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Meet The Team, Staff
Meet the Team – Zoe Simpson – Property Inspector Glasgow
Meet the Team – Zoe Simpson – Property Inspector Glasgow Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn? I’m an External agent so I carry out inspections, move outs, deposit returns, meeting tenants, landlords and contractors. Basically anything that involves being out of the office and making sure that our properties are being well looked after and our landlords and tenants are happy. (Sorry that was 2 sentences!) How long have you worked at Cairn? Around 7 years now. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? I love that Cairn is an independent and can change and adapt to conditions. We have the best team who all work well together and are very supportive. The best thing about working in the property industry? Definitely that every day is different so it never gets dull and you get to meet some really interesting people and hear some fascinating stories from them. Give us an interesting fact about yourself? After never having ran in my adult life, last year I decided to do the NHS Couch to 5k programme and I now run a 5k three times a week. If I can do it anyone can so give it a go. Who are your heroes inside and outside of business? Inside of business would be anyone who doesn’t let pressure get on top of them. Outside of business I would say probably Barrack Obama. I’ve just finished reading his book and as well as being (in my opinion) an excellent President during his terms, I think he seems like an all round good guy. One piece of advice you could give your younger self? I think everyone says this but don’t worry about what other people think of you. Aim to be happy and content in yourself and life will be much simpler. What qualities do you most admire in others? Honesty and kindness. Both of these are huge qualities in my book. Where is your favourite place in Scotland? Scotland is such a stunning country, however, you cannot beat the banter in Glasgow! If someone would like to get in touch with you about a property, how should they get in touch? zoe.simpson@cairnestateagency.com
Meet The Team, Estate Agency, Properties For Sale
Meet the Team – Jenny Martin – Estate Agent
Meet the Team – Jenny Martin – Estate Agent Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn ? As a negotiator I bring properties to the open market, manage enquiries and negotiate offers. How long have you worked at Cairn? 9 months at Cairn but in property for 6 years now. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The Team. I know it’s a cliché but we really are like a family. Everyone is very supportive of one another. The best thing about working in the property industry? As a negotiator I still get excited about closing dates. Each day is always different too which keeps things interesting. Give us an interesting fact about yourself ? I am a black belt in both Karate and Judo. Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business? The real hero’s inside of business are those who are willing to help out a fellow colleague in a pinch. I also look up to those who have taken the time in their lives to become proficient in excel spreadsheets. Outside of business I would say my sister in law Victoria for putting up with my side of the family whilst balancing a demanding job alongside raising the 2 most amazing children. I have never heard a single complaint from her in my life. One piece of advice you could give your younger self Don’t take any of it too seriously. Tomorrow is never promised. Also do not over pluck your eyebrows. What qualities do you most admire in others ? I admire kindness, compassion and solid problem solving skills. Where is your favourite place in Scotland ? Gleneagles If someone who like to get in touch with you about a property, how should they get in touch ? 0141 270 7878 and option 2 for sales or my email jenny@cairnsales.com
Meet The Team
Meet the Team – Victoria Craig CIH Level 3 – Property Manager
Meet the Team – Victoria Craig CIH Level 3 – Property Manager Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn ? I am property manager and have a portfolio of professional letting properties along with HMO properties. How long have you worked at Cairn? I have worked at Cairn Letting for around 3 years. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The team! I love how close we all are, inside and out of work. The best thing about working in the property industry? It is always busy! I learn something new every day. Give us an interesting fact about yourself ? I have qualifications in Primary School Teaching, Sport, Health and Nutrition and I am a qualified eyelash technician. On top of this, I have my Letwell Qualification. Letting is definitely my favourite role! Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business? My siblings – all 6 of us are so different but they inspire me to be the best version of myself. One piece of advice you could give your younger self Live in the moment and have fun, tomorrow is never promised. What qualities do you most admire in others ? Loyalty, kindness and humour. Where is your favourite place in Scotland ? Aviemore – a wee village up North. If someone would like to get in touch with you about a property, how should they get in touch ? victoria.craig@cairnletting.com
Meet The Team
Meet the Team – Fiona Campbell MARLA – HMO Property Inspector
Meet the Team – Fiona Campbell MARLA – HMO Property Inspector Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn ? I am mainly based out with the office, carrying out routine inspections and fire safety training with our HMO tenants. I also deal with move outs, deposit returns, inventories and all sorts in between! How long have you worked at Cairn? I have been at Cairn for over 5 years now. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The Cairn team… I am lucky to work with a great bunch of people who are passionate about what they do. We have had plenty of good times along the way! The best thing about working in the property industry? No two days are the same, it’s fast paced and exciting. I get to meet people from all walks of life which can be interesting! Give us an interesting fact about yourself. I am a big football fan (especially of a certain team in Glasgow!) Sky Sports is always on in my house. Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business? Inside of business, I admire anyone who despite their successes remain humble and down to earth. Outside of business, I would say Louis Theroux – the man is an icon! One piece of advice you could give your younger self. Not to be so worried about what other people think of you… life is short, live it! What qualities do you most admire in others ? Humility, honesty and compassion go a long way for me Where is your favourite place in Scotland ? I’m ashamed to say that I haven’t ventured any further than Edinburgh – hoping to explore more of Scotland this year! Perhaps I’m biased but for me, you just can’t beat good old Glasgow. If someone who like to get in touch with you about a property, how should they get in touch (contact details) – fiona.campbell@cairnletting.com
Meet The Team
Meet the Team – Kerry-Ann French – Accounts Assistant
Meet the Team – Kerry-Ann French – Accounts Assistant Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn ? My role at Cairn is to process financial transactions, from tenant rent payments to landlord and contractor payments. I support the teams in working towards achieving targets each month and processing all the information that comes with this. How long have you worked at Cairn? I started at Cairn in July 2012 so 10.5 years – more than a third of my life! What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The friendly, dedicated team and the flexibility of home working is great for work life balance, allows me to work around my two young children. The best thing about working in the property industry? Each day is different, they days bring new challenges and an interesting story or two along the way. Give us an interesting fact about yourself ? A piece of art I drew is featured in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and has been for many years. Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business? Inside of business, anyone who aspires to work hard and get the job done, a good work ethic is a great quality. My hero outside of business is my mum, she inspires me everyday to be the best version of myself and is always there to listen or help when needed. One piece of advice you could give your younger self ? Do not worry what others think about you, do what makes you happy. Live and let live! What qualities do you most admire in others ? I admire kindness, ambition and a positive attitude in others. Where is your favourite place in Scotland ? Glasgow for sure, such a wonderful city, especially in the summer sun! If someone who like to get in touch with you about a property, how should they get in touch (contact details – kerry-ann@cairnletting.com 01412707878
Meet The Team, Portobello, Staff
Meet the Team – Jack Steele Branch Manager Portobello, Edinburgh
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
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)
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.
