Ian Wyn-Jones has announced the launch of a new family-run estate agency just a day after being dismissed by eXp UK for misleading some of his former clients.
Wyn-Jones, who was sacked on Tuesday, has also revealed that he contemplated suicide in recent months, while he was being investigated by eXp UK following a string of allegations accusing him of creating fake visits and feedback, false offers for houses, and failing to pass on offers to sellers.
The independent from Anglesey, who has two decades of experience in the industry, operated as a self-employed estate agent under the eXp UK brand. It was announced on Tuesday evening that he had been sacked by the firm.
But determined to bounce back stronger, Wyn-Jone, a former franchisee with easyProperty and a territory manager with Purplebricks before his time with eXp, took to social media yesterday to announce the launch of The Jones Brand Powered by IWJ Property Group, with plans to operate across North Wales.
Posting a message on LinkedIn, he said: “The brand will be rolled over North Wales headlined by myself and my son
“This will be a family company pushing the boundaries and making sure it done rightly across Wales and making sure vendors do not give their homes away no matter what value as I’ve got your back.
“Believe in your self and watch this space we been working hard behind the scenes while I’ve been getting better
“Rem Be Kind…”
Wyn-Jones was investigated by eXp in the United States by members of the eXp Global senior team, which concluded and found that he at times fell below the standards set out and expected by eXp.
However, the independent estate agent has criticised the process adopted by eXp, and the lack of support provided by the company – and the wider industry.
He issued this post yesterday: “I’ve been silent for the past three months, grappling with a heart-wrenching experience that nearly led me to take my own life. Throughout my five years of hard work, I’ve sold approximately 400 units, striving for consistency despite occasional mistakes. Unfortunately, I faced a situation where my son was threatened, and there were no consequences for the perpetrators, leaving me, as an agent, without any support from organizations that should be their to help not just me but others.
“Behind the scenes, I’m a single father who has raised my son alone, unbeknowning to many. I allowed industry bullies to dent my confidence and make me doubt my place here. It’s disheartening how negative and hurtful people can be, despite us all being human and striving for unity.
“Trusting the wrong people, including senior figures who promised to assist but prioritized themselves, taught me valuable lessons. Despite this, I’m committed to ensuring my son’s well-being and regaining my strength. The experience has revealed who my true friends are, highlighting the unfortunate reality of the world.
“I’m determined to come back stronger, charting my path independently. It’s a pity that the industry lacks empathy and support. My goal is to be someone who changes that, offering genuine care and backing for others, unlike the senior figures I’ve encountered.
“If someone needed help, I’d extend my hand without hesitation. I hope to make a positive difference and stand by those who need support, forging ahead my own way.”
Wyn-Jones has been contacted by EYE for comment.
eXp UK dismisses estate agent for abusing position and misleading clients
Whilst unable to comment on specific details to this case, it seems extraordinary that our “open entry” industry allows this.
Where is the consumer protection if someone dismissed for failing to uphold the standards of his agency amidst such published allegations can set up shop on the following day with impunity ?
His account and alleged treatment may have merit, but surely we need a process whereby the public don’t bear witness to such poor control of our industry ?
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Whilst I may agree with you, this is what we call a “free market”.
We do not “allow” anything. We are not regulators nor do we adhere to popular opinion. If people wish to use this chap after everything… well that’s on them.
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No doubt it will have been an ordeal.
There’s a tried and tested way to ensure as a business owner you’re not in this position that to operate with honesty and integrity. It’s not difficult.
The woe is me approach is a proper poor show. If you did wrong, you have to deal with the consequences.
Subject to a local Panorama style TV investigation for misleading clients. Not sure that’s the ideal PR prior to launching a good old fashioned family business….. I’d have given it a year to blow over, at least. Not a day. Saying that the bright idea would have been to exit the industry and become a bus driver.
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In an industry bedevilled with lack of trust, adopting a holier-than-thou attitude with regard to unsubstantiated reports seems rather ironic.
It’s a close-knit community that Ian services and without local support, he would have closed long ago.
A few ugly rumours seem to condemn him as guilty until proven innocent.
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Sorry to sound dispassionate but in putting his news in the public eye with this announcement there is a tactic request for feedback and so I need to ask if the redress schemes are fine with this?
I appreciate another member is another subscription but if anyone is found failing to uphold the case law prescribed duties an agent then redress shouldn’t be available to them.
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The public do not know or care about these toothless schemes
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go and read what not having redress has on an agent’s ability to trade Jan. The public might not care bt the regulators do, especially when some smartar5e builds a system that identifies people who display a redress scheme logo but aren’t on the data base of either scheme
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Standards vs lack of standards – who cares?
PLEASE will any government introduce regulation rather than just talk about it.
This case demonstrates the desperate need to protect the public from alleged dodgy dealing but also the accused for a proper and fair investigation. Both only enhance the industry.
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It makes no difference just look at how many lwayers get struck off
It is just an admin job how can you regulate admin
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As is that of a ” developer don’t you know “, unless you personally do everything from digging foundations to a bunch of flowers on completion.
For what it’s worth and given your apparent world view, this industry is better off without you.
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They may not find it necessary to do so. In this competitive industry, professionalism once equated to more business. However, in the digital age, merely having a membership in a trade association and being part of a redress scheme online can camouflage opportunists alongside genuine professionals. A crafty individual with a strong digital presence can appear professional, only to be exposed by reviews at a later stage. There’s an ongoing effort to identify compliance with Part A material information, revealing that only 5% of properties listed on portals meet the requirements.
Interestingly, technology has progressed to the point where the same tools that curtailed disruptors can now be used to implement a binary display. This would effectively switch off properties that don’t comply with regulations on material information and lack membership in a redress scheme, providing a straightforward solution.
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We are dealing with peoples biggest financial assets in many cases and it is non sensical that, tomorrow, anyone can set up and run (well or not) an agency because it looks like ‘fun; a ‘good idea’ or a ‘easy way to make money’. When you see articles like this you realise why public perception is as it is.
Guilty or not guilty that is for the involved parties to decide based on the evidence that we have not been party to but it, once again, raises the subject of the need for regulation.
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