Barfoot & Thompson
History of Barfoot & Thompson
1923 – "In January 1923 a shy, 25 year old Englishman, Val Barfoot bought a land agency business in Newmarket, Auckland for ₤75 and named it 'V. Barfoot Land Agent’. Val was 25 years old, had only been in the country three months and had no real estate qualifications but none were necessary. Completely by himself in the office he had no staff, no receptionist and no phone." (Barfoot, C., 2000).
1924 – Val’s brother Kelland Barfoot joins the company. The name changes to Barfoot Bros. Val and Kelland expand the business to include letting and rental services.
1929 – Barfoot Bros moves premises to Queen Street.
1934 – "During 1934 Maurice Thompson had brought his proven sales and team leadership skills to the firm." (The University of Auckland Business School., n.d.).
1940 – Maurice Thompson is made partner. The company becomes Barfoot & Thompson.
1950 – "The partnership suffered a blow, the unexpected death of Kelland Barfoot at the age of 55. He had been a partner of Barfoot Brothers for 26 years" (Barfoot, C., 2000).
1953 – "Following 1953, 37 offices were established" (Barfoot, C., 2000) and 11 years later Head Office decided to move from their 35 year old office to a larger vicinity. Shortly after the move the company endured another blow, the death of Maurice Thompson. The company was then passed onto the second generation, Monty Thompson, John Thompson, Chris Barfoot and Garth Barfoot who was made director.
