In a recent episode of Elite Agent’s Thought Leaders, Tom Harrison sat down with host Samantha McLean to unpack the decisions, philosophies and mindset that have shaped Harrison Agents’ growth. What followed was an open conversation about leadership under pressure, the power of independence and the discipline required to build a modern Tasmanian real estate brand.
When Tom took full ownership of the business in 2020, it wasn’t a sudden leap; it was the next step in a path he’d been building since returning to Tasmania in 2012. After more than a decade in Melbourne and London, Tom came home with a clear desire to create something bigger: a modern, ambitious, creatively driven Tasmanian real estate brand. That long-term vision meant that when the opportunity for full ownership arose, he knew it aligned with the direction he wanted the business to go.
The challenge was timing. The paperwork arrived at the height of COVID uncertainty, when open homes were restricted, markets were unpredictable and many agencies paused operations. A trusted coach even warned him, ‘Do not sign it. You’re mad.’ But Tom saw the moment differently. He believed the period demanded calm, decisive leadership not retreat. He valued adventure, backed his judgment and trusted that if he made the right call at every ‘fork in the road,’ the business would come out stronger on the other side.
For Tom, taking ownership wasn’t just a business decision. It was tied to identity, creativity and the responsibility of carrying a six-generation legacy forward. Rather than wait for stability, he chose to step in, stay open and lead through the chaos a decision that would ultimately accelerate growth, strengthen market share and redefine what an independent Tasmanian agency could become.
Clear calls, made daily
During COVID, Tom focused relentlessly on what could be controlled. While many agencies shut down or relied on JobKeeper (a decision he felt wasn’t right for the business), Harrison Agents stayed open, adapted day by day and supported clients with calm, practical leadership.
That rhythm of clarity and consistency still shapes how our teams work across Hobart and Launceston steady decision-making, strong communication and disciplined execution. It’s a way of operating deeply connected to our values: Leadership, Responsibility, Community, Teamwork and Innovation.
Scaling with purpose
Harrison Agents’ growth has always been intentional rather than reactive. Tom added capability when the right people appeared, often earlier than expected for an independent agency. His recruitment background helped him stay alert to A-grade candidates who could elevate performance and strengthen the organisation.
Over time, this has included building a full professional structure across:
• Sales leadership in Hobart and Launceston
• People & Culture
• Operations
• Senior capability across Property Management
• A strengthened marketing function led by our Marketing Director and supported by a dedicated Brand Associate
These decisions increased short-term cost but strengthened culture, improved service consistency and ultimately supported long-term performance. As Tom put it, bringing in the right people allows him and the whole agency to go further, faster.
Independence that enables agility
Tom met with several high-quality franchises over the years and acknowledged the appeal of ready-made systems, national resources and financial efficiency. But he chose independence, deliberately, because it protects creativity, autonomy and pace.
He sees owning the brand as essential to doing the work well. At its core, real estate is marketing, and Harrison Agents approaches every campaign as a bespoke brand in itself. Compelling creative execution isn’t optional especially when the goal is to attract buyers from interstate and get them on a plane to Tasmania.
As Tom said, he’d ‘rather make half the money and have my own destiny than trade independence for convenience.
AI, approached with curiosity
Tom describes AI as ‘the new internet’ a shift no agent or agency can afford to ignore. He sees it not as a threat but as an opportunity to build capability and rethink what’s possible.
Across the business, AI now enhances:
• Productivity
• Creative execution
• Process innovation
• Client communication
But its value goes beyond efficiency. Tom encourages a culture where the team experiments weekly, not yearly where innovation is part of the operating rhythm, and where curiosity is a professional advantage. Those unwilling to adapt, he believes, risk being left behind.
Watch the Full Thought Leaders Conversation
Tom’s full interview with Samantha McLean on Elite Agent’s Thought Leaders dives even deeper into leadership, creativity and the future of real estate. It’s an honest look at what it takes to scale an independent agency while honouring a six-generation legacy.