Tyson Properties , Chris Tyson’s founding vision was to create a specialist agency that was not only in tune with the needs of the KwaZulu-Natal property market but one that offered clients exceptional service and agents a platform to excelDynamic, flexible and perfectly positioned to become South Africa’s next iconic real estate brand, Tyson Properties has grown from one of Kwa-Zulu-Natal’s most successful real estate franchises into a national company that is poised to ride a massive wave of change in the country’s real estate market. The company was birthed in Durban in 2005 by respected real estate entrepreneur, Chris Tyson, and his business partner, Gavin Cunningham. Determined to lead by example and inject transparency and integrity into a sector that was riding a wave of change and firmly on the road towards greater professionalism at the time, the partners started out with a single office and a staff of just six. Chris Tyson’s founding vision was to create a specialist agency that was not only in tune with the needs of the KwaZulu-Natal property market but one that offered clients exceptional service and agents a platform to excel. To attract the best property professionals, he provided a happy and professional working environment, together with training, resources and innovative operational systems. Proof of the efficacy of this approach is the fact that Tyson Properties currently has 420 agents that have built up a strong network of business associates and an extensive referral base. The company has won numerous awards and has a reputation for professionalism and integrity, making it the brand of choice for property investors in KZN over the past 17 years. “Our focus has always been on quality service and working together to achieve a winning solution,” says Tyson. Every year, Tyson Properties has exceeded its forecasts, grown its footprint and increased its market share. In addition to marketing residential, commercial and rental properties, Tyson Properties has expanded its service offering in Durban to include a property management division that specialises in the administration of exclusive properties and sectional title developments. The strong foundation on the East Coast paved the way for national growth and, in 2010, offices in Johannesburg and the Western Cape opened almost simultaneously. Aggressive growth across all three markets and the roll out of new offices has positioned the company to benefit from accruing strong market share within a very short timeframe. Over the years, Tyson Properties has navigated a number of challenges – including a global recession in 2008 and the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the resulting economic fallout from the latter, Tyson registered its best growth year ever in 2021 with turnover increasing by 25 percent. Currently, the company finds itself in an exciting transition stage. It is perfectly positioned to handle future growth. The pioneering approach to doing business and sound business principles for which it has become known over nearly two decades remains. To complement these tried and tested values, the company has embraced state-of-the-art technology and led the way in innovative marketing of properties for which it has secured mandates. In 2022, Tyson Property Holdings was created to support and grow the company’s regional operations in Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Nick Pearson, the regional director of the Western Cape region, was appointed CEO overseeing national operations whilst Chris Tyson became chairman, responsible for fine tuning the strategic direction of the company. Going forward, Tyson expects Tyson Properties to cement its position as a leader in both the provincial and the national property sectors. “We’re not just an estate agency, we are redefining our industry. We embrace change and continually challenge tradition. We do business differently, giving our clients the winning edge. Our vision is to continue to build our reputation as an exclusive agency that represents quality service, honesty and integrity. We want to grow our business by partnering with the right people who will live our brand. To be known not as the biggest, but as the best,” he says. Pearson adds that, as a brand, Tyson Properties is heavily invested in the South African market. “We are here to make some changes, even ruffle a few feathers – but, ultimately, we want to grow into our potential which is to be SA’s next iconic real estate brand. To do that, you have to believe in your country, grow with it and be flexible enough to identify and meet the market’s needs.”CHRIS TYSON's interest in the property industry started from an early age as his family comes from a property background. Tyson said, "My father had a construction company. My mother was an agent for many years and owned her own agency. I can remember going to property viewings with her as a small boy." In 2001, his own real estate career started as an agent for a small agency in Durban. He then moved to a larger agency, where he built his initial Tyson Properties team. In 2005, the first Tyson Properties office was opened in Durban. Over the past year, Tyson Properties has consolidated its presence in the KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Gauteng markets and now has 31 offices. Going forward, Tyson Properties is expected to continue as a leader in the KwaZulu-Natal provincial property sector and grow the group's national footprint. In Gauteng, Tyson Properties have extended its footprint drastically and opened a new flagship office in Dunkeld West to accommodate its growth into the Sandton and Parks areas. Tyson Properties is also in negotiations to open its third office in Johannesburg later this year. In addition to marketing residential, commercial and rental properties, Tyson Properties has expanded its service offering to include a property management division that specialises in the administration of a number of exclusive properties and sectional title developments. Although there are many influences on a business success. Tyson says that that it has become a business owner's responsibility