About Us | Venture Agency

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At Venture, we support builders, developers, and investors with a long-term, outcome-driven approach. Backed by years of experience in property, our team combines expertise across real estate, development, planning, construction, and engineering to provide end-to-end support throughout the development lifecycle. From site acquisition to sales, we ensure a seamless process and strategic execution at every stage.

We have a strong track record of partnering with reputable builders and developers to successfully market and sell off-the-plan projects. Our solution-focused team is committed to delivering results, building lasting relationships, and creating shared success for all stakeholders.

Connect with us today and take the first step toward a successful project outcome.

Mark Smith

Managing Director
Principal

Mark Smith brings over 20 years of industry experience, beginning his career in residential sales before transitioning into the development sector, where he played a hands-on role in the design, construction, management, sales, and delivery of a wide range of residential and multi residential projects across South-East Queensland.

As a founder of the business, Mark brings both broad expertise and in-depth, first-hand insight into the many shortcomings he encountered within the project marketing space, insight that now shapes the company’s end-to-end, developer focused approach. He holds a degree in Property Economics from QUT and a Certificate IV in Building and Construction, equipping him with both the strategic and technical knowledge to deliver results at every stage of the development lifecycle.

Kel Goesch

Director

Kel Goesch brings over two decades of high-level expertise in sales, marketing, and negotiation. Having led the successful sales and strategy delivery of numerous residential and mixed-use developments, Kel is known for his ability to craft and execute targeted campaigns that drive results.

His deep understanding of buyer behaviour, market trends, and positioning strategies ensures each project is presented to the right audience with maximum impact. Kel’s exceptional negotiation skills, combined with a transparent and client-focused approach, have earned him a reputation for consistently achieving premium outcomes for developers and delivering a seamless experience from launch to settlement.

Duane Preece

Sales Manager

Bringing a wealth of experience from over 25 years in the commercial construction industry. recognition as Apprentice of the Year, setting the tone for a career built on quality and precision.

Duane's extensive background includes serving as one of the Quality Control Managers on the iconic Crown Casino construction project in Melbourne, a landmark development requiring the highest standards of oversight and coordination.

Now combining his deep industry knowledge with a forward-thinking approach to property marketing, Duane specialises in project marketing, leveraging tech-based systems and data analysis to drive sales and streamline communication between developers, agents, and buyers. His hands-on construction experience, combined with his strategic and technological insight, makes him a trusted leader in the real estate development space.

Benjamin Smith

Advisory/ Sales

With a career spanning over five decades and more than 6,000 property transactions to his name, Benjamin Smith is one of the most accomplished and respected figures in Australian real estate. His sales volume exceeds $5 billion, a testament to both his longevity in the industry and his ability to consistently deliver exceptional results across all market conditions.

Benjamin’s real estate journey began in Brisbane in the 1970s, and he quickly established himself as a market leader. Notably, he was involved in the first off-the-plan project ever sold in South Bank during the 1980s an early example of his pioneering approach to project marketing. Since then, his expertise has extended to a wide range of commercial and residential developments, earning him a reputation for versatility and results.

Highly regarded for his deep market knowledge and meticulous attention to detail, Benjamin has become a trusted advisor to developers, valuers, and sellers alike. His sales records often set benchmarks for others, and his marketing strategies have become the standard by which others are measured.

Beyond real estate, Benjamin is also the owner of AOSCO, an outdoor digital billboard company, further expanding his influence in the property and media sectors.

Whether it’s a boutique apartment project, a large land subdivision, or a prestige waterfront estate, Benjamin brings unmatched experience, insight, and strategy to every campaign.

Ana Ruckman

Sales

With over 15 years’ experience in procurement and high-level contract negotiation for global companies such as Alibaba Group and Limited Brands, she brings a sharp commercial mindset and a deep understanding of ROI to every sale.

Approachable, light in nature, and deeply professional, Anna treats every client as though they are her only one. Her priority is to ensure each transaction is smooth, rewarding, and handled with care from start to finish.

Holding an MBA and having worked internationally, Anna knows how to position properties strategically and negotiate with confidence—ensuring her clients achieve the best possible outcome. She understands the financial and emotional journey of buying or selling property—whether guiding first-home buyers through the process or helping downsizers prepare their home for maximum return.

