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Meet The Team, Portobello, Staff
Meet the Team – Jack Steele Branch Manager Portobello, Edinburgh
Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn? My role at Cairn is to oversee the Edinburgh Portobello Branch to expand the business there and ensure the office runs smoothly. How long have you worked at Cairn? I’ve been at Cairn for 6 Years now. I was financial controller in our Glasgow office where I dealt with financial transactions from tenants paying rent to paying Landlords and everything in between. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The Cairn Team are fantastic and I enjoy the flexibility of part working from home allowing me work life balance. The best thing about working in the property industry? No two days are the same which presents different challenges but enjoy this. Give us an interesting fact about yourself? I used to play the double bass in an orchestra and I am capped for Glasgow Warriors and Scotland Club XV. Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business? Inside of Business I like Mark Cuban and outside of business it has to be the Gypsy King Tyson Fury. One piece of advice you could give your younger self? I don’t feel the need to try and follow the curve, everybody has their own path to follow. What qualities do you most admire in others? I admire honesty, integrity, and accountability. Where is your favourite place in Scotland? I enjoy spending time in Edinburgh.
Meet The Team
Meet the Team – Jennifer McGonigle – Sales & Investment Director
What your job entails? Sourcing and selling investment opportunities for UK and overseas clients. Particular focus on HMO (House of Multiple Occupancy) Investments and portfolio management. Managing the Estate Agency divisions in both Edinburgh and Glasgow and adding value to properties for landlords through developments and refurbishments. How long have you worked at Cairn? Coming up 12 years, the roller coaster of trends and changes in the market through those 12 yrs has helped me gain the experience and knowledge of the property market in both sales and letting. What was it about the property industry that made you want to work in it? The property market in Glasgow and Edinburgh is a fantastic sector to work in. Meeting a wide and varied cross section of buyers, sellers, tenants and helping source and secure the right property for the right people at the right time – it’s challenging but I genuinely love what I do. The best thing about working in the property industry? Every day and every property is different and the diversity of our client base is always interesting meeting people from all walks of life. It’s an ever changing market, being adaptable, resourceful and proactive makes the responsibilities both challenging and rewarding. Being a parent myself, I really enjoy working with parent investors, looking for the right accommodation and investment for their family for the short term Uni days and beyond. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The fluidity of the business, and the enthusiasm of the team makes it a dynamic place to be. One piece of advice you’d give your younger self? I think woman (particularly young women) are so critical of themselves – try and not compare yourself and your life to others – hold your head high ! What you like to do in your spare time, interests, hobbies etc? Nutrition and fitness are my main passions, running, challenges, munro bagging, open water swimming, water skiing, anything outdoors and if my little bown mutt can come too it’s a bonus! Not a lot of people know that I… Studied at New York Uni in the 90s which was an “awesome” experience! Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business? I try not to hold anyone up on a pedestal. I try and surround myself with positive, enthusiastic, good people, all trying to be the best version of themselves in both business and personally. Where’s your favourite place in Scotland? Caledonia ! where do I start … I can write a book on the beautiful places and experiences I have been lucky enough to have in Scotland. Mountains… lochs… islands…. Coastlines …. Scotland rarely disappoints me. My home town Portobello is special but if I had to choose my top destination it would be Barra – there is something very magical about the Outer Hebrides.
