AWARD winning auctioneer Liam Kirkwood is continuing to make a name for himself in the livestock industry, stepping up to the helm as the new principal of Ray White Townsville Rural and Livestock.
At just 23-years-old, Mr Kirkwood is set to become one of the youngest principals in Australia.
Mr Kirkwood is fast earning a name for himself in the North Queensland livestock trade, having won the ALPA Queensland Young Auctioneers competition at the Royal Brisbane Show last year.
The newly minted principal has worked in livestock all his career but said he is no stranger to the rural real estate market and running a small business.
"I've worked in the Ray White Townsville office since January 2019 and before that I was always a livestock buyer, ever since I left school," Mr Kirkwood said.
"I've always held the ambition of being a principal because I've always been around people owning businesses who have taught me a lot and given me lots of opportunities with their businesses that have helped me grow and learn.
"So when this opportunity came up, I thought there may be big rewards down the track by taking on my own business."
Outgoing Ray White Townsville Livestock principal Kevin Currie, who has spent 23 years working in a Ray White franchise said he was excited to be handing over the reins to Mr Kirkwood.
"He's an energetic young man who is very keen to progress his auction skills and further his ability to assess and present cattle for sale," Mr Currie said.
"Liam can go as far as he wants, he's very keen to progress the business and I see him having a good foothold in North Queensland for many years to come."
Mr Currie and daughter Trisha, who also works for the business, will stay on to support Mr Kirkwood during the transition.
Ray White Rural Managing Director Stephen Nell said Mr Kirkwood was a superstar and he was happy to support him in his ambitions.
"Liam is such a credible practitioner despite his young age," Mr Nell said.
"Hats off to Kevin Currie who had the foresight to bring in the next generation to take over his business.
"We feel so blessed when such great, talented people align with us for their future."