The Canberra agent with a passion for boxing and knockout property sales

An agent who doesn’t cut corners, whether that’s the listings he manages or the rides from Lyneham to Majura on his Harley, Josh Morrissey of HIVE Property has a stellar track record built on years of industry experience and notable sales to back it up.

The dedicated director thrives under pressure, except when it comes to picking a favourite dinner spot, although Japanese restaurant RAKU is his go-to. Away from real estate, you can find him in the boxing ring and spending time with his family.

He describes his childhood as humble beginnings with a few hard lessons learnt that taught him resilience, always busy, always active and he could never sit still – “Not much has changed,” he laughs.

What was your first job?

My first part-time job was working at Supabarn when I was 16. I went straight into real estate full-time when I left school. I worked in property management and also various sales duties to learn the role from top to bottom. I had a break from real estate and did a carpentry apprenticeship to understand the building side of things, then I returned back to real estate where I am now.

Was your heart always set on working in real estate? 

Yes, although before I joined I was going to become a tattoo artist and open my own shop. I already had the job lined up but I chose real estate. Glad I did. It was the first step in a bigger plan.

What are your passions outside of work?

I love the outdoors, the beach, and I love to box. I love art, and anything creative. I am a big believer in making the most out of every minute, so if I’m not working I make sure I am doing one of these things. And, of course, my family – time with them is at the top of the list.

What is your most memorable sale?

The recent sale at 15 Quinane Avenue in Forde for $2.15 million because I sold it off-market in the middle of a pandemic with a few other challenging conditions, and broke the Gungahlin region record. That one was pretty satisfying.

What do you consider your greatest achievement, outside of property?

I’d have to say my beautiful family. We all strive to achieve the best from ourselves every day, but it’s the simple things that keep you grounded. Coming home through the front door with my 20-month-old son, James, running up to me, that’d be the greatest achievement of all.

How do you keep a work/life balance?

Priorities, discipline and an amazing team. I start each day waking up at 5am, I will exercise, feed James and catch up on what I need to before work. I usually work late so I’ll try to get as much time in with James as I can in the morning. Sam and I try to have a date once a month, and I try and get to the boxing gym twice a week. I find having a routine sets you free and the busier you become, the more routine you need. Pre-COVID the family would travel every 12 weeks for a small holiday, just to break it up and have something to look forward to.

Some would call you and Samantha a power couple, running HIVE Property together, what do you love most about working with your partner?

We actually launched HIVE when Sam was nine months pregnant, so I have to say I work with one very strong, determined woman. She has been the backbone of the business from the start, and what I love most is watching her help build the business into what it is today.