Pam Golding parties hard amid property pain

Those at the coalface of property sales have taken a hard financial knock, with many losing jobs at even the bigger companies in the past year. Tabloid Tuesday got a fascinating peek into how the Pam Golding Property family is getting "through this challenging time together".'

The show must go on.  Everyone is having a hard time in these tough market conditions, is the message in GoldTalk - the in-house magazine of the Pam Golding Property group.

The front page of the latest issue is largely devoted to a pep talk from the group's chief executive Dr Andrew Golding. He explains the rationale for "tough measures" taken to "adjust our business to cope with radically altered market conditions" including letting more than 50 people leave.

Anyone who thinks such a decision is "remotely easy", should "think again", says Golding. Ditto for "admirable initiatives" shelved out of financial necessity.

Every single decision was "thoroughly thought through", with executive team members remaining "responsible, prudent and honest about the realities we are facing". The management team, he says, has taken some "hard, painful, but ultimately strategic and necessary decisions" and is "here to support" agents and get them through this "challenging time together".

How painful can these decisions be, we wondered out loud, as we flipped through the tabloid-size glossy? Our rhetorical question was quickly answered.

One person's pain is another person's pleasure. Splashed across most of the inside pages are the signs of some serious partying going on behind-the-scenes of that staid green gable.

Andrew and cousin Anthony Stroebel, PGP's top marketing man, look a bit worse for wear at the Pam Golding Conference 2008, held on the shabby Indian Ocean resort island of Saint Anne, Seychelles.

Sweaty Andrew is on vocals, clad in red shirt and sporting a shell necklace, while an exhausted-looking Anthony is seen beating out a rhythm on a big drum on centre stage.

Other Golding delegates do a better job of grimacing through their new-found hardship. Aunty Pam and "Tanya" manage a smile for the camera as they boogy the night away with Andrew in their island regalia, while "Ronald (Ennik) & Co" also muster some enthusiasm to produce cheesy grins during their tropical toils.

"Conferencing island style!", shows GoldTalk, entails reclining on a lounger with a large group of work pals on a sandy beach under shade cloth, while the boss chats to you against a backdrop of sparkling blue sea and hilly terrain. "With a backdrop like that, was anyone listening to the Doctor?" runs the caption.

Apparently it was difficult. An accompanying editorial tells us how delegates "spent their leisure days swimming, snorkelling or exploring the island complexes by boat". Survivor host Mark Bayly "went way beyond the normal duties of a conference MC by hosting a Survivor-style challenge that encouraged team participation, through physical and mental abilities".

"Relaxation and Reward were two objectives most certainly achieved, but if the number of sunrises witnessed and sleeping passengers heading back was an indicator, another week at home was probably required by most to rejuvenate."

Ag shame. Poor, down-and-out PGP people.

Play it again, Pam. Apparently Golding has taken a similarly "painful" decision to have another event to match the Seychelles one, soon. Says Vanessa Johnson in the "all-important delegate feedback" in GoldTalk: "We had an unbelievable time and a wonderful experience; loved every minute. The time and effort put into it was all worthwhile. It was perfectly organised and we are working our butts off to make it again (this) year."

The punishment wasn't reserved for Pam Golding Property group old-timers, either. A Carol Reynolds is quoted as saying: "I am so thrilled I was able to attend conference as a newcomer to PGP. It was the best conference I have ever attended; my other companies' conferences simply didn't compare."

Nicky Jones was in agreement, saying: "I don't know how it could have been improved on. It definitely allowed me time to relax, meet other agents and learn from them in a fun environment. It was the experience of a lifetime; thank you is not enough."

Ouch! Talk about rubbing salt into the wounds of those who didn't crack the nod for the island bash and are having to tighten their belts thanks to Dr Golding's "tough measures" in order to "cope with radically altered property market conditions".

The P.A. group takes its name very seriously. Or at least its P. A.s do. Getting past a P.A.- aka "Personal Assistant" - to speak to one of the superior mortals in the organisation is no mean feat, we found recently.

