Victoria is home to 314 different ancestries and to people who speak 290 languages. We are lucky to be able to celebrate such a diverse array of voices, stories and practices, not only during Cultural Diversity Week, but always. At OBrien, we are proud to have a diverse group of staff, who reflect the multicultural world we live in, having over 35 different languages spoken across our network. To celebrate Cultural Diversity Week, OBrien is encouraging the diverse voices across our network to share their unique stories and to honour the beauty of the differences in culture and experiences. Binh (Benny) Nguyen is the Director of OBrien Sunshine and St Albans offices, and originates from Vietnam. We asked Benny a few questions about his individual experience, and how his unique background has sparked his success as a business-owner today.
When did you first arrive in Australia? Describe your journey of getting here.
I left Vietnam with my Uncle and Aunty, my elder brother and 2 cousins by boat in 1984. We spent 3 days and 4 nights at sea with 68 other people on the boat, so we were virtually squashed up sitting for most the entire time until we arrived in Malaysia. We spent 11 months in Malaysia until the Australian Delegation Granted us to go to Australia. We arrived in Australia in March 1985 when I was 11 years old.
Did you always want to pursue real estate, or did you have a different path in mind?
Real estate was not always at the forefront of my mind. My family owned a photo processing and printing business in Footscray in 1988, where I used to go to help them after school each day and learned how to print photos during this time. Naturally, I helped my family run this business and spent my next 10 years printing photos working 6 days a week. During high school, I took an interest in and was studying Legal Studies.
How did you get into real estate?
When we sold our photo processing business, I wanted to work in an industry that relates to customer service, as this was what I believe I am good at, so I gave real estate a try and haven’t looked back.
How has your unique life experience shaped who you are today?
I guess I was still very young when I left Vietnam by boat, so it didn’t affect me as much as my elders. As the years have gone by, I have realised how fortunate I am being given the opportunity to live in Australia. From my experience, I’ve learnt to be grateful for what I have been given.
How have your life experiences affected how you conduct yourself in real estate?
I’ve learned to do the best I can with whatever I do in life, not only in Real Estate. I have always made the most of the opportunities I’ve been given, and that is how I carry myself in my work.
Who has been influential in your career development and success?
My first Principal when I started my career in Real Estate in 2001, as this was the first time in my life that I’ve had someone from outside my family help me strive for greatness. His name is Bob Dymalovski.
Do you have any advice to young agents starting out?
It’s important to have a growth mindset and be authentic with the willingness to help.
Through Benny’s story, it is clear that his persistence, strength and resilience has been carried across his personal and professional life. At OBrien, Benny’s story is one of many that make up the multicultural nature of our network, reflecting the diversity of Victorians. Throughout Cultural Diversity Week, we continue to recognise the varied experiences and stories of the wide set of cultures within our network, and celebrate how diversity strengthens our workplaces and communities.
Binh (Benny) Nguyen
Director Sunshine/ St Albans
0417 349 884
[email protected]