Real estate industry powerhouses Shane Smollen and Michael Kollosche have joined forces in a partnership that is set to elevate the real estate landscape.

As a new partner in the Kollosche business, Mr Smollen will work alongside managing director Michael Kollosche to guide and strengthen the brand’s growth and market position across Southeast Queensland.

Mr Kollosche said the partnership was a natural and strategic move for the business as it transitions into its next phase of growth. “Shane has a proven track record of building and guiding high-performance businesses across the eastern seaboard and is regarded by the industry as one of the most successful real estate leaders in the country,” Mr Kollosche said.

“His proven philosophy of focusing on quality and productivity over quantity to achieve exceptional growth made him a clear choice and natural fit for our business. He has mentored and coached many of Australia’s leading agents ”

Originally from the Gold Coast, Mr Smollen moved to Sydney in 2001 where he led the sales growth of national real estate agency McGrath. He went on to establish and operate his own network of 11 regional real estate offices across Sydney, transacting more than $3 billion in annual sales. In one of the industry’s largest transactions, McGrath acquired the business in 2015, with Mr Smollen guiding the network’s growth through his board and advisory roles.

In parallel, Mr Smollen co-founded the Sydney based development company Central Element in 2010, which has delivered more than 500 apartments across the most affluent parts of Sydney and has a current portfolio worth in excess of $2.3 billion. While Central Elements’ operations remain firmly focused in Sydney, the exposure to off-the-plan luxury development sales adds to Mr Smollen’s expert credentials with the company achieving record sales prices in multiple prime locations. “The ability to understand a luxury developer’s needs whilst having 30 years of project marketing agency experience will be a unique skill set Shane will bring to the Kollosche team.”

Away from real estate, his competitive nature and affinity for high performance extends to the motorsport arena where he holds the Australian GT4 championship title. He has notched up more than 200 race starts, which has yielded numerous other titles, including the Carrara Cup Pro-Am championship and Bathurst 6 Hour alongside Shane van Gisbergen. He will compete next month in the GT World Championship in New Zealand.

His leadership and mentoring skills are widely recognised throughout the real estate industry, and he is often invited to speak at high-profile industry conferences and events. Last month he was the keynote speaker at the high-profile annual Business of Real Estate Conference 2025.

Having permanently relocated back to the Gold Coast with his family, Mr Smollen said the opportunity to join Kollosche was about timing and alignment.

“The way in which Kollosche conducts itself is aligned with how I believe real estate should be done. Michael and his leadership team have built a premium brand with a great platform for agents to succeed, but there remains potential for growth within both the existing team and the broader market, which presents an exciting opportunity,” he said.

“Michael and I bring complementary skillsets to the table and I look forward to us taking Kollosche forward. It’s also an amazing opportunity to work alongside and share learning with my son, Matt, who joined the business last year.” Mr Smollen’s arrival at Kollosche comes at an opportune time, with the Gold Coast market on the cusp of massive growth.

“The Gold Coast is one of the most exciting real estate markets in the country, with exceptional potential in all sectors,” Mr Smollen said.

“Michael and I share the view that this business can strengthen its already dominant position locally but also expand into key markets across Southeast Queensland and beyond. The goal is to grow strategically, while maintaining the boutique, high-performance DNA that makes Kollosche unique.”

Alongside the market, Kollosche has also grown rapidly in the six years since its inception with a team of 140 based in its Broadbeach headquarters.

With Mr Smollen’s involvement, the focus will be on further developing people, systems and culture to support expansion, while maintaining a commitment to premium service standards across residential and commercial sales, commercial leasing, property management, and new projects.

“We’ve always aspired to build a business that performs on a world-class level while staying true to our values as a bespoke, client-focused brand,” Mr Kollosche said.

“Shane’s partnership accelerates our ability to achieve that vision, and together we are committed to elevating our business, its people, and our level of service to new heights.

“We see extraordinary opportunities ahead for the broader Gold Coast market, and Shane’s involvement gives us the added drive to realise them.”

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For further information, photo or interview opportunities with Michael Kollosche or Shane Smollen, contact Lisa Hughes on 0487 095 535 or email lisa@kollosche.com.au.