Since this has happened, business has boomed.  We are working on 5 different countries on a range of problems from new market entry to international expansion to new site development.

Here is our press release.

Classified Ad Ventures Pty Ltd today announced the launch of an expanded business offering to service the global real estate industry.   Leveraging the team’s extensive knowledge and experience working within the real estate category, the Classified Ad Ventures business provides digital marketing solutions and consulting services to portals, franchise groups and market leading real estate agents who are looking to stay ahead of the game in the highly competitive online market.

Classified Ad Ventures was founded in September 2008 by Simon Baker, best known for his eight years as CEO and Managing Director of the REA Group (www.realestate.com.au ).  During his time at the REA Group, Simon grew revenues from $4m in FY 2001 to $155m in FY 2008 and grew EBITDA from -$6m in FY 2001 to $37m in FY 2008. Most importantly, Simon delivered great returns for shareholders by increasing the market capitalisation from $8m in June 2001 to a high of $900m.

Baker has brought together a team of highly experienced professionals from his time at the REA Group, across key specialties including business management, sales & marketing, web design & development, project management and mergers & acquisitions.  Their combined hundred plus years of experience extends across both portals and agencies, in all major international markets, including Europe, Asia, USA, Australia and New Zealand.  No other team is better positioned to assist the industry in optimising its digital marketing mix to drive business success.

The team at Classified Ad Ventures includes Chris Vulovic, the former CIO of REA Group, Anthony Herman, former Head of Corporate Development in the EMEA region for the REA Group, Kelly Millar, former Consumer Marketing Manager for the REA Group, and John Hart, former Industry Marketing Manager for the REA Group, amongst others.

Simon Baker, CEO and founder of Classified Ad Ventures today stated:  “The incredible rate of innovation in the digital landscape presents opportunities for business never seen before, especially in the real estate sector.  The significant shift of consumers from print to online for their real estate needs requires businesses to adapt their marketing strategies.

Whether you are a portal, franchise group, broker or agent, success is determined by creating value for your customers and ensuring you are competitive and clearly differentiated in the digital landscape.  Our team’s track record in building a highly successful business for the REA Group gives you access to unmatched experience and insights into the category.”

Classified Ad Ventures current clients include some of the world’s major property portals, franchise groups, brokers and market leading agents.

Classified Ad Ventures online marketing services include business consulting, online marketing planning, website design & development, eMarketing, search marketing, editorial and video content, social media and display advertising.

More details about Classified Ad Ventures services can be found at www.classifiedadventures.com

The ideal candidate has probably worked for a realestate.com.au or domain.com.au in a front line sales position.  They would have experience as either a BDM (business development manager – ie new business) or account management (management of existing customers).

Classified Ad Ventures is building a series of new and innovative online products and services targeted at the real estate agency market. Recently we launched SOBOX and ListGlobally.  SOBOX provides social media solutions for Australian and New Zealand real estate agents while ListGlobally allows real estate agents to advertise their listings around the world.  Classified Ad Ventures has more products in the pipeline and these will be launched in the coming months.

Our sales team will have the chance to sell across the range of products to real estate agents in their territory.

Packages for sales people are competitive, weigheted towards uncapped commission, and include telephone and laptop.

In addition, you will get to work with many of the team the built realestate.com.au and the REA Group.

If you are interested in a position, know someone that is or just want more information, please send an email to sbaker@classifiedadventures.com.