It's been all about auctions in the real estate world these past couple of weeks, as the Real Estate Institute of South Australia held their inaugural Auctioneering Championships on 16 July. The best of the best battled it out in fierce competition.

Subjected to a panel of interstate judges and incredibly tough mock auction conditions, Bronte Manuel was announced South Australia's Auction Award winner on the night. Bronte was one of the Riverland's real estate icons and came to Adelaide 12 months ago to join Toop&Toop. The REISA Auction Championship success followed his Golden Gavel win in 2014 (run by the Society of Auctioneers and Appraisers) and he is the new sensation in South Australian Auction circles. Bronte's national profile of excellence is now rising fast and the win of the REISA Auction Award puts him in the South Australian real estate history books, at just 26 years of age. The recognition and prestige of this award is far-reaching as Bronte now carries the torch for South Australia in the Australasian Awards.

Why do we see these awards as so significant? Quite simply, it keeps us on our toes so we can continue to deliver premium results to our clients. Entering industry and broader business awards has always been something we believe so strongly in. It's not the awards themselves, but the core belief that as Team Toop we should constantly strive to be better. Awards of excellence, such as this one, provide the vehicle to be measured against top performers. Often, it is the passion and drive that is shown in the lead up to competition day where the real significance lies.

Representing South Australia, Bronte will go head to head with the best in Australasia in September. We have so many home-grown legends (from the hospitality industry to IT development) and there is nothing better than seeing local talent up there with the best. From all Team Toop, and I am sure from all South Australians, congratulations Bronte and go get 'em in September!