Style: October 30, 2020

26 Style | Promotion
From frontline to real estate
Former police officer Kristian Danholt has joined
Debi Pratt at Tall Poppy Real Estate.
Kristian Danholt
Tell us a little about your journey into real estate.
I’ve been a frontline police officer for 14 years and climbing
the ranks to a desk job has just never appealed to me – I am
a people person by nature. The time is right to start a new
chapter and, having bought and sold multiple properties myself,
I saw this as a great opportunity to make the most of my
experience and the skills I’ve developed over my career.
What are you most looking forward to about this new
adventure?
I remember what it was like purchasing my first property
back in 2003, and I’m really looking forward to working with
first-home buyers in particular. However, I also remember
the feeling of uncertainty I experienced the first time I sold a
property and know the impact a good salesperson can make in
guiding clients through the sales process. I know I will gain a lot
of satisfaction from doing a great job for my clients.
What transferable skills do you bring from your other
careers?
I’ve worked in a variety of industries over the years with a
broad range of people, from the freezing works to hospitality,
and as a police officer. I am familiar with relating to a wide
range of people and my police background has helped me
develop a breadth of soft skills: tough negotiation, engaging
people in dialogue, and getting to the heart of determining
what people really want and what their motivations are. I get
a lot of satisfaction out of creating great outcomes for the
community by engaging with people.
Debi Pratt
What is it about Kristian that makes him such
a good fit for Tall Poppy?
Kristian had decided to work with a legacy brand
when he was encouraged to speak with me first. I
was hugely impressed with how he researched the
brand and myself before making his decision. He
needed it to feel right, but also wanted facts, figures
and evidence of performance and a growth path. He
just ‘got’ what Tall Poppy is about.
Are you looking to continue this trend of
ongoing growth?
Yes, but I’m careful about who I bring into the
team. My style is ‘kindness first’ and then fun and
professionalism. I’m protective of my ‘family’ of
people and won’t embrace growth for growth’s sake.
Two and a half years on, are you where you
expected to be with Tall Poppy?
Not at all! I started it here intending to do it by
myself. It just took off. Canterbury was ready for
change and I’m grateful for the support of the clients
and people who’ve chosen to join me on the journey.
Debi Pratt
tallpoppy.co.nz • 021 480 155
debi.pratt@tallpoppy.co.nz