neglected. In this actionable episode, Dr Matt, from The Alchemic Way, talks about the pillars of health for humans. 

The doctor of Chinese medicine and applied kinesiologist says health is a journey not a destination – that the progress is in the gentle incremental steps that positively change behaviours. Dr Matt shares his suggestions for breathing, sleep, stress management, nutrition and fasting, and living well. 

If you’re easily stressed, overworked, and put other priorities before your health, this episode will help you gain more balance in life – so your energy is your greatest asset. 

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Some people spend their whole lives in search of their life purpose. Tanja Lee, a leadership and mindset coach, discovered her calling in her first job, at Myer. It was there she learned a team is only as good as its leader – and the difference between business ownership and people leadership. 

Passionate about unlocking the purpose and potential in others, she found her home in real estate, after experiencing a lack of human connection from agents. Her work as a real estate coach is where she crossed paths with Michael – where she helped him with leadership fundamentals when he was thrust into the CEO role. 

In this heart-warming episode, Michael and Tanja reconnect over the leadership principles and perspectives that were implemented to rebuild Nitschke. 

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Michael Nitschke shares many parallels with his Grandad’s leadership story. This heart-warming grandad-and-grandson conversation is centered around leadership, a people-centric career, and trusting the call to service. David Davis, ‘Grandad’, now 96 years old, discovered a dormant love and aptitude for leadership during his time at YMCA. 

A successful 40-year career as a youthwork leader, he said it never felt like he was going to work. A leader at heart, he created a dinner program at the aged care facility he lives at, which is now in its 12th year. David was honoured with a prestigious Order of Australia medal and was chosen for the Winston Churchill Fellowship. 

From the YMCA, to country jails and aged care homes, learn how David worked with people of all ages and all walks of life, to inspire hope, friendship and self-expansion. 

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There are restaurants that put streets and suburbs on the map. FRED Eatery has made Aldgate a culinary destination. Todd Langley, co-owner of FRED, had worked in hospitality as a chef for 28 years before satisfying his appetite for ownership. 

Todd talks to Michael, a frequenter of FRED, about falling in love with a location, creating a vibe that carries through a space, its staff and décor, and the quirky FRED persona. He shares the story of the eatery’s expansion into homewares and their philosophy on building out the brand, without detracting from its essence. 

This episode is for coffee lovers, foodies, people who appreciate thoughtful design, and those interested in building a business on the back of the Adelaide Hills community. 

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Nitschke has been in the real estate business for 23 years. 2018 was an inflection point for the company, when the director (Michael’s Dad) passed away. 

The business, Michael learned, was a few weeks away from insolvency. This is a glimpse of the story about how Michael turned it around – a precursor to his book, which is expected to be released late 2023. 

In this episode, Michael intimately shares his philosophy on leadership, why Nitschke is more about emotions than egos, and the ‘3 steps to success’ framework he used to transform the business. 

Nitschke today is a testament to Michael’s unwavering commitment to the family business, the Adelaide Hills, and all the leaders who face adversity.

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Dan Cregan was well into his law career when an opportunity came up to enter politics. Since 2018, he’s represented the seat of Kavel in the House of Assembly and has been prolific in pushing through infrastructure projects such as the new Mount Barker Hospital, ambulance station, and Service SA centre. 

A people politician who serves his community rather than a party, Dan is acutely aware of our region’s growing pains – specifically the housing supply issue and infrastructure needs. 

Dan shares his concerns about the lack of housing, how a policy change can’t make up for decades of damage, and the infrastructure projects in the pipeline that’ll position Mount Barker as the state’s second city.  

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Five businesses, over 200 employees, and three decades in hospitality is no small feat. Jason Duffield owns and operates some of the most iconic restaurants and hotels in the Hills.

In this episode, Jason shares his hotel career, from his family’s purchase of the German Arms in the 90s, expanding into the accommodation business, opening The Haus, and his future dreams of a wellness retreat by the ocean.

While hospitality is an industry of giving, Jason maintains his appetite for growth by taking care of himself first. He shares his strategies for looking after himself and his people, staying hands-on across the businesses, and creating a reputation for quality experiences.

No business in the Hills thrives in a silo for decades. Jason’s operational philosophy raises and praises all those around him – the chefs, restaurant managers, local producers, neighbouring businesses, and more.

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When a potential buyer walks into a property, there’s a transference of feeling. Creative professional styling both celebrates and accentuates the character of the home which inspires possibilities and emotional connections in the hearts and minds of buyers.

