LJ Hooker Drysdale

The company's strong people-focused culture was established and defined by its founding visionary: Leslie Joseph "LJ" Hooker. A constant innovator, entrepreneur and devotee of best practice, he changed the way real estate business was conducted in Australia. LJ founded his real estate business in 1928, opening the first LJ Hooker Limited office in the Sydney suburb of Maroubra. After struggling through the Depression and World War II, he went on to build the largest real estate company in Australia. During the 1950s, 60s, and 70s LJ pioneered and shaped the Australian real estate landscape. Although ambitious, LJ was a caring man, widely respected for responding to the needs of others. His ethical values and high standards were passed down to all staff. Employees at all levels of the company had a loyal allegiance to LJ, many staying with the company for over 40 years. LJ devoted much of his time and income to philanthropic endeavours, and was knighted in 1973 for services to commerce and the community. In 2009, the company returned to the family by a consortium of private investors led by LJ's grandson, LJ Hooker's Chief Executive Officer, Leslie Janusz Hooker. Today, LJ Hooker Limited is one of the largest real estate agency franchise systems in Australasia with 700 franchises across Australia and New Zealand, and a growing platform in Asia. In keeping with LJ's tradition of trailblazing, the company is poised to be the real estate leader of the next century.