Embargo, 10pm Thursday 15 May 2025: Adelaide-based entrepreneur and business disruptor Nikki Katz has made national history as the the first woman to be inducted into the Real Estate Institute of Australia’s (REIA) Hall of Fame tonight —cementing her position as one of the most influential and innovative forces in the business broking industry.
The national award recognises and celebrates outstanding individuals and businesses who have consistently achieved excellence in their respective categories within the real estate industry. It is a prestigious award, given only to those who have won their category three years in a row. Katz has won the national Business Broker of the Year title five times.
“This Hall of Fame award means so much to me. It is a symbol of more than just success – it marks a shift in who leads, who innovates, and who defines the future of business broking in Australia,” Katz said.
In a sector long dominated by men and built on rigid conventions, Katz has redefined the rules. Her approach to business sales mirrors a matchmaking service more than a listings agency.
“I begin with the investor, not the inventory — sourcing capital and strategic buyers first, then I identify the right businesses for acquisition,” Katz said.
Formally from Scottland, Nikki moved to Australia 13 years ago and is currently the director of The Business Sales Agency and leads three specialist brands that operate across every Australian state.
“They told me it couldn’t be done—running multiple brands, operating nationally from Adelaide, and disrupting a male-dominated industry with conservative processes that didn’t match the business landscape. But I did it anyway,” she added.
Each brand targets a different segment of the business sales market: NK Salon Sales – a national go-to for hair and beauty salon transactions; The Rent Roll Broker – specialises in rent roll acquisitions across SA and WA; and Morgan Business Sales – handles national business deals from $1 million to $100 million.
Beyond her own companies, Katz plays a national leadership role as Chair of the South Australian chapter of the Australian Institute of Business Brokers. She is a past Chair of the AIBB Education Committee and a former National Board Member, helping shape the future of industry standards and broker training.
Leanne Pilkington, President of the Real Estate Institue of Australia, said that Nikki’s induction is a landmark moment for the industry.
“Nikki Katz’s induction into the REIA Hall of Fame is not only a recognition of her outstanding achievements, but a landmark moment for our industry. Her innovative, client-first approach has redefined what business broking can look like in Australia. Nikki’s success demonstrates the power of challenging convention, and she now stands as an inspiration for the next generation of leaders – especially women – across the real estate and business sectors.”
The 2025 REIA National Awards for Excellence take place in Adelaide tonight. The event is hosted in a different Australian city each year. This year’s Adelaide location provides a timely backdrop to celebrate Katz’s milestone achievement in the city she now calls home.
