Confessions of a property guru: Making millions and losing some 15 minutes to read Jane Phare is a senior business reporter for the New Zealand Heraldjane.phare@nzme.co.nz Property syndication guru Mark Francis talks to Jane Phare about building up Augusta to prepare for takeover, his network of friendships and how Covid-19 knocked millions off his wealth. Posing for photos outside his grand office entrance, there's a moment when Mark Francis looks almost mournful. Guarding the office suite are two massive bronze doors, the handles forming a stylish "A" for Augusta. Named after the course which hosts the US Masters golf tournament, Augusta has been Francis' baby for 20 years. Now, after last year's buyout by ASX-listed Centuria Capital in a deal worth around $169m, it will disappear.