From soccer to sales: Russell Cambridge, the Richmond agent who entered the property game at 19

This energetic agent and soccer fanatic moved from England to Australia at 14, and by 19 had entered real estate where his “extremely enthusiastic” personality found its perfect career fit.

The Melbourne property market and supporting local soccer – of course – remain Russell Cambridge’s great passions.

Was it difficult to move continents and hemispheres in the middle of adolescence?

It was brilliant, actually. We came out to Australia because England was going through an economic crisis at the time and my parents thought it would be better for their two sons to come out here for the lifestyle and the opportunities.

How did you start in real estate?

I was looking at properties for mum and dad, to find a new home for us all. We emigrated in 1982 and I got into real estate in 1987 after a brief stint in the shipping industry. I did my full licence early on, which was great. I did the study and got that out of the way.

I started working out in Mitcham, Donvale and Ringwood and then I had a brief stint over in Perth.

Were you in Perth during the Alan Bond era, during the 1980s boom?

Yes, I was. I was walking in North Perth one day with my friend Nick. He says to me: “So, what do you think of Alan Bond?” I said: “He’s had a tough time for someone who’s achieved a lot of good things.”

Nick says: “So, why not tell him; he’s standing next to you.” That was Perth!

And how was it for real estate?

I was living in the inner suburbs of Perth and selling in Gosnells, a bit further out. It was easy to sell. I’d go to work and sell a house every day. Then I came back to Melbourne and joined Biggin & Scott in Richmond. That was 1993.

Was getting into property the defining moment of your life?

Yes, it was. It took me away from sport and gave me a career in a very competitive environment.

Have you always had a good work ethic?

My mum always pushed me into working. When I was at school in the UK, I had a milk round and then I worked on a chicken farm. The farm was pretty hard yakka and it was dirty and smelly. You had to work at a pace to collect the eggs from the conveyor belt before they crashed onto the ground.

“We’re sponsors of Melbourne City and go to all the home games … Soccer is non-negotiable at our office.”

What kind of personality suits real estate?

You’ve got to be extremely enthusiastic. I am very much a glasshalf- full kind of person.

You bring your enthusiasm to soccer now, too.

Yes, we’ve been very involved in the Collingwood City under 15 girls’ team – that’s my daughters’ club. I’m also heavily involved in Melbourne City. We’re sponsors of Melbourne City and go to all the home games; it’s where we entertain staff and clients.

Recently we took 100 staff and clients; we really get into it. Soccer is non-negotiable at our office.

So, moving to the world’s most liveable city worked out OK?

My uncle is here for the first time. He can’t believe how clean and organised everything is. I took him to a footy match at the MCG. My aunt is here for the fourth time. If it wasn’t for their grandchildren … they would consider moving here.

It’s a reminder how good Melbourne is. They can’t believe how everyone gets on.