But then, it emerged that the P.A.s are in fact the superior mortals in the PA/Betterbond corridors of power. When a Realestateweb reporter tried yet again to speak to someone in authority about the mortgage origination industry, the lady who answered the switchboard enlightened us about the way things work at 3 Mussel Road, Wedgewood Office Park, Bryanston.

"Bridget has three CEOs and directors that she's in charge of and Barbara has got another three under her."

Ah, so now we know. Sigh! Now if only Bridget or Barbara would deign to acknowledge calls and messages.

With all that bureaucracy and self-importance, it is little wonder the folks over at Standard Bank are feeling miffed that they've been giving away such hefty commissions to some originators over the years.

 Got some property gossip? Tell us at news@realestateweb.co.za.

 Subscribe to Realestateweb's weekly newsletter by clicking here.

Services Subscribe to newsletters News feeds Share this article Facebook Google Laaik.it Yahoo! Digg del.icio.us

Comments

 

responses to this article

Mmmm! Real Estate Industry is just like the Motor Industry. Parasitic Industries of Charade perhaps?... And the consumer blindly feeds them What actual value does a real estate agent or motor salesman add to the economy??? by Peter on January 27 2009, 09:28 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Is this what Moneyweb has had to stoop to? A Tabloid??? All companies need to offer achievers incentives, something Moneyweb clearly doesn't have enough of. How can I take your 'real' articles seriously when you resort to this nonsense? by Dissapointed Moneyweb Reader on January 27 2009, 09:44 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

PA=phone answerer PA=phone answerer , accoridng to a little girl in my daughters class. by Oracle of Delmas on January 27 2009, 10:06 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

BLOODSUCKERS Nice work, if you can get it. BTW, what is the PG value proposition, again? To the SELLER, that is... by zORK on January 27 2009, 10:08 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

E Engel and Volkers in Jhb has already gone bust in Jhb with none of the staff receiving salaries before x-mas. Anyone know anything about this? by Agent on January 27 2009, 10:35 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Hilarious Oracle That is so funny. Out of children's mouths. by Anon on January 27 2009, 11:01 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Not up to standard. Not an article expected from Moneyweb. Have to agree with "Dissapointed Moneyweb Reader" Poor by George on January 27 2009, 11:22 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Dr Andrew??? So Painful. Pray tell what and where he got this DR tag.Obviously not a mere mortal and MW is falling for this rubbish. by Goofy on January 27 2009, 11:27 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

PG is not going to make it that is my prediction It is just not possible to sustain their kind of high profile, heavy overhead, overpaid exectuves operation duriong the depression. They will shut most of their offices. That is my prediction. To party at the Seychelles during these times is a completely . .more stupid decision. Something one would expect of the ANC or Julius but not a business. . .less by Waste on January 27 2009, 11:27 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Frindge Tax Nice to have all the team photos to support the case for the hard work.Maybe some one at SARS coulkd be re open their little file to assess how this qualifies as hard work.All these financial services parasites. by Tips for Trevour! on January 27 2009, 11:38 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Grow Up Any business recognise and reward their staff and stakeholders. Every National Real Estate Brand, Insurance Company, Bank, etc. do the exact same thing. Wherever there is a sales force these people dont get a bonus at the end of the year, the Top . .more Achievers gets thanked for their efforts through other means. The gesture remains the same. Come on guys grow up, you are able to write decent articles not aimed at Reader emotional response only. The moral question your asking is: "Should national companies still pay that 13th checque or other incentives while laying of dozens of people?". "Does the tough times still warrent recognising hard work and loyalty?" . .less by Realist on January 27 2009, 11:41 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Doctor Golding? using your phd in your title? that is seriously tacky hahaha by huh on January 27 2009, 11:47 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

To: Disappointed - I AGREE This is not the first article I have read where Realestateweb gets PERSONAL!!! This website is pathetic and gone to the dogs! What will they do or say next to attract more reader???? *rolls eyes* And companies are entitled to treat their staff to . .more a getaway for team buildings!!! I worked for a few large corporates and its quiet normal to have team buildings/getaways/celebrations?!!!!!! Realestateweb SUX!!!! . .less by Sakkie Van Der Nkosi on January 27 2009, 11:58 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Do a study on how many estate agents were created during the seven boom years, I heard a rumour that at one point there were over 20 000 agents in JHB alone. Well, easy come easy go. by Piet on January 27 2009, 12:21 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