JoJo Wu

Sales

JoJo brings with a wealth of knowledge in property and finance, as well as a background in marketing and communications. In previous roles, JoJo worked for worldwide leading bank as the department manager in the fields of foreign currency, company mortgage, international business and anti-money laundering. It is this experience that allowed JoJo to become process-driven, with an eye for finer detail and a fierce determination to surpass her clients’ expectations.

Growing up overseas before studying and living in Australia, JoJo’s approach to life is built on her cultural heritage where she believes that with honesty, trust and diligence, she will deliver exceptional results to her clients. She is self-motivated, friendly and good natured, and her strong work ethic coupled with her easy-going disposition makes her an ideal agent. She is passionate about her career and believes every problem has a solution. With hard work and professionalism, JoJo believes she is the right agent to get great results for her vendors and buyers.

Leah Smith

Investment Manager

Leah Smith brings over 20 years of experience spanning property management, contract

administration, and client service. Her background includes overseeing large residential portfolios for private clients, where her attention to detail and commitment to results earned her multiple industry awards and recognition as a standout performer in the field.

Beyond her operational expertise, Leah has been closely involved in the design and delivery of more than 15 luxury homes across Brisbane’s inner west. Her in-depth understanding of materials, finishes, and design principles allows her to work closely with clients to bring their vision to life.

Lauren Matbouly

Gold Coast Sales

Lauren is a trusted sales professional with a strong track record in luxury residential real estate. At Venture, she specialises in the sale of premium apartments and townhomes on behalf of developers, bringing a sharp focus to buyer engagement, negotiation, and delivering exceptional results.

Known for her honest, upfront approach and strong follow-through, Lauren builds lasting relationships based on trust and professionalism. Her deep understanding of buyer expectations, combined with her ability to clearly communicate a project’s value, makes her a key asset in achieving strong off-the-plan sales outcomes.

Beyond her role in sales, Lauren remains committed to giving back to the community. She led the 2022 Brisbane Real Estate Gala, which raised $439,000 for Serving Our People, where she continues to serve as an advisor.

Her values of integrity and service carry through in every aspect of her work.

Adam Saunders

Digital Marketing Manager

Adam has over 25 years of experience across industries including Advertising, cinema, SaaS, and Government, with a focus on visual design, strategy, digital marketing, and social media. He is now expanding his expertise into AI-driven marketing.

As Brisbane Real Estate’s Digital Marketing Manager, Adam oversees our social media, content marketing, and paid advertising while staying at the forefront of digital marketing advancements. He works closely with sales agents and property managers to enhance property exposure, increase audience engagement, and strengthen both agent and agency branding.

Robert Herbert

Graphic Design & Marketing

With over 15 years of experience in property marketing, Robert Herbert brings a deep understanding of campaign execution and creative strategy to the Venture team. Having worked with one of Brisbane’s most successful residential agencies, Robert has built a reputation for delivering high-quality marketing under pressure and within tight timeframes.

Armed with a background in graphic design and a sharp eye for detail, Robert independently manages and coordinates marketing across a wide range of platforms and property portals. His ability to think creatively and act decisively ensures every project receives maximum exposure and consistent branding from concept through to completion.

Michelle Taylor

Accounts

Sharon Butler

Operations Manager

Sharon Butler is a dedicated and detail-oriented professional with a diverse career spanning over two decades across South Africa and Australia. With a strong foundation in corporate support and operational excellence, Sharon brings a wealth of experience in administration, human resources, and real estate contract management.

Her career began in Cape Town, South Africa, where she held dual roles as a Human Resources Manager and Personal Assistant to the Sales & Marketing Director of a dynamic firm. In these positions, she developed a solid understanding of people management, internal communications, and high-level executive support all while honing her meticulous organisational skills.

After relocating to Australia, Sharon transitioned into the real estate industry, where she served as a Contracts Manager for 18 years. In this role, she became known for her precision, reliability, and exceptional work ethic, ensuring that every detail from listing to settlement was executed to the highest standard.

Recognised by colleagues and clients alike for her trustworthiness, loyalty, and professionalism, Sharon is passionate about supporting business operations behind the scenes, with an unwavering commitment to quality and integrity.