Welcome to Episode 5 of Season 2 of The Land Pioneers Podcast. Today, we’re joined by one of the most authentic leaders in the land development industry, Ben Stewart, Project Marketing Director at Core Projects.

Ben brings over two decades of experience, and his journey from humble beginnings in hospitality to leading major subdivisions like Waralilly is nothing short of remarkable. In this episode, Ben shares how consistency, service, and quiet determination powered his rise through the property industry ranks.

We explore the evolution of Geelong’s growth corridors, Ben’s leadership philosophy, and how personal habits like meditation and cold showers have helped him balance performance pressure with long-term resilience.

If you’re passionate about community building or regional growth or want to hear from someone who truly walks the talk, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration.

Let’s get into it!

Full Episode

Ben Stewart’s career is a masterclass in perseverance, leadership, and regional impact. Starting in hospitality, he moved into general real estate in Geelong before joining the team behind Waralilly, the first significant land subdivision in the region. Over 15 years, Ben helped transform the estate from a single farmhouse into a vibrant community of over 22,000 lots, with schools, shops, and town centres.

Today, as Project Marketing Director at Core Projects, Ben leads with integrity, clarity, and a people-first mindset. His genuine and service-driven leadership is known across the industry, which has helped him build strong relationships with developers, builder partners, and communities.

Ben opens up about his early struggles in real estate, his fear of public speaking, and the moment everything changed, when he began taking ownership of his personal and professional growth. His story is filled with honesty, humility, and hard-earned insights.

Through roles at RPM and Core, Ben has built a track record of delivering land sales and long-term community vision. He shares the marketing strategies that work in today’s competitive Greenfields environment, how Core Projects supports its teams with purpose, and why trust and transparency aren’t just buzzwords—they’re business imperatives.

Key Insights from the Podcast

Ben Stewart brings over 20 years of experience in real estate and development sales to his role at Core Projects. In this episode, he walks us through his evolution—from an introverted teenager in hospitality to one of the most trusted project marketers in regional Victoria.

• From Hustle to Purpose: Ben’s early years in general real estate were marked by grit and trial by fire. From cold calling off the classifieds to door knocking in unfamiliar suburbs, he built a foundation rooted in consistency and a drive to serve.
• Waralilly & Regional Growth: Ben shares firsthand insights into helping shape Geelong’s first major estate. He reflects on the challenges of market education, evolving buyer expectations, and the role of persistent community building in long-term success.
• Leadership with Empathy: Known for his people-first leadership style, Ben emphasises team empowerment, authentic communication, and shared ownership. His ability to lead with clarity under pressure is what sets him apart.
• The Inner Game: Meditation, podcasts, cold showers—Ben credits these practices with helping him transform from a re

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