Young Indian manager steers Barfoot & Thompson Manukau up the ranks

Barfoot & Thompson's Manukau branch is celebrating a significant rise in performance, with the office climbing from 66th place in April 2023 to 27th place in March 2026 among the company's branches.

The growth has coincided with the leadership of branch manager Jagpal Khosa, who took over the role on April 1, 2023, becoming one of Barfoot & Thompson's youngest Indian branch managers.

Since then, the branch has experienced notable growth across its property management division, increasing its portfolio from around 160 properties to approximately 300. The achievements have contributed to the office being recognised as the Top Medium Property Management Office in the South Auckland region for the year ending March 2026, while also securing the No. 8 ranking for Property Management Team for the same period.

"With a gradual right direction and mindset, amid harder economic times, we have turned it around," Khosa told The Indian Weekender.

Born and raised in Kolkata, with family roots in the village of Ratti-Rori in Punjab's Faridkot district, Jagpal Khosa arrived in New Zealand in 2007 as a 20-year-old international student.

Like many immigrants, Khosa began his journey by working long shifts at petrol stations, saving every dollar while building a future for himself. Along the way, he found himself drawn to the real estate industry, observing agents whose careers inspired him.

Today, as branch manager of Barfoot & Thompson Manukau, Khosa says his focus extends well beyond standard working hours.

"I do not limit my work to just 40 hours. I make sure the team is doing the right thing, making sure we have been constructive with customer service, giving the right advise," Khosa told The Indian Weekender.

Khosa says he established a clear vision from his first day as manager.

"We changed the culture, recruited the right people, and created an environment where every person could succeed," he shared.

The branch's growth, he says, has been driven by a commitment to attracting motivated people who share that vision.

"We are always on the hunt for right talent and person who is ready to hustle," he said.

Marshall, who joined Barfoot & Thompson in 2017 as a Property Manager, was promoted to Head of Property Management in 2023. Prior to entering the real estate industry, she worked in banking and finance.

She says her interest in property began long before her real estate career.

"My proudest moments as a realtor are when I receive compliments from Barfoot & Thompson customers"

Marshall describes herself as someone who has "always had a passion for real estate."

"I bought my first property at age 22 and renovated it throughout, designing a new kitchen and bathroom and giving it a fresh coat of paint. My speciality is rentals; being a landlord myself, and having been a tenant for some of my life, gives me a valuable perspective," she says.

She adds that Barfoot & Thompson's strong reputation in the property management sector was one of the key reasons she joined the company.

Working in South Auckland has also been a rewarding experience for Marshall, who says the area's diversity and ongoing development continue to make it an exciting place to work.

"What I love most about Manukau is the cultural make up, and the different types of infrastructure; it has commercial, industrial and residential buildings, and it's always changing," Jaime says.

The success is the result of the combined efforts of sales and property management teams, supported by Head of Property Management Jaime Marshall, who shares the same drive and determination as Jagpal. Together, they have worked towards a common vision for the branch's growth and success.

Khosa credited Marshall's leadership and dedication as important factors behind the branch's recent success, describing her as a hardworking colleague who has contributed significantly to the office's achievements.

"I am incredibly grateful to my family, who have supported me behind the scenes throughout this journey. Their encouragement, understanding, and sacrifices have allowed me to focus on achieving our goals," he said.

He also acknowledged the contribution of every team member who has been part of the Manukau branch over the past few years.

"The progress we have made has been a collective effort. I want to thank every member of our team, past and present, for their hard work, commitment, and belief in our vision along with our Directors who had trust in Jagpal . Our achievements are a reflection of what can be accomplished when people come together with a shared purpose."

As the Manukau branch continues its upward trajectory, its recent rankings reflect a period of sustained growth and performance in a challenging economic environment, positioning it among the company's fastest-rising branches.