Meet The Team
Meet the Team – Sally Turnbull cert CIH – Office Branch Manager
MEET THE TEAM – Sally Turnbull cert CIH – Office Branch Manager Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn ? As Branch Manager for the Glasgow Office, I oversee all Glasgow based staff dealing with the daily running of the branch and any complicated issues that may arise. What is your proudest business achievement ? My proudest achievement is going from Property Manager to the Glasgow Branch Manager within 2 years of being with Cairn. I knew at this point that I had found the career and company best suited to my skills and who I am as a person. What do you enjoy most about working for Cairn? I really enjoy working for a family run business, I have worked for more corporate companies in the past that do not have the same personal touch that makes you feel like you are part of the team and extremely valued. Give us an interesting fact about yourself ? I spent a year living and studying in Spain, I finished my final year of University in the lovely city of Alicante which was one my most treasured memories. What is the best piece of business advice you have been given ? Never doubt your own capabilities. What advice would you give your 18 year old self? It will take time to find the right career and spend more time with family. Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business ? My hero outside of business is my nephew Louie as he has brought so much joy into my family’s lives. Inside of business, I admire those that can see the bigger picture, lead by example and encourage others to grow. What qualities do you most admire in others ? I admire those that are thoughtful, hardworking, organised and positive. How do you unwind out of work ? I love to watch MasterChef with my cats, spend quality time with my partner and eat lots! Favourite book/CD/DVD? I don’t tend to read much, although I really should. My favourite film is Man on Fire or Eat Pray Love. Where is your favourite place in Scotland ? My favourite place in Scotland is ‘Mossyard Beach’. I grew up camping here for 2 weeks every year even though it was only 20 minutes away from our house!
Meet The Team
Meet The Team – (Fiona Herbin – Associate Director)
Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn? As Associate Director, I oversee all letting valuations for the Glasgow Branch; meeting new clients, helping our existing landlords grow their portfolios whilst also hitting our company monthly/annual targets! What is your proudest business achievement/moment? Getting promoted to Associate Director from Branch Manager has been a career highlight. Having previously managed the team, I am also very proud of our Edinburgh division’s outstanding performance and continual growth since it’s 2019 acquisition. How has your industry changed in the last decade? We’ve all felt the impact of legislation increases and the introduction of Private Residential Tenancy. These challenges have had a massive impact on Letting agencies and Landlords but have ultimately been in our client’s best interests. Give us an interesting fact about yourself. I am a keen traveller, visiting over 26 countries in the last 10 years including a three month sabbatical from Cairn to travel. What is the best piece of business advice you have been given ? Always challenge yourself and put yourself forward for opportunities. What advice would you give your 18 year old self? Wear sunscreen and take care of those teeth! Who are your heroes inside and outside of business ? My business hero is Yvon Chouinard, the owner of Patagonia who donated his entire company to fight climate change. Outside of business, it has to be my husband who safely delivered our baby boy at home under the guidance of a 999 operator on speakerphone! What qualities do you most admire in others ? Integrity and enthusiasm go a long way in my book. How do you unwind out of work There’s no better way to unwind than snuggling up to my chihuahua on the sofa and binging a crime drama series! Favourite book/CD/DVD? I don’t get to read as often as I’d like, but always enjoy a good thriller. Lewis Capaldi is currently on repeat on my Spotify and Home Alone 2: Lost In New York is a classic I love to rewatch every year. Where is your favourite place in Scotland? My family love to visit St Andrews, especially at Christmas time.
Meet The Team
Meet the Team ( Gemma Waters – Compliance & Legislation Manager )
Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn? I am responsible for ensuring our office, staff and clients meet the ever changing compliance and legislation within the letting industry. I also support both branches to ensure that our offices operate efficiently and implement procedures and systems to allow staff professional growth and development. What is your proudest business achievement? Obtaining my ARLA and CIH qualifications How has your industry changed in the last decade? The property industry has changed massively over the last decade. For lettings, the most notable change was the introduction of the PRT which removed the old SAT style of lease agreement and placed more restrictions on landlords. Landlords are still feeling the aftermath of the pandemic with changes to evictions, and more recent changes in legislation to rent increases. What’s a typical day for you? A typical day would involve checking the Scottish Association of Landlords and ARLA websites for changes to legislation, undertaking staff training, procedural updates, implementing new systems and acting as a general support to all members of staff. Give us an interesting fact about yourself? I am very passionate about animals and have volunteered for several animal charities over the years including the SSPCA. What advice would you give your 18 year old self? You get what you work for. Keep working hard, stay focused and most importantly have fun doing it! Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business? My personal hero is my gran who is the kindest, strong, and most loving women I have ever met. In business, I admire those who go over and above, have a strong work ethic and who take pride in what they do. What qualities do you most admire in others? I admire people who are selfless, honest, hard working and loyal. How do you unwind out of work? Family time, family time and more family time! Favourite book/CD/DVD? ‘All I see is you’ is my favourite book (at the moment). Tennessee Whiskey for my song and Pulp Fiction / The First Wives Club for my movie (depending on my mood!). Where is your favourite place in Scotland? Rothesay, this was a great favourite for family holidays when I was little and holds a lot of precious memories for me.