PG downscaling PGP has downscaled some of their branches already, closing offices and working from the principal's house. I do not think a party on the Seychelles will be on this year... If I remember correctly in 1994 PGP would not touch a property below . .more R350 000. How times have changed. . .less by Cheapskate on January 27 2009, 12:39 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Its called "Tabloid Tuesday" for a reason! If you don't like it then don't read. The rest of us like it because Its light hearted and makes a nice change from the usual "ra ra buy now prices will sky rocket" estate agency press release drivel. by Anonymouse on January 27 2009, 13:04 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Dr Andrew Tubby Golding gained a medical degree at UCT in the late 1980s. by Punter on January 27 2009, 13:27 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Dr Golding Golding studied medicine at UCT in the 1980s and presumably the Dr refers to a medical degree? by Punter on January 27 2009, 13:44 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

DR Andrew Golding As far as I know Andrew Golding is a medical doctor. If this is the case, then it makes me wonder whether he is over- or under-qualified for this position as Chief Exec. But then it is a family shop! by Tuggles on January 27 2009, 13:54 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

This article is irrelevant, and in bad taste. Why should exceptional staff be punished in tough times? Are they not the foundation of a company and as such should be REWARDED for their hard work and dedication - ESPECIALLY in tough times. By the way the criteria to attend a 2008 conference would . .more be based on results of the PREVIOUS YEAR. Anyone who's planned or been invited to a conference knows that. They are also booked and paid for about a year in advance of the actual date to secure value for money. And these rude personal comments? Below the belt and in bad taste. . .less by Anon on January 27 2009, 14:13 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Stupid Journalist The Seychelles story was a celebration of their achievements in the 2007 financial year. That was a great time for all involved in property. Your journo cannot understand this. He or She is stupid! by J on January 27 2009, 14:18 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

To flaunt or not to flaunt? It's not a question of rewarding some people. Funny how the senior staff wangle the nod even though they didn't do the selling?.....Senior management has a responsibility and obligation for fair and balanced management whilst being sensitive to all staff . .more members. It's fine for the high achievers, but what about the feelings of the poor suckers who were retrenched? To flaunt on one page, and make an excuse for retrenchment on another page is insensitive and simply not good management strategy. If you disagree, I suggest you read up on King (1) and King (2). It's about sound business management..... . .less by Devil's advocate on January 27 2009, 14:49 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@punter Fair enuf but why the sudden use of the title? i dont recall it being used before, hence assumed he had been doing a little extra caricular studying. by huh on January 27 2009, 15:10 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Sushi regurgitating Goldeeng Can you justify a top heavy (literally) management team flaunting it up while 50 staff members eat hind t*t over christmas? I agree that you should reward your top earners, but it would have been more endearing to all those fools(Sellers) that made use of . .more their service to see those managers donate the cost of the trip to those 50 staff members. . .less by PGPeed off on January 27 2009, 15:30 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Prop prices in SA are unrealistic When one compares the rates asked for an apartment in Umhlanga, and then look around and see the crime, currency depreciation etc, it's cheaper and far safer to buy somewhere in the Med where the sun shines just as much as SA, braai's everyday, pool . .more outside...why blow 6mill in SA for a flat, when you can blow for example 350g Euro on a Greek island house and buy peace of mind! I researched the new golf developments being developed in Greece (Navarino Resorts for example) and would much rather put up the cash there than here! And I don't speak a word of the bloody language! . .less by Lionel on January 27 2009, 16:38 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Lionel and language Regarding why the price in SA versus spending same elsewhere. There is an element of trapped ZAR in SA that contributes to SA house prices along with a large dollop of greed. Language? Don't worry about it. I was in Spain recently and English . .more was excellent with nearly all hotel staff communicating in Received Pronunciation... then was in London Hotel, UK, the staff had unfathomable English with heavy unintelligible Indian accent, sign language and an Urdu phrasebook would have been useful! Athens is a mess IMO, Greece is quaint and nice but too disorganized for me. If you like it, then consider it as a hedge against ZAR. Good luck. . .less by Tuscanite on January 27 2009, 17:30 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

