What does your job entail? Running the business, overseeing staffing, planning strategy and growth, financial budgeting, sales and marketing!
What’s the best bit? Working for yourself – long but flexible hours. Getting positive feedback about helping people find decent accommodation in London, finding new houses that represent great value for money, being a boss, guiding and helping staff and tenants.
And the worst? Not being able to please everyone! We do our best though!
How did you get your job? Aaron Gauthier and I set up the company in 2009. We realised there was a gap in the market for teachers and professionals looking for rooms in house shares. We started with one property in Clapham and now have 40 houses; close to 1,000 people have rented rooms with Arrive Homes since our inception. Our tenants come from all over – Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa to name a few. I am also a qualified teacher and went to Loughborough University obtaining a degree in Management Sciences.
What qualifications/experience do you need? For teaching in the UK – an undergraduate degree. For running a business such as this – experience in dealing with people, business acumen, time management, self-belief and team work. Multi-tasking is essential!
What advice would you give someone who would like a job such as yours? Be prepared to work long, gruelling hours, particularly at the start. Understand all components of the business. Listen to customers and feedback. Recruit good, trustworthy staff. The rewards will come if you never give up and adjust strategy following market needs and wants.
Read more about Phil and his team here, and if you’re looking for a fully-furnished home with all-inclusive bills, click here.