Raising a family and keeping afloat amidst the public eye is a challenge for even the most seasoned hurdler.
It’s refreshing to meet the Sally Ridge I have heard so much about - bright-eyed and vibrant she is eager to tackle her new role as a salesperson with Bayleys Ponsonby, working in the community she adores so much.
“I am so passionate about our lifestyle in Ponsonby, the proximity to world-class restaurants, art galleries and some of New Zealand’s premier designers peppered amongst beautiful villas and free spaces means there is never a dull moment,” Sally remarks.
Working together with partner Warren Fenning, it’s astonishing the pair haven’t walked the road to real estate before. Equal parts humour, confidence and cool - their combined credentials seem to tick off each of the important characteristics possessed by those at the top of the real estate game.
A shy girl in her youth, Sally’s mother Sue says that she was happiest when creating - from painting to sculpting and drawing, she always displayed a flair for artistry. Carefully nurtured and thankfully never lost, Sally completed a degree in graphic design after high school. And while business, family and life have sometimes taken front-and-centre, her art collection has remained a constant source of pleasure and refuge.
The dynamic between Sally and partner Warren is amusing to say the least, while easy-going Warren moves seamlessly from serious business intellect to light-hearted banter, Sally stays more reserved, confident in her position as the duo’s head of creative and marketing.
Having known each other for many years prior, the pair fortuitously met again at Herne Bay local Five Loaves Eatery - a place they visit ritualistically each morning for what they say is the best brew in town.
Bringing business acumen, and straight-talking confidence to the table, Warren has a breadth of experience as a business owner, managing director, small-scale developer, and receptionist - yes, managing your own business means you’ve got to tackle all the tasks.
A proud dad to his two children Jordan and Finn, as well as Sally’s beautiful brood Jamie, Boston, Astin and Mclean, Warren isn’t all legalities and numbers - having shown a key eye for detail in his endeavours in property development which see him well versed in the challenges faced funding and managing the construction of five townhouses.
Together the couple have spent 12 weeks studying and working toward securing their certificate in real estate. Twelve weeks staying up past midnight studying whilst renovating the home they share in Herne Bay and juggling the busy schedules of a blended family.
Excited and raring to go, the pair got to work the day the ink on their certificates was dry, and have secured their first listing which is scheduled for auction mid-December.
Looking forward to making a difference to the real estate landscape in the Auckland City Harbour suburbs, both Warren and Sally are excited by plans for tasteful development in the area.
“The aesthetic of Ponsonby is changing, the restaurants and bars have such original décor with fabulous al fresco dining spaces. New shop fronts and commercial spaces are taking shape standing out as works of art amongst those still touched by the Victorian era.
“We feel so fortunate to be part of such a burgeoning industry that still values its heritage. The Mackelvie Street shops for instance (pictured on the front cover), placed as a finalist in the 2013 World Architecture Festival Awards - the architecture throughout the community really mirrors the culture and vibrancy you feel when you are here,” Sally explains.
The career change for both Sally and Warren signifies an exciting new beginning of sorts, one that seems perfectly suited to play to their strengths. Whilst both personable and easy going, they bring a breadth of skill across the board, with personal experience buying, selling, renovating and designing all playing a vital role to their success in the real estate industry.
Enamoured with the life and character of the Ponsonby/Herne Bay area, Sally has lived, worked and played here for more than 15 years, whilst Warren - a relatively new recruit - has shed his former life in the eastern bays in trade of the proximity, life and attitude of the Auckland City Harbour suburbs.
Emerging resilient from a life lived in the public eye, the couple have an infectious enthusiasm which will doubtless prove one of their biggest assets in business. While projects, relationships and life are always exciting challenges, it’s uplifting to see two people driven to succeed in their new careers.
To contact Sally, please call M: 021 612 424; E: sally.ridge@bayleys.co.nz
For Warren, call 021 274 1336; E: warren.fenning@bayleys.co.nz