I will not visit Moneyweb for 1 month as a penalty for poor content Less Clicks this month thanks to realestateweb...Bad by Beware Moneyweb Advertisers on January 27 2009, 17:41 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Tabloid Tuesday Reporters Annual company events like the one PGP had are pretty much standard practice for corporates. The question is though: could it have been done better? Since the Tabloid Tuesday Reporters feel qualified to report on the quality of the event, how about they . .more give us readers an outline of how they would have done it better. . .less by Andy on January 27 2009, 18:37 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Not your best ... Very strange article: Incentive or strategic trips for selected executives simply cannot be compared to the ongoing monthly cost to company of 50 employees ( -600k?). You simply have to keep your key staff involved and happy for your entire machine . .more to function well (... and replacing them draws one nausiatingly close to those other great sharks ... recruiting agents) . .less by Charlie Ruckin on January 27 2009, 19:23 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Andy we don't live in "standard economic times and standard practice for corporates" But then I guess let then eat cake - seems PGP are insensitive to both their staff and more importantly their Clients - Sellers and Buyers. Ra Ra's can be good in good times but if you are runnning a . .more great company you don't have to do the embarrassing thing that PGP has done in the name Team Building and Recognition. And fire 50 people in the process. BAD Marketing and BAD PR. Period . .less by Peter on January 27 2009, 21:05 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Get with it Andy No excuse and insensitive. PGP no better than the greed and egos of the sub prime clan by Stuart on January 27 2009, 21:07 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

I love it when a plan comes .... together! Remember the days when PG and E&V only sold upmarket properties?Seems as though said blood suckers have been hanging their bords up in some rather unsavoury neighbourhoods lately. what goes around, comes around, lovely. by Sipho on January 27 2009, 22:24 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Shameful reporting This is the most appalling example of journalism I have ever read. It is petty, far too personal, and stinks of envy. Enough said. by M on January 28 2009, 08:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The Truth Hurts It's definately not shameful. How impartial can we be. When the dirty laundry is hung out for all to see. Ooh it's so embarassing. When it's the taxpayers money abused on lahnee events for corrupt gov employees, we are too damn quick . .more to point fingers. PGP no different in my oppinion. Greedy blood-suckers. I agree with Sipho what goes around, comes around. Shame on Andrew, I mean Dr. Andrew... Sleep well... judgement day is fast approaching. . .less by Dopy on January 28 2009, 09:16 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Do your homework Please! You might as well throw your shoes at the Real Estate CEO's, such an indictment this terrible piece of journalism is. Journalistic integrity horrificly compromised. Do I smell a puerile braggadocio, spreading pernicious poison of deceit? Surely . .more any astute observer will realize the Seychelle event was close to a year ago! It requires no justification - what a terrible, out of context article, crossing a pear with a banana. How on earth to bring this into correlation with the Standard Bank issue, who, incidentely lost their appeal to suspend contract conditions with originators. But absolute tabliod hogwash create hits, and draw evolusion's missing links out of the woodwork. You can bank on that! Here, have a banana, Tabloid Tuesday reports! . .less by Disgruntled Reader on January 28 2009, 12:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

LOL - nice sleuthing hacks Remember when estate agents were treated like gods ... how times change. The days of excess are over. If Pam Golding can afford company functions in the Seychelles then they are charging too much commission. Simple as that. by CJ Says on January 29 2009, 07:03 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Conferences Why does Moneyweb not 'investigate' and report on all corporate 'overseas' ( Mauritius and Seychelles ) conferences that took place in 2008 as well as the huge bonuses that have been paid to top execs of SA listed companies in 2007 and 2008? by D on January 29 2009, 11:12 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Name
Subject
Comment