Testimonial from Anne and Jim Robertson

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“On the Beach” Backpackers Lodge, Whitianga

In the year 1999, driven by major life events, we made the broad decision to enter the hospitality industry.
We were in the (fortunate?) position of not knowing how much we didn’t know, but we were filled with the
certainty that our life experiences had given us the abilities to succeed in any field we chose. We simply felt
that our combined talents suited us to dealing with people in the accommodation sector.

Spectacular Coastal Sunset
“On the Beach” Backpackers Lodge, Whitianga

We came across Erika Bult purely by lucky chance, a referral from a satisfied client also new to the hospitality business. We can confidently say with 20/20 hindsight that the pitfalls we encountered on the road to success, and then success again, would have swallowed us completely, rather than dwindling into mere obstacles, if not for Erika’s expertise, help and guidance.

Our first foray into hospitality was, at Erika’s suggestion, a backpackers lodge. Our first uninformed reaction was that we weren’t sure if THAT was the sector into which we wanted to buy! Patiently she explained that it was an upmarket backpackers lodge, then outlined the structure of the backpacker industry, the kind of clientele, the opportunities and the financial potential. That she was able to do this reflects the years she has spent in hospitality and restaurant businesses herself, her knowledge comes from hands-on, personal experience. We were sceptical of this proposed new business opportunity at first but the idea grew on us as we did our own market research. Our next reaction was that it was beyond our financial capabilities, but Erika calmly dealt with that by detailing plans and figures and then gave us an introduction to financial brokers with credibility.

The sale proceeded through several stages as we worked through due diligence processes, the way always
smoothed by Erika’s financial and legal knowledge and numerous useful contacts in the property, real estate
and business world. Eventually we became the newest inductees into the world of the young and not-soyoung
overseas traveler. There followed six wonderful, frenetic, exhausting and fiscally lucrative years. During those years we twice engaged Erika to negotiate on our behalf as we expanded our business to take advantage of the potential we could see in the growing backpacker market. Both times she applied her wideranging talents to analyse, assess and advise before she made strategic plans which were put into effect with care and precision in timing for maximum results and minimum outlay.

Pigeons Lodge,
Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula

When it came time for us to capitalize our asset, move on and down-size into a less demanding lifestyle, it was Erika to whom we immediately turned – we definitely wanted her to implement our exit strategy. The first thing she said to us was that she had just the place for us to buy, perfect for our combined talents and in a to-die-for location. After all our experiences with Erika we didn’t doubt her for a minute and would almost have bought it sight unseen, such is our confidence in her ability to fit the business to the purchaser.

Sea View, Pigeons Lodge,
Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula

However we did look, and it did even exceed our high expectations. Then came the limbo nightmare between selling and buying when you’ve found the property of your dreams.
Once again Erika was at the helm, advising, negotiating, soothing egos, bolstering confidence, threading through the legal , financial and accounting minefield, working towards satisfactory conclusions for everyone, finding the win-win compromise between vendor and purchaser.
Now here we are, living in a mini-paradise, excited and enthused about our new business, applying the skills
we honed on our former clients to our new clientele, and taking plenty of time off for fishing. We are secure in the knowledge that if life forces another change on us Erika will be there ready to fulfill all our expectations and more.

Typical Scenic New ZealandBush,
Pigeons Lodge, Great Barrier Island,
Coromandel Peninsula

We have not found anyone in this field who combines such talents as legal expertise, financial nous and
ability to communicate at all levels with absolute honesty, integrity, trustworthiness and tenacity.
We recommend her services unreservedly.

Anne and Jim Robertson
Pigeons Lodge
Great Barrier Island
(Formerly On the Beach Backpackers Lodge, Whitianga.