From Golf Greens to Neighborhood Dreams: Stuart Deane’s Path to Success

Stuart Deane grew up in Brisbane, Australia, where his love for competition and community took root early. As a student at Redeemer Lutheran College, he pushed himself in both academics and sports. By the time he graduated in 1988, he had already represented the State of Queensland in athletics and golf, a sign of his discipline and drive.

Sports taught Stuart more than how to win. They showed him the value of consistency, patience, and learning from setbacks. These lessons followed him long after the cheers faded, shaping how he approached life and business.

In the years that followed, Stuart’s path turned toward real estate. With the same focus he once carried onto the golf course, he built his career step by step. Eventually, he became the owner and lead realtor of TDT Realtors, a brokerage known for its commitment to both clients and community.

Running his own business wasn’t about chasing titles or recognition. It was about helping people find a place to call home and guiding them through what is often the biggest decision of their lives. Each client relationship became another chance to put integrity and care into action.

Looking back, Stuart’s journey shows how early passions can shape an entire career. From the sports fields of Queensland to the neighborhoods he now serves, his story is about showing up, staying steady, and creating value for others. It’s a reminder that success isn’t a single finish line—it’s the daily effort to keep moving forward with purpose.

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

My day usually starts early, often before sunrise. I’ve kept that habit from my days training in athletics and golf back in Queensland. I like to walk the neighborhood with a cup of coffee in hand and check the quiet streets before everything starts moving. Mornings are when my mind is clearest, so that’s when I look at my notes, return messages, and set priorities. I make a short list of three things that must get done. If I accomplish those, the day feels productive no matter what else happens.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I’ve found that ideas only stick if they get tested quickly. At TDT Realtors, if I think of a new way to present a home, I’ll try it with one client first. Years ago, I once sketched out an open house plan on a napkin after a morning jog. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” plan, I tried it that weekend. It worked, and we sold the property faster than expected. The key is to give ideas room to breathe in real situations.

What’s one trend that excites you?

I’m fascinated by how people are using neighborhood-level data to make decisions. Not just the price of homes, but walking paths, traffic flow, or even where the best coffee shops are. When I was younger, I relied mostly on instinct and conversation. Now technology can highlight patterns we’d never notice on our own.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

I break my day into short bursts. It comes from athletics—training sessions never lasted all day, but they were focused and intense. I’ll work on calls for ninety minutes, then step outside or check in with my team. It keeps me from burning out.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t rush to “arrive.” When I represented Queensland in athletics, I thought every meet was the end of the world. Looking back, I wish I had enjoyed the training more than just the competition. The same goes for business. The process is what shapes you.

Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on.

I believe golf is more of a team sport than people think. Everyone sees it as one person against the course. But when I competed, the best rounds always happened when I had good people around me—coaches, friends, even competitors pushing me. The same applies to real estate. No one closes deals alone.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

I write things down with pen and paper. Even in a world of apps, nothing clears my head like a handwritten note.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

I go hit golf balls. It sounds simple, but the repetition of swing after swing clears my mind. By the time I come back, the problem feels smaller.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career? Please explain how.

Listening more than I talk. Early on, I thought I had to prove my expertise. Over time, I learned that the best deals came from letting clients share what mattered most to them. I once had a client who spent fifteen minutes talking about his dog. That conversation helped me realize a backyard space was his true priority.

What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

I once expanded too quickly, hiring more agents than I could mentor. The quality of service slipped. It stung, but I scaled back and focused on training. The lesson: growth has to match your ability to lead.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Someone should create an app that blends running routes with local property insights. Imagine going for a jog and having homes for sale, school ratings, or zoning changes pop up in real time.

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

I use Evernote to capture everything—photos of properties, client notes, even voice memos after open houses. It’s my second brain.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why? (personal or professional)

A used set of golf clubs for a neighborhood kid who was curious about the game. Watching him light up reminded me of myself at that age. Best money I’ve spent all year.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast (or both) from which you’ve gotten much value, and why?

I revisit The Inner Game of Tennis often. Even though it’s about tennis, the lessons on focus and self-talk apply to golf, business, and life.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

I enjoyed The Queen’s Gambit. It showed how much discipline and creativity overlap. It reminded me of the balance I had to strike between athletics and real estate.

Key Learnings

• Productivity can come from setting just three daily priorities and protecting focus in short bursts.
• Growth must be paced with leadership capacity; expanding too fast can erode quality.
• Listening deeply uncovers hidden client needs, which often drive the most meaningful deals.

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