Lee Franklin
Promoted to Branch Partner in Rainham
What did you do before joining us?
I worked in a local coffee shop part-time while I was at school.
What attracted you to Estate Agency?
I had tried unsuccessfully to join the police. I had a conversation with my Mum about other careers, and a close friend of hers was in estate agency. After a few conversations with her friend, I was excited by the glamourous stereotype of estate agents. I successfully applied for a trainee role with ‘Robinson Michael & Jackson’ in Walderslade, and the rest is history!
What type of mentoring or support have you received during your time with us, and what advice has been a great help?
I have received a lot of mentoring and support in my career to date, which has helped me in my day-to-day work life and personal life. The owners make a point of knowing the staff not just by name but get to know them. They understand that by helping and developing each team member, we will have the best in the business and help more and more clients.
I learnt early on that estate agency is not actually about selling property; it is all about people. People buying and selling always have a reason to do so, and to find that out and offer help and advice for that reason is why I love the job so much. I learnt estate agency very quickly; however, I am still a student of people. I will always keep learning.
What are your ambitions for the future?
I want to go as far as I can with 'Robinson Michael & Jackson'. The company has big ambitions to grow bigger and bigger, and I want to be an instrumental part.
What do you like most about working here?
'Robinson Michael & Jackson' has always had a "challenge to better" attitude along with a "work hard, play hard" culture, which breeds a positive atmosphere and following throughout the offices and company. Staff pick up on this quickly, and so do clients, which gives us a buzz which we thrive off.
Any advice to those considering a career in Estate Agency?
Estate agency is a job you must love; it is not "just a Job". It has the highest highs and the lowest lows. In my experience, people are in the industry for up to 2 years or life! There doesn't seem to be much in between! You have to want to do the best job you can for people. You get a lot of job satisfaction if you have the right attitude.
WILDCARD - What did you want to be when you were 10 years old?
Play for Arsenal!