to make sure that their business is sustainable by constantly challenging the norm and striving for change and excellence. "Often doing new things means cutting existing budgets to achieve this. We do, however, see this as an advantage and have always used tough times to grow the company to position ourselves better for upturns in the marketplace. One either has to have reserves to ensure sustainability or work within a budget that creates reserves. This however can stunt the growth of a company," says Tyson. Part of ensuring sustainability is apparent in his leadership style, which he says is very relaxed. However, says Tyson, "I expect a lot but also give a lot in return. I look at every employee as a partner." "I also believe that I'm very inclusive and involve the team in driving projects and campaigns. I have always tried to balance the work environment, making it fair for both the agent and the company. This is achieved by supporting my internal team and building partnerships with outsourced agencies such as our marketing agency and public relations consultant." One of the business development advances that is extremely close to his heart is in the development of the newly formed After Sales Division. This division will deal with every aspect of the sale, from the date the sale agreement is signed, to the day that the property transfers, and beyond. "With the increase of first time buyers coming into the market we feel we can add real value here, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible advice and guidance," commented Tyson. Tyson is also committed to giving back to the community, which he says, "is very much a part of who I am and something I am passionate about". Before branching out into real estate, his early working career was for a large non-profit organisation. Consequently, each of the Tyson branches has their own social responsibility projects in their areas. Tyson Properties is also working hard at developing a group initiative. When not at work, Tyson spends time with his family to ensure that his own life is balanced. He concluded, "My personal life is very important to me and I make sure I balance it. I am married and have a son of four and a half years. We are a very homely family and we love to travel. We also enjoy the outdoors and keeping fit."CHRIS TYSON's interest in the property industry started from an early age as his family comes from a property background. Tyson said, "My father had a construction company. My mother was an agent for many years and owned her own agency. I can remember going to property viewings with her as a small boy." In 2001, his own real estate career started as an agent for a small agency in Durban. He then moved to a larger agency, where he built his initial Tyson Properties team. In 2005, the first Tyson Properties office was opened in Durban. Over the past year, Tyson Properties has consolidated its presence in the KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Gauteng markets and now has 31 offices. Going forward, Tyson Properties is expected to continue as a leader in the KwaZulu-Natal provincial property sector and grow the group's national footprint. In Gauteng, Tyson Properties have extended its footprint drastically and opened a new flagship office in Dunkeld West to accommodate its growth into the Sandton and Parks areas. Tyson Properties is also in negotiations to open its third office in Johannesburg later this year. In addition to marketing residential, commercial and rental properties, Tyson Properties has expanded its service offering to include a property management division that specialises in the administration of a number of exclusive properties and sectional title developments. Although there are many influences on a business success. Tyson says that that it has become a business owner's responsibility to make sure that their business is sustainable by constantly challenging the norm and striving for change and excellence. "Often doing new things means cutting existing budgets to achieve this. We do, however, see this as an advantage and have always used tough times to grow the company to position ourselves better for upturns in the marketplace. One either has to have reserves to ensure sustainability or work within a budget that creates reserves. This however can stunt the growth of a company," says Tyson. Part of ensuring sustainability is apparent in his leadership style, which he says is very relaxed. However, says Tyson, "I expect a lot but also give a lot in return. I look at every employee as a partner." "I also believe that I'm very inclusive and involve the team in driving projects and campaigns. I have always tried to balance the work environment, making it fair for both the agent and the company. This is achieved by supporting my internal team and building partnerships with outsourced agencies such as our marketing agency and public relations consultant." One of the business development advances that is extremely close to his heart is in the development of the newly formed After Sales Division. This division will deal with every aspect of the sale, from the date the sale agreement is signed, to the day that the property transfers, and beyond. "With the increase of first time buyers coming into the market we feel we can add real value here, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible advice and guidance," commented Tyson. Tyson is also committed to giving back to the community, which he says, "is very much a part of who I am and something I am passionate about". Before branching out into real estate, his early working career was for a large non-profit organisation. Consequently, each of the Tyson branches has their own social responsibility projects in their areas. Tyson Properties is also working hard at developing a group initiative. When not at work, Tyson spends time with his family to ensure that his own life is balanced. He concluded, "My personal life is very important to me and I make sure I balance it. I am married and have a son of four and a half years. We are a very homely family and we love to travel. We also enjoy the outdoors and keeping fit."