When Jason Clark was a top-performing agent at a corporate agency, he began to see the limits of working under someone else’s banner. With the encouragement and support of his wife, Kelly, Jason took the bold step of launching under his own name – a move that quickly proved the power of boutique branding in real estate. “We realised early on that who Jason worked for wasn’t really a priority for clients, they just wanted to secure his expertise,” Kelly tells Verve.
So, together, Jason and Kelly refined their idea into a replicable model, which laid the foundations for AndCo Realty Group. Soon after, they were approached by Craig Lowe, and the first AndCo was built – now one of Wellington’s most successful agencies – Lowe & Co. Craig became a partner, and they built a model entered around strong systems, mentorship, and support—empowering top-performing salespeople to build equity in their own brand, rather than someone else’s. Having recently being awarded Consumer NZ’s People’s Choice Award for Real Estate, the AndCo model has proven their enviable rapport with home- owners, buyers and agents alike across the country.
Tell us more about the inspiration behind creating this business model?
Jason: After nearly two decades in the industry, we saw a recurring pattern: top-performing agents outgrowing the traditional agency model but not knowing how to take that next step. These are incredibly driven people – creative, strategic, customer-obsessed – but they’re often locked into a structure that limits their potential.
Kelly: We wanted to build a bridge between being a high-earning salesperson and becoming a confident, well-supported business owner.
What’s the biggest misconception agents have about starting their own brand?
J: That they have to do it alone. Or worse, that success means losing balance. We’ve built a platform that handles everything from brand identity and systems to mentoring and supervision. It’s still hard work, of course, but the difference is, you’re building equity in your own name. And that changes everything.
For us, it means designing your business around the life you want, not the other way around.
How is this different from a typical franchise or agency model?
K: This isn’t a franchise. This is bespoke. Our partners don’t operate under our identity– we help them build theirs. They’re able to tailor our brand to suit their market. It’s like moving from being a top chef in someone else’s kitchen to opening your own signature restaurant, with a team behind you to ensure it launches beautifully. We’re here for mentoring too, and with our combined strengths plus the backing of our support team, Cameron Hill and Lisa Cockerell, we provide 24/7 support, training, and advice—so with all five of us bringing different strengths, there’s always someone available to help.
What kind of person thrives in your model?
J: Someone who’s outgrown chasing commission and is ready to build a legacy. Someone who values freedom but doesn’t want to reinvent the wheel. Our people are often already the ones setting standards in their offices.
K: They’ve mastered the craft. Now they want to create something more meaningful – for themselves, their clients, and their lifestyle.
There’s a lot of talk in business about ‘lifestyle’. What does that mean in real estate?
J: For us, it means designing your business around the life you want, not the other way around. It’s the difference between being on call 24/7 and creating a model that’s lean, high-touch, and built on quality relationships.
K: When your brand is aligned with your values, you attract better clients, more loyalty, and the freedom to make decisions that are better for you. It’s not just real estate—it’s leadership and lifestyle combined – all within a network of likeminded entrepreneurs who collaborate, build relationships across the country and uplift each other, and they’re all just a phone-call away.
What’s one story that captures what your company is all about?
J: Adriana Wilton’s story is a standout success story within AndCo. Already a top salesperson in a large corporate agency, Adriana made the bold decision to step away from the security of that role to create something of her own. With AndCo’s guidance and support, and our assistance in getting her into her commercial building, she launched Wilton & Co during the Covid lockdown — a time when starting a new business was no small undertaking. From those early beginnings, Wilton & Co has grown steadily into a market leader, now holding a 21% market share.
K: Wilton & Co has become a family venture, with Adriana’s husband joining her along the way. As with many of the 22 AndCo agencies, it’s common to see partners and children become part of the journey. Most recently, Adriana has expanded into property management, building a strong portfolio and continuing to grow from strength to strength. She’s a great example of what’s possible with commitment, resilience, and the right support behind you.