For interior stylist, Tahli Budas, there’s no greater compliment than having a client say their house looks so good, they almost don’t want to move out anymore.

In this episode, Tahli talks about styling a space to sell an emotion, why it’s a win-win for the client and agent, and curating a walk-through experience that buyers can see themselves in.

Michael and Tahli round out the episode answering a common client question: how will property styling increase the sale price?

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Wellness and mindfulness expert, Sue Mounsey, supports children and adults to step into their power. Working intimately with individuals, or in a group cohort, she helps people identify their desired change, strategise possibilities, and implement actions to reach it. 

Sue speaks with Michael about the importance of the breath, to anchor in the present moment and ease stress. “The way out is in” is Sue’s guiding philosophy. She helps transform her clients from the inside out. Resilient, productive, self-regulating individuals make powerful teams. 

Through mindfulness, Sue tells listeners how she helps people transcend hidden limitations and transform their minds.  

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Storison symbolises Hahndorf’s history and charm. A landmark independent gift shop for 50 years, Storison was one of the first on Hahndorf’s main street. The store still has some of the same suppliers from the early 70’s – a touching testament to the strength of its relationships. 

Carolyn, Storison’s newest owner, and Chair of the Hahndorf Business and Tourism Association, talks about the importance of balancing the region’s charm and appeal. As a town of small family businesses, Carolyn is pushing for a community consensus. 

Storison is both an icon of Hahndorf’s heritage and a window into the town’s future. 

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With a team just shy of 50 people, you’d assume Jarrad Tait’s role as Director would be stressful, right? While no leadership role is without its challenges, Jarrad has built a team of capable, awesome people, all working towards a shared cause.

From end-of-month barbies and brewery knockoffs to formal strategic planning, the Adelaide Hills Laws and Gardens team culture is a catalyst to their success.

Michael chats with Jarrad about the importance of setting high standards, always iterating and optimising, and forward planning, while celebrating the team’s wins along the way.

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Bec Harris has lived in the Adelaide Hills for 24 years and is coming up to a decade in property management. As Nitschke’s Head of Growth for property management, she helps locals become investors.

With a career that spans all facets of property management, Bec understands the many moving parts that go into property investing. In this episode, Bec shares a great option for first-time investors, stressing the importance of getting your tenant right, and why insurance shouldn’t be overlooked.

She leaves listeners with one key takeaway: Marketing your property to tenants shouldn’t be treated any differently to selling it. Take your tenant search seriously. We do.

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Finance runs in Troy’s family. His parents spent a combined 76 years at Bank SA.

After 15+ years working for banks, Troy realised he could do more for his clients as a broker, and even more-so now, running his own business, Raymond Finance.

In this episode, Troy talks about the collective interest rate concerns, what increases we can expect this year, and how to prepare for it. In the real estate world, it’s normal for people to be loyal to their banks. Troy encourages listeners to shop around because you might be missing offers and savings.

If you’ve received a renewal in the mail, Troy can discuss all your options – beyond just one bank.

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Cameron Hawk had his providence career moment, transitioning into finance in the Adelaide Hills. As fate would have it, this shift primed him well to support people preparing for a real estate and lifestyle change.

As a Mortgage Broker, it’s Cameron’s job to help his clients properly prepare to buy a property, setting the goalposts to improve that serendipitous buyer-seller fit.

Creating a strategy for providence to occur.

In this episode, Cameron discusses the importance of having good people around you when buying a house, who empower you with information to make the right move.

He discusses the strength of the Adelaide Hills market, the benefits of partnering with a broker vs. one lender, and how real estate, unlike stocks, is a lifestyle purchase. 

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Husband and wife, Jake and Holly, set out to start a youth ministry in Mount Barker. The 24-year-olds had a vision to build a community that supports and celebrates all people – religious or non-religious.

Sunday is an extension of their ‘love people’ mission. A coffee van turned café, Sunday brings people together through good conversations, coffee, and church with a youth emphasis.

Tune into this episode to hear Jake’s story, why they wanted to create community coffee shop, and overcoming apprehension about church to empower people to “just give Sunday a try.”

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Nitschke’s Property Consultant, Daniel Nuske-Haines, is back for another episode talking about the next steps for buyers after their offer has been accepted. Buying a house is a rollercoaster of emotions but a good agent will help keep you calm and balanced.

What’s happens after that exciting “you’ve got the house” call is crucial, given the 48-hour cooling off period. In this episode, Daniel walks listeners through the important steps that follow, which is information gold for first-home buyers.

