They traded their rifles for business cards, body armour for suits, and the battlefield for the housing market.

These former soldiers-turned-agents are cementing their reputations as high performers in the industry, known for their can-do attitude, professionalism and work ethic.

Here’s why these Aussie veterans made the ultimate career switch.

Clint Hynes, Ray White NCO Group, QLD

After a decorated thirteen-year career in the Australian Army and Special Forces community, which included four tours of Afghanistan, including two commendations for distinguished service, Clint made the inevitable decision to join his family business at Ray White Oxenford/Helensvale in 2012.

He said his time spent as a special forces soldier helped establish himself as the number one selling principal for Ray White on the Gold Coast.

“When I left (the military), I brought everything I knew about it across into my new job. That includes knowledge on how to build relationships and general work ethic.,” Clint says.

“When I started in real estate 12 years ago – back then the market was extremely tough – my work ethic and diligence really helped me … but I also know that this job is for everyone.

“As an agent, you have to be a good presenter and you have to be able to articulate things well to both buyers and sellers. In the end, it all comes down to what you put into it, much like in the army.

“I could have done what I did in the military on the outside (contract jobs) but decided not to as I would have been a long time away from my daughters.

“So for me, (moving into real estate) has been the right decision and I’ve quickly learned that everything comes down to discipline.”

Clint Hynes on deployment.

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The former Special Forces soldier has now found his passion selling real estate.

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Aaron Willis, Ray White Riverland, SA

Prior to real estate, Aaron served 15 years in the Royal Australian Defence Force and proudly served his country on three occasions in Afghanistan.

It was during this time that his interpersonal skills, negotiation skills and understanding of people’s individual requirements grew to what they are now, giving Aaron the foundation of what he believes everyone should have access to during their home ownership journey.

“What prompted me to leave the military was that I had just got back from my third deployment and they wanted me to go back for a fourth. Mentally, I just couldn’t do it,” Aaron says.

“My sister suggested I try real estate, so I did, and the rest is history.”

Aaron, who served as a Corporal in the RAAF, says while many of his military skills were transferable, becoming an agent meant he had to “learn on my feet.”

Getting out of the military is hard, especially when you’ve been in from a young age, like me – I joined at 18, so it was hard to get out,” he says.

“But I think real estate is a good job to get into (post service) as you get to be your own boss. There’s no one holding your hand and you’re accountable to yourself.

“I now also get to be home every night with the wife and kids, something I never got to do in the military.”

Aaron Willis at Camp Baker in Afghanistan.

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Aaron now enjoys spending more time with his family and helping his clients sell their homes.

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Natasha Elford, Investor Support, Townsville, QLD

Townsville buyer’s agent and army veteran Natasha Elford, found a passion for real estate after struggling post-service.

The former Australian Army transport specialist began as a property manager but a redundancy prompted her to found Investor Support, a buyer’s agency and property management business.

“The first three months were very difficult,” she says.

“It got to the point where I was about to pull the pin.

“I got in my own head about maybe it’s not going to work out, but I just kept going.

“Then, sure enough, the following month, it all began happening.”

Within 11 months of launching Investor Support Ms Elford has helped buy 21 homes for clients, either solo or in conjunction with other buyer’s agents, which equates to more than $11m in property.

Natasha Elford is a former Australian Army transport specialist.

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Julie Bishop, Natasha Elford and Governor-General Sam Mostyn at The King’s Trust 2024 Beyond Service Awards. Ms Elford was named an award’s finalist. Picture: Bruno Stefani.

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Alex Ilyin, Ray White Highton, VIC

An experienced real estate agent with 10 years of selling expertise, Alex specialises in the Geelong market and has previously served as a successful Melbourne agent.

Prior to entering real estate, Alex had a successful 19-year career in the Australian Army. This background instilled in him a strong work ethic, discipline, perseverance, professionalism and respect.

“What I’ve been able to bring to real estate is literally discipline, just being regimented and disciplined,” he says.

“Being in the military has given me perspective. You’re coming from a harsher environment and a bad day in real estate is working until 8 or 9pm.”

Alex Illyn had a successful 19-year career in the Australian Army.

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Alex Illyn says he was able to bring many of his military skills across to his new profession in real estate.

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Samuel Paton, Ray White Marion, SA

After a high achieving eight year career in the Royal Australian Navy, Samuel has risen to become one of South Australia’s top agents.

Thanks to his military background, Samuel considers himself extremely disciplined, hardworking, loyal and organised. He will also go above and beyond the call of the duty to make sure his clients buying and selling experience is as stress free as possible.

“For me, the biggest advantage from being in the navy that has helped me in real estate was being on a ship with 150 to 200 people living on a ship for three to six months at a time and being forced to learn how to get along with everyone,” he says.

“It really helped me develop the skills to relate to and get along with all types of people.”

Samuel Paton served eight years in the Royal Australian Navy.

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Samuel Paton, now a real estate agent, will go above and beyond the call of the duty to make sure his clients buying and selling experience is stress free.

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Paul Schmidt-Lee, RWC Toowoomba, QLD

Paul Schmidt-Lee joined the army when he was just 17 years old.

He started as a transport driver in the Royal Australian Corps of Signals and transferred to become a Telecommunications and Electronics Technician a few years later.

He retired 21 years later as a Warrant Officer Class Two.

Paul’s distinguished military career instilled commitment, determination, and passion, which he says prepared him well for a career in real estate.

“I feel that the army prepared me for just about anything and this goes for my career in real estate,” he says.

“If you work long and hard at something, with the right training and the right people around you, then you will achieve any goal you set for yourself.”

Paul Schmidt-Lee joined the army at just 17 years of age.

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His 21-year career in the ADF has helped set him up for his new profession in real estate.

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Kane Dury, Discover Buyers Agency, QLD

A former Army mechanic who found a passion for property, is now helping other ADF personnel enter the property market.

Kane Dury spent 12 years in the Royal corps of Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME) and underwent several postings around the country.

“I did my apprenticeship as a Diesel mechanic and then I just read a book and got hooked on property and purchased my first investment when I was 22 and I was in Townsville, and I just sort of had no idea what I was doing” Mr Dury says.

“I didn’t know what I didn’t know, and that’s still so common these days especially with military guys.”

By the time he was discharged from the army as a RAEME sergeant he had built his portfolio to six properties before going out on his own as a mortgage broker.

Now, the buyer’s agent is assisting ADF members from across Australia to understand the grants available, the property market in different cities and stages of posting cycles and information regarding investing in property.

Former RAEME sergeant turned buyers agent Kane Dury is helping ADF members build their property portfolio while navigating posting cycles and grants.

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