Andrew McCann Leads Jellis Craig to New Heights in Real Estate

At 19, Andrew McCann was a football-loving teenager with no idea he'd one day lead one of Australia's leading real estate networks.

A broken jaw on the field sidelined his weekend footy hopes but catapulted him into a career that would see him rise from a rookie sales assistant to the chief executive officer of Jellis Craig.

Today, with more than 25 years of grit and experience, Mr McCann is reshaping the future of real estate and what it means to lead with heart and determination.

Mr McCann's journey into real estate began with a twist of fate. After a brief stint at university, he found himself drawn to the property world, thanks to his father's career as a property valuer. But it was a chance conversation with Richard McKinnon, a residential real estate business owner, that changed everything.

"I told him I wanted to work in commercial real estate because I wanted my weekends free for football," Mr McCann said. "He convinced me to give residential a shot, promising I could still play. Six weeks into the season, I broke my jaw -- and that was the end of football."

Mr McCann fell in love with the thrill of auctions and the fast-paced nature of real estate. By 26, he was a partner in the business and by 30, he was a director. Then in his early thirties, he helped orchestrate the merger that would transform Jellis Craig into the powerhouse it is today.

"I went from being a 19-year-old sales assistant to managing offices in Armadale, Richmond, and Sorrento," he said. "It's been a wild ride."

What sets Jellis Craig apart in Australia's highly competitive real estate industry? For Mr McCann, it's all about people and principles. "We're not just chasing dollars," he said. "We're about high ethical standards, professionalism, and creating an environment where our team can thrive."

With more than 1,000 employees and 41 offices across Victoria, Mr McCann sees Jellis Craig as a testament to the power of collaboration and community. "Real estate is emotional," he said. "Whether you're selling your family home, buying your first property, or navigating the rental market, it's a high-stakes game. Our job is to guide people through that with empathy and integrity."

This people-first approach has earned Jellis Craig a reputation as a highly trusted real estate group, selling more $1 million-plus properties than any other network in Melbourne, the group claims.

When Mr McCann stepped into the CEO role in March 2024, he brought a bold vision for the future. "My job is to arm our team with the tools they need to be the best versions of themselves," he said.

One of his proudest achievements so far has been the launch of Jellis Craig Live, a cutting-edge vendor portal that gives property owners real-time updates on their campaigns. "Imagine sitting in your car, watching the names of people inspecting your home pop up on your phone," Mr McCann said. "It's game changing."

But innovation is just one piece of the puzzle. Mr McCann has been equally passionate about creating a culture of growth and support within the network. "We've got over 1,000 people wearing our brand every day," he said. "They're the heart of this business, and I want to make sure they feel valued and empowered."

When he's off the clock, Mr McCann is likely spending time with his family. "Family is everything to me," he said. "They keep me grounded and remind me what's important."

He's also a fitness enthusiast who understands the importance of staying healthy to maintain the energy needed for his demanding role. "Midlife hits hard," he joked. "But I'm committed to staying active, whether it's walking, playing golf, or just getting outdoors. It's all about balance."

As Mr McCann reflected on his career, he was quick to credit the mentors and colleagues who have shaped his journey. "I've been lucky to have incredible support and guidance along the way," he said. "It's taught me the value of backing yourself, being brave, and always striving to improve."

His advice to aspiring real estate professionals was simple: "Focus on the long game," he said. "Learn from the best, but don't rush. Real estate is a marathon, not a sprint. And most importantly, stay true to who you are."

Looking ahead, Mr McCann said he was laser-focused on cementing Jellis Craig's position as a leading real estate group in Victoria. "We want to be the best property practice in the state," he said. "That means leading the way in customer service, innovation, and ethical standards."

For Mr McCann, this vision is as much about people as it is about performance. "I want everyone at Jellis Craig to feel proud of what we're building together," he said. "It's not just about selling properties -- it's about creating a legacy of trust, excellence, and community."

As Mr McCann leads Jellis Craig into its next chapter, one thing is for sure: Mr McCann will be doing it with heart and determination.