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How a family business puts their clients first

September 30, 2018

Business Name

Brooks & Michaels

Business Sector

Residential & Commercial Realty

Product

Volume Plan

Joined xneelo

1999

Brooks & Michaels is an estate agency specialising in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town. They sell, let and administer property with a team of dedicated estate agents. Founded in 1972, Brooks & Michaels began as a partnership between two estate agents: Michael Brooks and Stanley Michaels: hence the name.

Long-standing tradition

“We’re really proud of our long-standing tradition in the property market,” explains director Gregory Brooks. “We’re a wholly South African family business – my dad was one of the founders – and we dedicate ourselves to giving our clients the best possible service. We think we have a winning combination of great service with expert knowledge from years of experience.”

Understanding the internet

Although Brooks & Michaels formally registered in 1972, they’ve been online since 1995 - for 23 years. Their website showcases all the various properties for sale and to rent, and introduces their agents and their company ethos. So how did they start their website all those many years ago? “We registered our domain name in 1998 and signed up with xneelo in 1999… By fax!

“Our reputation is everything. Our marketing policy is very simple: to give the best possible service to our clients. We have no intention of becoming the biggest property company: we strive to be the best.”

Deciding on a hosting provider in those days was largely about support, as so much was unknown about the internet. “I was looking for a company where I could talk to people that would help me understand what I needed to do with my internet requirements,” explains Brooks. “Hans Wencke, xneelo’s CEO, did that for me and I’m happy to say that the same ethos that he had is reflected in the quality and support that I get whenever I’ve had to ask xneelo for help.”

“I’m confident I made a great decision to move to xneelo so many years ago.”

Photography: Mike Rose