Get to know our CEO
almost 2 years ago
Get to know our CEO

We decided it was time to sit down with McKean McGregor’s CEO, Todd Brown. A keen sportsperson and family man, Todd gives us a brief overview of what it’s like being a part of the MM team, how he got to where he is and how he balances business and having a young family.

 

Firstly, tell us about growing up in the Northern Mallee

I was very fortunate to grow up as one of six boys raised on our family farm in a little place called Underbool. It is a wonderful community and I still love getting back home.

Getting into your career, how did you start out?

I started as a trainee stock agent in Ouyen back in 2000, then worked in various roles for Elders over 17 years finishing as State Manager for Victoria & Riverina NSW, which was a wonderful role and exposed me to a lot of great people and different areas of business.

What was it that made you choose to join McKean McGregor back in 2017?

I was really impressed with the people behind the business.  With a young family at home, the opportunity to be part of a local, progressive, values-based family business with a strong focus on our clients and a desire to take the business to another level was very appealing.

What does your role consist of? 

My role is all about people and business. Both areas that I thoroughly enjoy. I like to empower people and find it wonderfully rewarding when you can help create a really positive, supportive environment and then extend people to perform to a high standard. If we support our team personally and professionally, this then flows through to our client experiences and results.

What do you feel is the biggest strength of MM right now?

Our people. I’m a huge believer that good people attract good people and we are incredibly fortunate to have a team who are passionate about what we do and how we can deliver the best outcomes for our clients. It's no coincidence that a lot of our team comes from sporting backgrounds.

How important is having a connected team when it comes to achieving high results?

It is essential for sustained team success in anything in life. An individual can perform well for a period but to have enduring team success, you must get that engagement, the full buy-in to what we are doing and where we are going. 

Tell us about your view of McKean McGregor’s role in the local community?

Strong communities are full of amazing people who simply get in and make it happen.  We keenly encourage our team to get involved in our local sporting teams, schools, committees, charities or whatever they would like to connect with.  To raise $141k for the Cancer Wellness Centre with our Inaugural Gala Ball was a proud moment and the joy that brought to our team knowing how invested everyone was to make a difference was really rewarding.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job? 

Smiling faces. Both within our team and also our clients and the community. It's extremely fulfilling to see the energy and passion our staff show and knowing the difference it can make for our loyal clients, whether that be a 3rd or 4th generation client or a new one that we have only recently helped.  

How do you find a work-life balance with such a demanding job?

I think of it more as simply life balance given work is such a massive part of all of our lives.  I’m grateful to have a career that I love which helps a lot.  Going for a run in the evening is really good for my physical and mental health and I get enormous joy from spending time with my wife Aimie and our 3 kids; Mitch, Imogen and Brady.

Where do you see MM in the future?

We want to keep building relationships and deepening our community involvement.  We have a vision to be the trusted partner of choice for every real estate or livestock client's needs within our local area, so I’ll be doing my best to help guide us.

Back to family, how is it working alongside your twin brother and who won the backyard cricket games growing up?

We’ve both really enjoyed it.  Jeremy started our Commercial / Industrial division 4 years ago now which continues to build momentum and we appreciate having the opportunity to work together.  On the cricket, we lived for our sport and he certainly had me well and truly covered.  Great memories.

One last one to finish, what is your favourite Bendigo suburb?

Spring Gully.  I love the natural bushland setting and it's still only 5 minutes from the centre of town.