Voices in Property - David Ronson

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

In this edition, Jeremy Leaf,  Principal of Jeremy Leaf & Co 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?

What I’m most proud of in my career is probably retaining the majority of our employees for so many years which is not only good for our business but the wider reputation of Jeremy Leaf & Co. I also particularly enjoy customers returning years after dealing with them or recommending us to others.

First property job and how you got it?

My first job was as surveyor and re-location consultant at St Dunstan’s, the war-blinded ex-servicemen’s charity based in Central London, who own hundreds of different types of property all over the country.

What motivates you?

I do not have special goals or motivations but genuinely believe I learn something new every day.

Best advice for preparing for an interview?

Best advice I can offer prospective employees would be to find out as much as possible about the company, what differentiates it and ensure they feel as good as possible about themselves - not just their appearance - before the interview.

I don’t expect employees to work seven days a week like I do but certainly expect them to work hard and ‘go the extra mile’ where necessary

At Jeremy Leaf & Co, we employ 18 people predominantly full time and regard ourselves as a ‘people’ business – always seeking to gain the trust and confidence of customers. The importance of relationships and service is paramount which is why I look for those attributes in prospective employees. Some knowledge of property may also prove useful! 

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

Advice to my 18-year-old self? If you are interested in property and enjoy client contact as every day is different and rewarding in some way - be prepared to start at the bottom but go for it! 

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

Leader or entrepreneur who stands out? Tony Pidgely of Berkley Homes nationally and Peter Murphy in our area – both of whom were very influential in my working life and coincidentally both appeared on the top 100 property rich list!

Your best deal?

Of the larger transactions, working for the Irish government a few years ago adding value to a seriously ‘underwater’ 300 resi/commercial unit site in Tottenham and of the smaller, a 3 flat scheme in Finchley – both of which achieved similarly-excellent planning gains despite the considerable difference in commission! 

What’s your favourite restaurant?

Favourite local restaurant? Odos in Barnet and I also enjoy Pahli Hill or Tom Kerridge at the Corinthia Hotel in Central London.

Apple or Android? 

I’m on Apple not Android.

Find out more about Jeremy Leaf & Co here and connect with Jeremy Leaf 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.