Name: Rob Maxwell
Title: Director, strategy and growth, Locale
Why I got into the property industry: When I bought my first property, the agent was most unhelpful and I spent most of my spare time chasing and negotiating the transaction. Afterwards, I thought, “I could do this job and do it better!”
How I did it: I applied for a trainee position at a national estate agents because they had a good training programme. I then spent 18 years with them getting to know the property market and, most importantly, how to do the job with empathy, integrity, and respect. This meant I also learnt a lot about the psychology of good service as well as the real estate industry.
My first proper job: Branch manager in Oxford at the age of 20.
My first big break: As a branch manager, turning a loss-making branch in Oxford into something profitable in 18 months. I used this experience and skills in other struggling branches for another 10 years.
My inspiration(s): Jamie Oliver, not just for his cooking (which I love), but also for his passion to challenge and innovate outdated systems.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: To start again within a new proptech industry. However, I quickly realised that my 23 years of real estate experience provided me with a solid understanding that all sectors have the same issues. By constantly listening, understanding and taking an objective view, you realised that the solutions are there if you dig deep enough.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: It doesn’t evolve, it’s slow to adopt, and reacts badly to change. What I see is there are many exciting, innovative companies out there willing to make the changes for the good of the customer, but they are held back due to outdated processes and the fear of failure.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: Failure should be avoided at all costs. Failure is not time wasted; it shows a determination to change. It’s only failure if you do not continue to learn and respond.
When I became interested in ESG: When I realised that Locale had been covering ESG already and had been for many years. Locale had not grouped its offering together at the time, but when we looked deeper into the requirements of ESG, we already had a strong platform to springboard from!
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: Without DE&I nothing new will be achieved. All elements of business require this to challenge, innovate and deliver the best solutions possible. If you do the same thing over and over again and expect improved results you will be left behind.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: I would like Locale to continue to provide industry leading standards in service, innovation and delivery, but to also be the go-to business for tech and engagement solution insights within the real estate sector.
What I do in my downtime: I love all outdoor activities, such as walking, camping (all year round) and clay pigeon shooting.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: Running a campsite in the Cotswolds. The service my campers would get would still be first rate.
My advice for someone just starting out: Don’t expect it to all come to you at once. It’s about building your bases and earning the reputation.
My motto/mantra: Love what you do and strive to push yourself out of your comfort zone at least once a day.
