Crabtrees Real Estate

History of Success

For over half a century, Crabtrees Real Estate have been providing Melbourne with a service built on constant success and proven experience. It’s no wonder we are regarded as one of Melbourne’s best commercial and industrial specialists. Complete property management that takes the day-to-day hassle away from you, so you can sit back and watch your investment grow from strength to strength.

When it comes to understanding the market, our broad network and solid ties with the south-eastern suburbs means our clients always get results way above their expectation. From leasing to management, all our staff are passionate about real estate, providing a professional and competitive service for all your Commercial and Industrial needs.

When you think commercial real estate, think Crabtrees Real Estate.

Company Directors
	Chris McKenzie Director/Principal		Gavin Dumas Director/Principal
As a fully licensed real estate agent Chris has been part of Crabtrees Real Estate since August, 1989. He moved from being an employee of the firm, which was founded in 1955 by the Crabtree family, to gaining an initial equity interest before acquiring equity ownership, assuring a succession plan which enabled the founding members of the Crabtree family to retire. He is acknowledged as a skilled industrial and commercial property negotiator with a wealth of successful property transactions to his credit.		Gavin is also a fully licensed real estate agent with a significant wealth of experience in sales, leasing and management of commercial property, gained since specialising in this area since 1993. Gavin joined Chris as an equity owner of Crabtrees Real Estate in 2002. He is acknowledged by his industry colleagues for his ability to develop solutions, for clients who range from private individuals, to corporate clients, multinational businesses and the development community.

Sales and Leasing Team

James Taylor Sales and Leasing Consultant James has over 25 years experience in the sale and leasing of buildings in the City, St Kilda Road and South Eastern Suburbs. James has leased over 3,000,000 square metres of commercial and industrial property and sold over $500 million worth of property. As a result of his vast experience in the office and industrial sector, James has a keen understanding of tenant’s and owner occupier’s needs in a property.	Luke Pitcher Sales and Leasing Consultant Luke commenced his real estate career with Crabtrees in August 2004. Since then he has become a fully licensed estate agent and has become a competent negotiator leasing and selling commercial, industrial and retail properties, providing him with valuable knowledge of the industry. Lukes enthusiasm is marked by his attention to detail which will ensure a successful future in the commercial/industrial market.	Andrew Smith Sales and Leasing Consultant Andrew recently joined the Crabtrees team to service an increasing demand for Crabtrees Real Estate services in the Carrum Downs, Dandenong and Hallam regions. After many years experience in Commercial / industrial sales, leasing and property management, Crabtrees clients will benefit from his enthusiasm, strong work ethic and high level of service as Crabtrees expand in Melbourne’s commercial and industrial growth corridor. Andrew believes strongly in building firm and long lasting client relationships which is reflected in the high level of service enjoyed by his clients.


Matthew Marenko Sales and Leasing Consultant Matthew Marenko commenced his Real Estate career in 1999 and progressed to become a sales consultant and auctioneer and has transacted a highly diverse mix of properties. After spending 4 years in Queensland being involved in business to business sales he returned to Melbourne with a wealth of business knowledge and a drive to pursue a Commercial Real Estate career. Matthew’s flair and determination are hallmarks of his attitude to the Real Estate industry. His key priorities are to provide top results, efficient service, reliable progress reports and tight liaisons with all stakeholders. “I believe in providing excellent service to my clients from start to finish.”	Stewart Gagliardi Sales and Leasing Consultant Stewart Gagliardi commenced his real estate career in 2003. After success in listing and selling a variety of rural and residential property, Stewart’s passion for commercial real estate led him to Crabtrees. Stewart’s professionalism, strong work ethic and eye for detail set him apart. With a commitment to keeping his clients informed at all times, Stewart’s focus is on developing long lasting business relationships with all his clients.	Andrew Loudon Sales and Leasing Consultant Andrew started with Crabtrees in late 2007 as a Sales and Leasing Assistant. With a strong retail background, he has completed his Agents representative course and in his time at Crabtrees to date has worked closely assisting both Gavin & Chris enabling him to become familiar with the market place and the rigours of commercial estate agency. His attention to detail and enthusiasm will ensure a successful future in the commercial and industrial market.

Property Management Department

JamieLee Armstrong Property Management Department Manager Jaime-Lee has been with Crabtrees for some 5 years and with 8 years experience has been appointed as Department Manager of the Property Management Department. JamieLee's extensive knowledge and commitment to her role ensures that her clients receive optimum service and advice. Jaime-Lee strives to provide excellent service by maintaining strong communication with property owners and tenants ensuring many successful business relationships.	Shane Varenhout Property Manager Shane has been involved in the commercial real estate industry for over 6 years. He gained his initial real estate experience with a market leading and well known commercial real estate company and in his time has managed properties for major institutional clients as well as smaller private clients consisting of Commercial, Industrial & Retail properties throughout the Melbourne CBD & surrounding suburbs. Shane has commenced further studies to enable him to obtain his full Estate Agents License and with his enthusiasm and constant striving for excellence, Shane is a valuable member of the Crabtrees team.


Stephen Paranthoiene Property Manager Stephen has been involved in Real Estate for well over three years. Stephen gained his initial Real Estate experience managing residential properties and has since moved from strength to strength gaining experience with sales, managing & leasing both residential & commercial properties, as well as winning new business. Stephen is an REIV member, and is undertaking studies to complete his full Estate Agents License. Stephen is a valuable member of the Crabtrees team, no problem is too big or small.	Thomas Wetton Property Manager Thomas has a real passion for Commercial Real Estate. His dedicated work ethos and approachable nature make him especially suited to the job. Thomas gained his first Real Estate experience managing residential properties in for one of Melbourne’s most well known companies. From this experience much was gained for example leasing residential properties, creating rapport with both tenants and landlords, winning new listings and much more. However, Thomas has now moved onto bigger and better things. Thomas believes that nothing is interesting unless their is something to learn and therefore is planning on continuing his studies. Thomas is undertaking studies to complete his full Estate Agents License. Thomas values his role at Crabtrees and will take that extra step to ensure his clients are maximizing their investments.