He discusses the role of a conveyancer, the complexities of the Form 1, a strategy for settlement day, and using the cooling-off period to get all questions answered. Daniel stresses taking this one step at a time, with your agent right alongside you.

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Adelaide Hills Toyota was built on four generations of Gilberts. In the late 1800s, Tom’s great-great grandfather started a business in Strathalbyn that manufactured bikes, which was ahead of its time. In 1926, Gilbert Motors opened in Mount Barker, during an era of Australia’s first car, Holden. 

In the mid 1980s, Tom’s father, a Holden loyalist, saw the technology and quality coming from Toyota, and made the switch to focus on that brand. It was his father’s initiative, attitude and hustling that has informed Tom’s nearly 30 years of service to the business – now, as Managing Director. 

In this enlightening episode, Tom talks about tenacity, values-driven leadership, and the unparalleled culture that’s built over two centuries in business. You’ll hear Tom’s love for the Adelaide Hills, creating loyalty and legacy, and the quote that positively propelled him during his hardest moments. 

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Samantha never set out to join council. She got her toes in the water advocating for the community, in her VP role at the Mountain Pool Swimming Club. Coming up against barriers, her curiosity about council grew, realising she represented a large demographic in the Hills – Mums and business owners.

Instead of staying on the sideline, waiting for council to change, she nominated herself. In this episode, Samantha speaks about the importance of standing up for the community, even when she’s outnumbered. She shares her focus on connection rather than campaigning, being bold and also vulnerable, and the way her philosophy has helped progress Mount Barker.

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Julia Campbell and her family don’t just run a toy shop. Through hard work, innovation, smart positioning and creating an experience, she’s made Toyworld part of the Adelaide Hills’ identity and culture. 

In 28 years of operation, the store has faced nearly every obstacle… the opening of Kmart, the rise of online shopping, and the pandemic, to name a few. But with each setback, Julia has doubled-down on what makes an indie toy shop so special – the products you can’t find in the majors, the relationships, and the experience. 

In this episode, Julia shares her inspiring business insights running and sustaining one of the most iconic bricks-and-mortar stores in the Adelaide Hills for nearly three decades. 

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Building inspections have long been a tension point for buyers, sellers, and agents. There’s been no ‘central source of truth’ about the health of a house, for all people involved… until now.

Before You Bid is an independent digital marketplace for building and pest inspections, with a shared-cost model between buyers and vendors. The technology reduces the age-old problem of multiple reports per house.

In this episode, Michael sits down with Evan Lea, Before You Bid’s Business Development Manager. Michael and Evan discuss the platform and its mission to unite buyers, sellers, agents, and inspectors to improve the industry.

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After two years in the hottest market we’ve ever seen, there’s one question on everyone’s lips.

What’s next for real estate?

Jamie Hershman, one of Nitschke’s beloved Property Consultants, is back to share what’s happening in the Adelaide Hills market. As interest rates rise, motivations and strategies change and the dynamic shifts to a more balanced seller-buyer landscape, we’re seeing more off-market transactions.

In this episode, Jamie talks about the advantages of an off-market campaign, the ‘matchmaking’ tactic of connecting people to property, and why there’s no one-size-fits-all approach in real estate.

If you’re on the fence about making your next move, tune into this episode.

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Spring has long been the blooming, booming selling season for real estate. But as we near the end of a two-year record-breaking seller’s market, has this changed?

In this episode, Michael Nitschke offers pearls of wisdom to successfully sell a property in the current market. He reveals the two best seasons to sell in the Adelaide Hills, how to stand out in a competitive landscape, and why following the 80/20% rule serves sellers well.

Michael shares his top five suggestions to prepare a house for sale and reveals why it’s the process, not the promise of a price, that leads to the best sale outcome. If you’re trying to catch the tailwind of the hottest selling period on record, tune into this episode.

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The real estate and building industries share many similarities. There are slick salespeople, ‘shiny things’, and promises that can’t be fulfilled. Stroud Homes, much like Nitschke, lead with authenticity.

Rachelle and husband, Gary, a licensed builder, plumber, and gas fitter, believe in educating and empowering their clients on the building process.

With 85% of their work being custom projects, Stroud take clients out to real homes they’ve built to show capability, inspire ideas and forge trust.

In this episode, Rachelle shares the challenges of being real in an industry that’s not always transparent, never putting people or their aspirations in a box, and importance of community in the Adelaide Hills.

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