Where we startedA journey built on resilience, hard work and gratitude.
My story is similar to many born in the early ’80s and echoes the incredible opportunities Australia has given us. As comedian Anh Do once put it, we are a generation of “coconuts” — brown on the outside, but undeniably Australian on the inside. That is certainly true for me.
Our family arrived in Australia in late 1984. After two years fleeing war-ravaged Cambodia and another four years in a Thai refugee camp, we were beyond thrilled to land on Australian soil. We flew with Qantas — thank goodness, because none of us could swim!
Life in Sydney in the early ’80s came thick and fast — a vibrant smash of bombastic music and incredible Asian food. We loved the newfound freedom. In our small one-bedroom flat, my parents worked tirelessly, day and night, sewing clothes for department stores. Five of us lived in that flat, but through sheer hard work, my parents saved enough to open a grocery store. By age seven, I was working the cash register. That store was my first classroom — where I learned to sell, communicate and speak two languages.
In the mid-nineties, my parents traded Sydney for a farm in Adelaide. Moving here was a breath of fresh air. Coming from multicultural Sydney, I was the only Asian kid in a school of 600. Adelaide to me meant scorching summers, jetty jumping, fishing, and river adventures with great mates.
I went on to study at Adelaide University, where I learned how to think critically, back my opinions with evidence and make bold decisions. After graduating, I spent a decade in automotive sales with Ford and BMW, immersing myself in corporate life. But in my 30s, the birth of my daughter completely shifted my perspective, teaching me the true value of work-life balance.
I am now a very proud family man of two beautiful daughters, with a life partner who supports all my eccentricities and adventures. We have a lot to thank my wife for: endless support for me, the multiple businesses and our children.
Ready for a new chapter, I moved into real estate under the mentorship of an industry veteran with over 40 years of experience. I soaked up everything I could and quickly fell in love with the industry.
In 2013, Adelaide Property Network was born. Why Adelaide? Because I love everything this city represents. Why Property? It’s what we do best. Why Network? Because I strongly believe real estate professionals achieve more when we collaborate, educate and grow together.
Today, APN Real Estate is a growing team driven by freedom, creativity and trust. As a leader, I choose to give my team the flexibility to thrive — defining a workplace culture built on support, performance and genuine care.
As a brand and organisation, I have never wanted my name in fairy lights. APN is fine. After all, it’s about Brand YOU — the agent — and your relationship with your clients. Reach out and join us.
you @ APN
Just one happy & grateful coconut,Patrick Nhim
