In this episode, I chat to Jason Cubit, CEO of not-for-profit Horizon Housing Company, based on the Gold Coast. The company, which is celebrating its 25th birthday this year, provides housing for low income people in need.
Jason has been a part of the company for 11 years, coming from a business background. Horizon’s portfolio spans Townsville, Roma, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Mackay and Gold Coast and includes a range of housing for people escaping domestic violence out of shelters, right through to home ownership.
The company’s 60 staff work with the Queensland state government providing housing and supporting them in the provision of social housing for low income earners. It also works with the development industry providing discount housing options and development projects.
Episode highlights:
What Horizon Housing Company does - provides housing for low income people in need
Horizon Housing stats - 2,500 houses and more under its subsidiaries across 6 countries
People who would qualify for housing with Horizon - anyone from a person escaping from domestic violence to a young couple looking to own their first home
The current property market and how Horizon responds
Horizon’s work with Queensland state government and the development industry
Being a charity and a developer
Why Jason likes working for a not-for-profit
A bit on Jason’s background - born in Tasmania, farming family, 1 sister, studied civil engineering
Moving from Tasmania to Queensland
Working for Steps and why it was the right fit for Jason
Jason’s time at Gold Coast Housing Company
The skills Jason needed to learn to be a CEO
The challenge of pleasing all stakeholders
Milestones throughout Jason’s career at Horizon - major construction program with $55m capital grants from state governments
Diversifying the organisation is a big focus - a varied portfolio and support team
Horizon is the first organisation in Australia to have a for-profit subsidiary that has an Australian Financial Services License
Nationally licensed real estate agency in Queensland and starting out in other states
The culture of not-for-profits
Merger with Community Housing Limited
First organisation to attract investment from a Superannuation Fund for funding housing
Jason’s MBA and real estate license
Jason’t focus for the next year - rolling out the real estate agency across Australian states
Building small developments for seniors on lower incomes in Roma
Jason’s small family-owned gym business in Gold Coast
