INSTANT APPRAISAL

Behind the Scenes - Series 1, Episode 1

The Mango Run

As the holiday season approaches, our team at The Simon Salm Team gears up for one of our most cherished traditions: the Mango Run. This special event is our way of spreading festive joy, showing gratitude to our clients, and making sure that the community we serve feels appreciated. But it’s no small task—it’s a massive operation that requires careful planning, teamwork, and, of course, a whole lot of Christmas spirit.

The Journey Begins: Sourcing the Mangoes

Two months before the holiday season kicks off, the first step in our Mango Run process begins: sourcing the mangoes. We work closely with our local fruit and veg market – Gordon from Randalls Farm Fresh Fruits, to secure the freshest, juiciest mangoes available. Once we confirm they have enough stock, the real planning starts.

Simon takes the lead on coordinating the mango delivery, ensuring everything stays on track so that the mangoes arrive fresh and ready for packing. Meanwhile, Michelle manages the logistical side of things—ordering boxes and arranging for car hires.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

With our mangoes secured, it’s time to organise the other elements of the run—Christmas cards, calendars, and flyers. Indy takes charge of designing and ordering these, ensuring each delivery is accompanied by something festive for our clients.

In addition to these details, Deb manages our delivery list, making sure no client is overlooked. Pasha keeps the tech side running smoothly, ensuring our delivery tracking apps are updated and working flawlessly. All members of the team work tirelessly to call all the clients giving them the heads up for their delivery.

Packing Day: Turning the Office into a Mango Warehouse

As the days draw closer to packing, the office transforms into a mango packing warehouse. Simon and his Son start assembling all the cardboard boxes in preparation. When packing day arrives, the whole team comes together to assemble the boxes, carefully filling each with six mangoes, a Christmas card, and a calendar.

With a team of dedicated “Santa’s helpers,” including Kathy, Eve, and Indy, the packing process runs like a well-oiled machine. Each box is placed neatly in rows, ready for the next stage: delivery.

Delivering the Joy

Once the mango boxes are packed and stacked, it’s time for the team to hit the road! We typically organize deliveries over a span of two to three days, ensuring the process is efficient and manageable. Each car is loaded with around 120 boxes, with about 200 -400 houses to cover per run. For larger areas, a van is used—sometimes requiring a refill!

Here’s a look at our delivery team in action:

  • Kathy and Michelle manage Victoria Point, Redland Bay, and Cornubia.
  • Pasha and Eve take on Thorneside, Birkdale, and Cleveland.
  • Deb and Casandra cover Capalaba
  •  Indy handles Sheldon, Mount Cotton, and Thornlands.
  • A trusted team member, Vie also covers Alexandra Hills and parts of Birkdale and Wellington Point

Using our app, we carefully track and update delivery statuses. The mangoes are delivered to safe, shaded spots, and clients are notified if they’re not home. Occasionally, our furry friends get to the mangoes first, but rest assured, we promptly replace any missing boxes.

A Tradition That’s More Than Mangoes

By the end of the Mango Run, we’ve delivered fresh mangoes to nearly 1,500 families across the Redlands. It's a massive undertaking, but the smiles we see on our clients’ faces make it all worth it. This tradition isn’t just about delivering fruit—it’s about connecting with the people we serve, celebrating the holiday season, and giving back to the community that has supported us for so many years.

Having completed this Mango Run tradition for the past 23 years, it’s become a meaningful way for our team to express our gratitude and spread joy. But as soon as it’s over, we turn our sights to the next holiday event: our Hot Cross Bun Run for Easter.

Stay Tuned for the Next Episode

We’re just getting started! Stay tuned for the next episode, where we’ll take you behind the scenes of another one of our beloved traditions. Until then, We Wish you a Happy New Year. 

 

 

 

Suburb Spotlight: Thornlands

 

This month, we’re focusing on the thriving suburb of Thornlands, a fantastic choice for families and professionals seeking a blend of space, community, and accessibility. With its steady growth and appealing lifestyle, Thornlands has much to offer. Let’s dive into the details.

Location & Lifestyle

Thornlands is located just 26km from Brisbane’s CBD, offering a peaceful suburban lifestyle with the convenience of city access. Spanning 21.7 square kilometres, the suburb boasts 34 parks, creating plenty of green space for outdoor activities and family picnics. Known for its family-friendly environment and growing infrastructure, Thornlands is a community where you can truly put down roots.

Real Estate Snapshot

The property market in Thornlands is performing strongly. Here’s a look at the latest numbers:

  • Median House Price: $949,900
  • Median Unit Price: $590,000
  • Lower Quartile House Price: $840,000
  • Upper Quartile House Price: $1,181,875
  • Average Days on Market (Houses): 51 Days
  • Number of New Listings (12 Months): 365 Houses, 24 Units

Community & Demographics

Thornlands is home to approximately 14,700 residents, with a notable population growth of 14.8% over the past five years. Families are the heart of this suburb, with the predominant age group being 10–19 years. Households are primarily couples with children, making this suburb ideal for those looking for a family-oriented community.

Market Activity

Here’s a snapshot of recent sales and new listings:

  • 3 Jarvis Ct– Sold for $1,383,000 (January)
  • 37 Gretchen Cct, - Currently Listed at Offers Over $1,180,000 (January)

With a mix of modern homes and established properties, Thornlands offers plenty of opportunities for buyers and sellers alike.

Rental Market

The rental market in Thornlands is strong, with median weekly rents for houses ranging from $650 to $800. Investors are attracted by the steady demand for rental properties and the suburb’s family-focused appeal.

Why Thornlands?

With its welcoming community, excellent schools, and proximity to Moreton Bay, Thornlands offers a high quality of life. Whether you’re seeking your forever home or a promising investment, Thornlands is a suburb that deserves your attention.

If you’d like to learn more about property opportunities in Thornlands, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to provide expert advice and assistance.

Until next time,
The Simon Salm Team

 

Answers to last months ‘Estate of Mind’ questions

Unscramble:

Festive

Brain Teaser:

Love

Trivia:

Carbon Dioxide