“There’s no way I thought I’d end up in this industry — but the opportunity for growth completely changed my life.”

New Home Consultant Career Growth in Nowra

Shya’s journey into residential construction and new home sales on the South Coast NSW wasn’t something she had planned from the beginning. In fact, just a few years ago, she was studying Conservation Biology at university, convinced her future would revolve around animals and the environment. 

Growing up with a passion for conservation and nature, Shya enrolled in university shortly after high school. She stayed for two years. But as time went on, something no longer felt right. 

“I lost my passion in uni,” she explains. “It just wasn’t really for me anymore.” 

Like many young Australians navigating the pressure of choosing a lifelong career path at 18, Shya found herself unsure about where she belonged professionally. After leaving university, she worked in retail and administration in Nowra on the South Coast while trying to figure out what direction to take next. 

“I got into a bit of a rut after that,” she says. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life.” 

At the time, she had started considering a future in real estate, drawn to beautiful homes and the idea of working closely with people. But everything changed when she came across an administration role with Hotondo Homes South Coast, based in Nowra and servicing the wider region. 

During her interview, the conversation quickly shifted beyond administration duties and towards career growth opportunities within the business. 

“When I met the Sales Manager Fred, he mentioned there was a lot of opportunity for growth and that we could move into a consultant role,” she says. “That got me really excited.” 

Despite having no previous experience in construction, building, or sales, Shya says the company recognised her personality and potential early on. Originally hired in administration, the team soon created a cadet pathway to help transition her into sales. 

“Fred basically said, based on your personality, we want you to go into sales.” 

That opportunity became the turning point in her career. 

Within 12 months, Shya progressed from an administration role whilst training as a sales cadet, into a fully-fledged New Home Consultant based in Nowra, servicing the South Coast. 

“How quick was the growth? It was rapid. Very, very quick.” 

What a New Home Consultant Does

Today, as a new home consultant, Shya works closely with clients building their future homes, guiding them through one of the biggest financial and emotional investments of their lives.

“I find a lot of enjoyment in speaking with clients and solving their problems,” she says. 

“At the end of the day, it’s one of the biggest investments of their life. It’s their dream and I don’t take that lightly.” 

As a new home consultant, her role involves understanding each client’s lifestyle, goals and vision before helping tailor solutions that fit their needs. But for Shya, the role is about far more than sales targets. 

“It’s a very emotional connection that I have with a lot of my clients and really wanting to get them the best outcome.” 

New Home Consultant Mentoring at Hotondo Homes South Coast

Throughout her rapid career progression, Shya credits the mentorship and support within Hotondo Homes South Coast as one of the biggest reasons she has been able to grow so quickly. 

“When I started doing my first meetings, Adam, the owner, literally came and sat in on them with me,” she explains. 

“Having the director come and sit in on meetings with me felt really special. They were really invested in making sure I succeeded. I could tell they really cared about getting me going, not just for the business, but for my personal growth too.” 

Even now, as a consultant, she says that support remains constant across the business. 

“The support hasn’t changed,” she says. “Fred’s always there if I need help, and the builders jump into meetings if there are technical questions I can’t answer.” 

For Shya, one of the biggest differences between working in a regional business based in Nowra compared to larger city industries is the collaborative and supportive environment. 

“It’s very much a family dynamic,” she says. “Everyone’s really kind and authentic. It’s a good company to work for.” 

She also values the company’s honesty and transparency with both staff and clients – something she says aligns closely with her own personal values. 

“I don’t like that typical sales approach of being dishonest with clients,” she says. 

“My biggest core values are honesty and loyalty, and this company is very transparent with employees and clients. I feel like I can sell my own way and they encourage that. They encourage my approach to selling, what works for me.” 

Now just 23 years old, Shya says her experience has completely reshaped how she thinks about careers, growth and success. 

“I really had zero knowledge of where I was going,” she says. “I was really in a rut. It shows that you can become something even if your first plans didn’t work out. I put so much pressure on myself, but especially making a decision like that is huge. A lot of the younger generation have that need for academic validation.” 

Looking back on her journey, she says she often reflects on how much she has grown personally and professionally in such a short amount of time. 

“I look back and go, wow, you’ve come so far.” 

“Even when I feel overwhelmed or stressed, I remind myself that I’ve already done things I never thought I could. I look back and go, you really have come very far, so you definitely can do it.” 

New Home Consultant Success on the South Coast

As for the future, Shya says she’s excited to keep growing as a new home consultant within the business and the residential construction industry.

“My goal has always been career progression,” she says. 

“I’ve always seen myself growing in this company for as long as I can. I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m really excited about it.” 

Her advice to other young people entering the workforce or reconsidering their career path? 

“Trust in yourself that you can push yourself and that you are capable, even if it doesn’t feel like you are.” 

“Trust your gut instinct, set a goal and just push for it! ” 

Her story is part of a growing collection of South Coast career stories showing how regional employers are creating real pathways for skilled people.

For people planning a new home on the South Coast, Hotondo Homes South Coast works across Nowra, Vincentia, Shoalhaven Heads, Sussex Inlet, Jervis Bay and Kiama. The NSW Consumer Building Guide also explains key information consumers should receive before signing a residential building contract.