Here’s a lovely piece about an estate agent – still firmly in harness and adding value to his firm’s business – who has been with the same company for 40 years.
Clive Hedges joined Keys, now Arnold Keys, in Norfolk in 1974.
He started by printing off property details on an old Gestetner machine. Men wore ties, and everyone was addressed as Sir or Madam.
There were no corporate agencies until the Prudential came along, opening the door to new entrants and damaging the industry’s reputation.
But Rightmove, Zoopla, digital cameras, floorplans, social media and every other innovation aside, what does Hedges now think after 40 years of hard graft?
“It is still about having an encyclopaedic knowledge of the local market, and building those personal relationships.
“In the end, estate agency is about people, not bricks and mortar, and no amount of technology will ever change that.”
We wish you well, Clive.
Here is how the Eastern Daily Press reported the story.
Comments (5)
Thank you for your kind comments. I have no idea where the time has gone and there are no signs of retirement on the horizon as yet. Here's to the next 40 years!
Clive, congratulations on your achievement….and in this day and age, it really is an achievement – especially in this profession! I remember the Pru days in North Norfolk well – as bad as they were, they were actually good for business in that any sensible buyer or seller wouldn't touch them with a barge pole. Happy days! Wishing you all the very best!
Well done Clive and I bet you are a perfect gentleman and exude confidence to clients.
Now I'm worried ….. in our one branch family run company, I wear a tie at work and, strangely, I have at times heard my opartner call a woman 'madam' but have never heard her call a mas 'sir' though she might.
Perhaps I'd better trade in my Roneo machine for a Gestetner?
Congratulations Clive – you don't look old enough. By the way I agree 100% with your sentiments. Best wishes – Aidan