Partners in Life, Partners in Business
Working with your partner isn’t for everyone—but for some couples, it just works.
Running a business together means you’re not only sharing life outside of work, but also the wins, challenges, and day-to-day decisions that come with building something of your own. It takes patience, clear communication, and a good sense of humour—but it can also be incredibly rewarding.
Of course, it comes with its challenges. There’s the balancing act between work and home life, knowing when to switch off (or at least trying to), and making sure each person has their own space to contribute. But on the flip side, there’s a level of trust and understanding that’s hard to replicate in any other business relationship.
For John and Paula Mottin, working together has been part of their story for over a decade. Since 2010, they’ve teamed up in rural property sales, combining their skills and building a strong reputation in the industry along the way.
In 2014, they took a big step forward and purchased a share in McCathies Real Estate T/A Nutrien Harcourts McCathies. It was a natural progression—moving from working in the business to helping shape its future. Then in 2021, they went all in, purchasing the entire business and taking full ownership. Since then, their knowledge and services have expanded well beyond rural sales.
Today, their business covers residential, rural and commercial sales, along with property management and strata management. What makes working together successful for couples like John and Paula is understanding each other’s strengths and backing one another. There’s a shared drive to succeed, but also a shared pride in what they’ve built together.
At the end of the day, being in business as a couple isn’t just about work—it’s about building something meaningful together. And for those who can make it work, it can be one of the most rewarding partnerships there is.
