A Brief Encounter with ... Robert Franks

 

Robert has recently joined us at Land & Brand New Homes, based in offices in London, sourcing land in the Home Counties.

 

Roberts lives in Stanmore, North London with his wife Rochelle and their two children, Bradley and Sophie.

 

He says "I am therefore delighted to set up the north London office for Land & Brand New Homes. This allows me to deliver a complete package, from land acquisition, assisting on planning, sales and marketing. Being involved from the beginning and seeing the final results is extremely rewarding and satisfying. From a clients perspective we can advise on all aspects from acquisition to completion."

 

We asked him some questions about his work and interests, so read on to find out more ... 

Q:What would you consider your biggest achievement in your career to date?
A: The development of a mixed use scheme in Kings Cross (London) which was over 100,000 sqft

 

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: The variety and spontaneous opportunities that arise from property transactions and closing deals!

 

Q: What do you least like about your job?

A: People that can’t make a decision and waste everyone’s time

 

Q: What motivates you?

A: Money and success in terms of making things happen

 

Q: How do you motivate your staff?

A: Being supportive and encouragement that if you stick at it long enough your will achieve the desired results

 

Q: What was your first job?

A: Working a salesman a Cecil Gee Menswear

 

Q: Which business man or woman do you most admire?

A: Bill Gates! Incredible foresight and brilliant mind

 

Q: Which is more important: what you know or who you know?

A: Both in equal portions, because you may have all the knowledge but not the relationship!

 

Q: What is your favourite holiday destination and why?

A: Austria, various ski resorts, the tranquillity, beauty and untouched mountain wilderness. The skiing experience and après ski entertainment

 

Q: Describe how you spend a typical weekend off?

A: Take my kids to tennis and then go to the gym. Meet up for lunch with a friend and take one of my children with me. Go for a walk or do some shopping. Out in the evening with friends for dinner. On Sundays, I take my son to Harrow RFC as he plays in the under 13’s. Socialise with friends at home and or go out to their homes with their families
 
Q: What made you want to get into the development industry?

Having had a successful career in the Traded Endowment Business which peaked in 2001, I decided to invest in property and develop a few sites that I knew I could obtain planning consent

 

Q: How long have you been in the industry?

A: Just over 10 years.

 

Q: Who is your idol?

A: Jon Bon Jovi - he’s very cool and enjoys life to the full!
 
Q: Favourite food?

A: Italian- lobster spaghetti

 

Q: Hobbies?

A: Tennis, I love playing early morning, skiing and cycling when ever I can get out, weather permitting!

 

Q: What is more important, work or play?

Probably play, as if you didn’t you would not be motivated to go to work!

 

Q: What was the last book you read?

A: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. Plot: After spending years in California, Amir returns to his homeland in Afghanistan to help his old friend Hassan, whose son is in trouble. Fantastic book!

 

Q: What do you feel is your companies USP?

A: Flexibility and knowledge of being able to make quick decisions when necessary

 

Q: What skills and knowledge do you pride yourself on?

A: The ability to be able to communicate on all levels, listening is essential if you're to achieve the desired result

 

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

A: Hopefully still in the game, probably under less pressure and taking a few more holidays!

 

Q: What are you goals and aspirations?

A: My goals are to continue to find suitable development opportunities and give best advice, so hopefully one day I can relax on a beach in the Caribbean!

 

Q: What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A: A ski instructor, but realised that I could not earn a good living!

 

Q: What subjects did you enjoy most at school?

History and geography, I always liked travelling and visiting places with historic interest

 

Q: Who has been the most influential person in your life?

A: My wife, totally supportive, caring and a loving person giving me the encouragement of doing what I felt was right at the time

 

Q: What has been your biggest regret?

A: Not becoming a Hedge Fund manager, perhaps not right now but 12 months ago, a day job plenty of variety with loads money if you are good and get the market right!

 

Q: What has been your most defining moment?

Having two wonderful children and seeing them grow up!

 

Q: Which guests would you invite to a dinner party?

A: Simon Cowell for entrainment factor, Warren Buffett amazing business mind, Eva Longoria because she is clever and very attractive, Roger Federer because he is the best tennis player on the planet

 

Q: What music do you listen to?

A: Various, love Bon Jovi, Christopher Brown and Bruce Springsteen

 

Q: What do you think of reality shows like The Apprentice?

A: Entertaining and fun, don’t take it too seriously! Love the board room battles! But it is now over kill with too much reality rubbish!

 

For any land enquiries email Robert at robert.franks@landandbrandnewhomes.co.uk