His own piece

A LOCAL real estate agent is spreading his wings and opening his own franchise in Pakenham’s Main Street.
Peter Blackwood opened the doors of MPRE on Monday achieving a goal of establishing his own franchise.
Mr Blackwood said after living in Pakenham for more than 40 years and after 10 years of working for L.J. Hooker he was keen to go out alone.
“I’m not one to want to die wondering so when the opportunity came up I was keen for a fresh challenge,” he said.
“My wife Kylie and the children have been supportive of the move, which is important in this busy industry,” he said.
Mr Blackwood said another Pakenham local, Carol Verrall, the agency’s office manager, would assist and he would recruit staff as the agency expanded.
“Carol has 17 years’ experience in real estate administration,” he said.
Mr Blackwood said he was following somewhat in the footsteps of his father, Ron, who worked in the local industry for over 25 years.
Mr Blackwood said he was happy to have a prime location in Main Street.
“It is a good spot and we will be challenging for the biggest window display in the area,” he said.
MPRE franchise director Brent Pullar said MPRE also had a branch in Berwick and another opening in Lynbrook.