Many congratulations to Martin Payne who is celebrating 50 years with Connells.
Payne joined Connells as a junior negotiator in 1969 aged 18, working in the Hitchin branch in Hertfordshire.
He recalled: “My fondest memory of that time was meeting Larry Connell at my first staff Christmas party in Luton.
“He opened the first Connells branch in Luton in 1936 so it was a pleasure to meet him.”
Three years later, he was promoted to manager at the Letchworth Garden City branch where, at 21, he was the youngest manager in the company at that time.
He went on to manage new branches in Stevenage and Hertford.
In 1992, Payne made the move into Connells’ new homes division, moving across to the regional head office in Luton to set up a land department covering Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.
He was promoted to land director, responsible for dealing with the acquisition and sale of potential and consented building land. He is now a land consultant with Connells, still working with his long-term clients.
Payne said: “I have spent most of my working life with Connells, going through various changes, both in the industry and the expansion of the group.
“Connells is the most successful estate agency in the country, run by estate agents, and we probably also have the best training in the business.
“Those who are successful are rewarded and promoted and I have always enjoyed my work, even though land and planning can be a long-term business. That’s why I can’t give up yet after 50 years.”
Martin Payne … then
… and now
Comments (10)
Bravo. That is quite an achievement.
An admirable achievement – and one which hopefully his employer recognises.
Congrats!!!
You would have thought he’d have a nice corporate photo done for the ‘now’ shot, so he didn’t need to use the Hugh Grant style mugshot…not that I’m suggesting he’s ever met Divine Brown you understand.
Looks photoshopped to me or maybe it’s the light. Normally bags appear under your eyes when you get older not disappear! But congrats anyway. Lol.
He looked happier a few years ago. . 😉
Well done Martin.
I’ve never been a fan of Connells, their approach is different from many and very forceful, whether its pro or anti customer service is arguable. However they are successful so are clearly doing ‘things’ right. They are in the business of making money and are are clearly doing so. My staff often complain to me that this corporate has just done this, that or the other but we should should look at why….my answer to them is that ‘it works’. We should follow said corporate in many of the things we do, we all want to make money.
Congratulations Martin – what an achievement!
One needs true grit to survive 50 years in this industry!
Hats off to you sir.
I wonder how many 18 year olds today could possibly imagine working in the same industry for 50 years? Or want to.
Well done Martin! Congratulations on a superb career!