As May the Fourth approaches, I reflect on the Jedi Masters who influence me and those who bring the Force to the Lettings Industry?
Many years ago in a Galaxy far far away… that’s an homage to Star Wars of course, something I could not resist. What I meant to say, was many years ago, my goddaughter sent me a book – “Outliers” written by Malcolm Gladwell. She sent it to me because we had been discussing how anyone becomes an expert or a specialist at what they do – was it Nurture V Nature? Could anyone, regardless of background or education hone in their ability and develop a skill to an extremely high level? Gladwell focused mainly on basketball, yet 10,000 hours could be applied to anything.
So it got me thinking about how we are surrounded by specialists in our field – Outliers that we rely upon. In the Empire Strikes Back there is reference to Jedi Masters. As the name implies, a Jedi Master is one who has attained “Mastery of the Force” and as I scroll through articles, listen to webinars, it is clear that as letting agencies adapt, change and evolve, there are some key elements within industry that will play a pivotal part in supporting and guiding business owners towards a very different business model in the very near future.
My Personal Jedi Masters
I consider myself a Jedi Maverick, not a Jedi Master (Yoda would not have been impressed) because I have a particular way of training and thinking that does not fit with the “norm”. I have always been very fortunate, however, to have been supported by some exceptional Jedi like Masters who have provided me with support and guidance. John Coyne LLB Barrister – My Oracle & “go to” for anything legal relating to landlord & tenant. John came to the legal professional as a mature student and inspires me more than anyone I know, reeling legislation off like a machine and applying it in a way that helped me think very differently. Andrew Truby LLB – our block management specialist, although he is far more than that; leasehold and freehold are his specialist areas, yet he brings with him a wealth of experience because he “walks the walk” and understands the way that the complex nature of being a managing agent is reliant on more than legislative knowledge, it requires a very specific skill set. Linda Howard is someone I met almost 15 years ago when she worked for Dutton Gregory. If I needed an advocate or paralegal who understands key, fundamental elements of anything contract detail, breach, nuances of court proceedings, it would be Linda I would want on side. John, Linda and I have often have discussions about “points” in law, just to listen to each other’s interpretation. Tweedie Brown CBE and Paul Wallace-Tarry MBE have been sounding boards, mentors and friends for many years; their ex-military expertise means they work differently to me and have a mind-set that I do not actually understand, yet the benefit of their experience in business is priceless. Lauren Green, my PA – her mantra is “Susie, I am here to make sure that you are taken care of and do not experience too much stress.” Sometimes you need that person to tell you to stop and breathe. Our Digital Jedi-Master, Tony from Pixels & Puzzles is a person I am constantly in awe of; he manages and oversees our VLE, website and understands email “strategy” and the tech world like no one I have ever met.
Letting agents I have known for a very long time also have their place as my Universe – Lisa Clarke, Kate Watts, Hannah Hignell, Anya Mathewson, Susan Cope, Michelle Stacey, Jackie Edney, Charlie Perdios, Simon Duce, Andy Davies, Nick Cragg, Tony Chicchirillo, Heather Holloway, Diane Sanders, Claudia Monticello, Colinette Hyatt and so many more – that have taught me so much about business & Lettings that I could never begin to put into words. Eternally grateful to all.
The Jedi Masters of the Lettings Industry
I have to start from a legal stance because I am a still a student , so there are people I admire from afar – Giles Peaker, Robert Bolwell and David Smith specialists in their field, need no introduction because they are called upon for comment on any element of landlord, tenant, Lettings related “questions”.
Rajeev of Fixflo reminds me of Young Skywalker, but look at him now; the podcast discussing the origins of his “start-up” made an excellent benchmark for anyone with an idea they want to bring to fruition.
Michael Day, Stephen Brown and Iain White – they work on the light side of the property sector, whilst I work on the dark side! Estate Agency is not my area of expertise, yet these guys really do know their stuff when it comes to sales.
Ian Dobrin has been working in the property sector for over 20 years and there isn’t anyone who has either been found a role by Ian or head hunted on behalf of company by him. What he doesn’t know about industry specific recruitment is not worth mentioning.
Brin Cole and Eddie Hooker, take insurance to another level and have an understanding of how complex this industry has become.
Graham Norwood brings us news hot of the press through many portals, but Letting Agent Today run by Nat Daniels is always where you will often hear it first.
Sean Hooker and Katrine Sporle, bring a different dimension to the PRS, neither are enforcers, but they bring a level of discipline to any proceedings related to Lettings.
Chris Watkins, observer, writer and commentator on any matters that are property related.
Young guns David Cox and Ben Beadle, heading up very different organisations will bring the PRS into the 21st Century.
Maverick & TV star Paul Shamplina, brings a powerful approach to the hallowed halls of any matters relating to landlords, tenants & court proceedings.
Kate Faulkner & Theresa Wallace must be recognised for bringing together the industry for the greater good, when others failed to do so.
Lord Richard Best - Wise beyond measure and stalwart supporter of the PRS.
The Lettings industry is working towards the dawn of a new age, changes that have been bought about by a pandemic, will redefine the way that letting agents work and conduct business. It will be interesting to see the part the Jedi Masters play in this newly defined industry.
Susie Crolla – Managing Director and self-appointed Jedi.