Meet The Team
Meet the Team ( David Rowand – Managing Director )
MEET THE TEAM – DAVID ROWAND – MANAGING DIRECTOR Describe your role in one sentence your role at Cairn. – As MD, I sleep eat and breathe Cairn as the owner you never switch off, my role is to ensure the business is meeting its strategic targets set out by the management team. What is your proudest business achievement ? – Proudest business achievement is surviving the financial crisis in 2008. How has the industry changed in the last decade ? – I think for all SME’s it has been a turbulent time between covid and government changes and continually biased landlord legislation it has not been easy. Give us an interesting fact about yourself ? – I am a keen rugby enthusiast though some people may not find that interesting. I played for Scotland at school level but had a head injury scree-running at school and ended up in hospital for a month, I did return to rugby thereafter, but a further knee injury put paid to my professional career. What is the best piece of business advice you have been given ? – always employ people who are better than you. What advice would you give your 18 year old self ? – I would tell myself to slow down it’s not a race it’s a marathon. Who are your hero’s in and out of business ? – Doddie Weir is real inspiration to me he has been so courageous in his fight with MND and the fact he has highlighted this awful illness is fantastic. What qualities do you most admire in others ? – Selfless caring people who go the extra mile to help to someone. How do you unwind at work ? – I truly unwind when I play golf or when I am watching rugby. Favourite Book / CD/DVD – Any easy holiday read / Anything Soul / Funk / Bond Where is your favourite place in Scotland ? – I love Dumfries & Galloway and I have a family connection to the area which makes it even more special.
Meet The Team
Meet the Team ( Paul Shields – Finance Director )
MEET THE TEAM – PAUL SHIELDS – FINANCE DIRECTOR Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn? I am responsible for the company’s long-term financial health and growth. I also look to establish strategies that will earn profits, oversee accounting operations, and produce accurate income and expenditure reports for the other Directors. What is your proudest business achievement? Helping steady our business after the financial crisis in 2008. The property sector went through a very turbulent time back then, but we managed to steer through the difficulty and come out the other side stronger than ever. How has your industry changed in the last decade? The Property industry has changed dramatically over the last 10 years. For letting there has been numerous new letting legislation changes introduced which in the main have been good and have taken most of the rogue landlords and agents out the market. For Sales, with soaring house prices over the last decade, it has made it almost impossible for first time buyers to get on the property ladder. Give us an interesting fact about yourself? Before my hectic family life, I used to write short fictional stories. Hopefully one day I’ll get back to it once family life settles down. What is the best piece of business advice you have been given? When business opportunities come your way, always say yes! Then worry about how to do it later. What advice would you give your 18 year old self? Always remember that there is no failure. There are just ways you’ve figured out how not to do something so stop being so hard on yourself and keep moving forward. Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business? In business, I admire anyone who puts everything on the line and comes through the other side a success. Outside of business, anyone who dedicates their time to giving back or helping others. Selfless people. What qualities do you most admire in others? Qualities I look for in a person are loyalty, accountability, humility, and anyone who welcomes change. How do you unwind out of work? Long walks with the dog and red wine! Favourite book/CD/DVD? A Christmas Carol (Dickens) / Any 80’s CD / Schindler’s List Where is your favourite place in Scotland ? Anywhere in the East Coast. If I had to choose one, then Elie with St. Andrews a close second.
