Voices in Property - Marc von Grundherr

Welcome to our quick-fire spotlight on industry leaders and entrepreneurs in Property.

In this edition, Marc von Grundherr, Director at Benham & Reeves shares personal insights and experiences with anyone who may be currently working in or aspiring to join the London property industry.

What are you most proud of in your career?

Our team and how we’ve built Benham and Reeves over the last six decades to be one of the largest independent lettings and sales agents in London. I’m proud that we have a growing team of over 200 individuals today that support each other and cooperate to look after our customers brilliantly. It’s like a family.

First property job and how you got it?

Working for a small independent agency in North London – I always loved the property sector and grabbed the chance – although realised the owner had no interest in expanding and so turned out to be too small for me!

What motivates you?

Helping buyers and tenants in the life-changing process that is the choice of a new home. Benhams are not just estate and letting agents we are like lifestyle brokers, we really get into the heart of what people are looking for and deliver it.

Best advice for preparing for an interview?

Make sure your CV is accurate and doesn’t have spelling mistakes, or lies! Be early. And research, research, research.  A potential employer wants to know that you care about the role enough to have researched the employer, who they are, what they do, where they do it, what makes them stand out. They also want to know that you care about yourself and how you want to see your future evolve (details matter and errors on CVs could mean you miss out).

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Don’t worry about the future. Honestly, I’d recommend focusing on fun, making friends and travelling at 18 if finances allow.  And if you’re off to Uni then travel afterwards, see some of the world…as you have your whole life to work! To me, the point at which a career starts to be the focus is 25 and when you know yourself a little better and, importantly, you know yourself better, what you want to do and be.

Which leader, entrepreneur, founder, or CEO inspires you?

Warren Buffet, a self-made man that still lives in the same house as decades ago and drives a humble car. He isn’t inspired by ego, just success. Undoubtedly one of history’s canniest ever investors. And he’s only handing a small amount of money to his kids so that his wealth doesn’t ruin them. Admirable. And I’ve been investing in his company for the last 10 years and the returns have been admirable too!

Your best deal?

Sold a whole 20 storey tower next to Canary Wharf to an Irish consortium – it was all off plan – was in a race against time and managed to get it all done in 72 hours.

What’s your favourite restaurant?

Such a hard question, when London has the biggest selection and widest array of the world’s finest restaurants. My current favourite is Kitchen W8 off Kensington High Street.

Apple or Android?

Apple. I love their compatibility across mobile, desktop and iPad. Although I was a diehard blackberry user and until my wife got me an iPhone!

About Benham & Reeves 

Find out more about Benham & Reeves here and connect with Vivienne Harris here.

Collins Property Recruitment is a business with a purpose: to enable talent and businesses to meet and do great things together. We make this happen through an unrivalled network, a values-led, consultative approach and a hard-earned reputation as the go-to recruiter in property.

Should you have any enquiries, email us at info@collinspropertyrecruitment.com or give us a call on 020 7435 0309.