In the heart of Matebeleland, a name has stood the test of time in the Bulawayo real estate industry. John Pocock and Company, widely known as "Pocock for Property," celebrates its remarkable 70th anniversary this year, marking seven decades of trusted service to the community.
From War Pilot to Property Pioneer
The story begins in 1955 when John Pocock, a former Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot during World War II, fell in love with Bulawayo while stationed there. Instead of returning to his homeland after his service, Pocock made the life-changing decision to stay in Bulawayo.
He also decided to establish his own estate agency.
What started as a small business soon blossomed under his leadership. The company quickly gained a reputation for honesty and expertise in handling property transactions. Anyone looking for a house for sale in Bulawayo, knew Pocock was the team they could trust. These founding principles remain at the core of the business even today.
A Family Legacy Takes Shape
As the business grew, John was joined by his son, Guy Pocock. The father-son team worked together to expand the company's reach and influence in Bulawayo's property market. Their partnership wasn't just about growing a business—it was about building a legacy.
Both John and Guy played crucial roles in establishing industry standards beyond their own company. They were instrumental in developing the Estate Agents Council and helped draft the Estate Agents Act. This important legislation was designed to protect both buyers and sellers from dishonest practices in property transactions.
New Leadership, Same Values
After years of dedicated service, John Pocock retired and Guy immigrated, passing the torch to Craig Friend, who took over the directorship.
Under Craig's leadership, the company entered a period of transformation.
Craig breathed new life into the business by renovating the premises, refreshing the company's brand, and embracing new technologies. These forward-thinking changes propelled Pocock for Property into a new era of growth while maintaining the solid foundation of values established by its founder.
The Next Generation
In 2013, the company welcomed Darryl Friend, Craig's eldest son, who brought fresh perspectives and ambitious goals to the business. His contributions have significantly boosted the company's success and growth in recent years.
This multi-generational approach to leadership has allowed Pocock for Property to maintain its traditional values while adapting to modern Bulawayo property market demands. It's a delicate balance that few businesses manage to achieve over such a long period.
A Team That Stands the Test of Time
Throughout its 70-year history, Pocock for Property has seen many changes in staff. However, the company has always maintained a core team of dedicated, hardworking professionals.
Many employees have served the company for decades, creating a wealth of experience and institutional knowledge that benefits clients.
This stability in staffing reflects the company's positive workplace culture and commitment to treating both clients and employees with respect and fairness.
A Strategic Move
A few years ago, Pocock for Property made a significant change by relocating from downtown Bulawayo to the Suburbs area.
This move wasn't just about changing addresses—it was a strategic decision to better serve clients by providing safe parking and easier access to their offices.
The relocation demonstrates the company's ongoing commitment to putting client needs first and adapting to the changing urban landscape of Bulawayo.
Seven Decades of Excellence
For 70 years, the "Pocock for Property" slogan has represented quality service in Bulawayo's real estate market. Despite the economic ups and downs that Zimbabwe has experienced over these decades, the company has remained steadfast in its commitment to the local community.
The secret to this longevity lies in the company's unwavering dedication to its core values: expertise, honesty, and genuine concern for clients. These principles, established by John Pocock in 1955, continue to guide every transaction and client interaction today.
Looking to the Future
As Pocock for Property celebrates this milestone anniversary, the company looks forward to continuing its tradition of excellence in Bulawayo. With a solid foundation built over seven decades, a dedicated team, and leadership that values both tradition and innovation, the future looks bright for this iconic local business.
The company's 70-year journey serves as an inspiration to other businesses in Bulawayo and beyond. It shows that with the right values, adaptability, and commitment to community, a business can thrive through changing times and circumstances.
For the people of Bulawayo, Pocock for Property remains more than just a real estate agency—it's a trusted institution that has helped generations of residents find their homes and make sound property investments.
As they mark this significant milestone, the team at Pocock for Property expresses gratitude to the Bulawayo community for 70 years of trust and support, and reaffirms their commitment to serving with the same enthusiasm, honesty, efficiency, and professionalism that have been their hallmarks since 1955.
This article celebrates the 70th anniversary of Pocock for Property, a landmark achievement for
one of Bulawayo's most respected real estate agencies.
