Having started my career with Halifax as an estate agency-based trainee mortgage adviser, I “grew up” as a 100% financial services type of person. Progression through the ranks and a couple of well-timed career moves ultimately led me to running Newton Fallowell’s mortgage business. It was in this role that I started to see the benefits and potential of being your own boss but with the support network of an established estate agency.
Ready for a change, I saw an opportunity and decided to take my biggest ever risk – leaving the safe environment of what I knew inside out to become an estate agent! My wife, Marnie, agreed to join me as my business partner. Although I’d worked in estate agency for the majority of my career I’d never BEEN an estate agent. More importantly, even though I’d run a business I’d never owned one.
Being an estate agent is never going to be an easy choice, especially if you’re going to own your own business. I truly believe that as a franchisee of Newton Fallowell you could not have a better platform from which to succeed – you really get the best of both worlds – independent estate agent, business owner, employer…but with the full benefits of a network of offices, the benefits of group purchase power and a dedicated support team to deal with the things you really don’t have time to deal with, allowing you time to focus on and grow your business.
When I took on Swadlincote in June 2006 it was a marginal office in profit terms. Since I took it on we have seen profit ever year in a challenging market and economic climate. We are now market leader. In 2009 we started a lettings business, which has at least doubled year-on-year and provides a valuable income stream.
Being part of a successful franchise such as Newton Fallowell has played a huge part in the success of my business. Having the skills is one thing. Having the support, expertise and knowledge of an established business is something else.
