Redstones franchisees come from a variety of different backgrounds and it isn’t essential to have previous experience of lettings, as our new Wolverhampton franchisee Updesh Gidda showed last week.

This week, we spoke to Craig Scott, owner of Redstones’ office in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Craig’s had experience both of lettings and running his own lettings agency before joining Redstones. Here, he shares his story.

Craig Scott
Redstones Newcastle upon Tyne
 

Craig, your career has been spent in sales and in the lettings sector. What brought you to Redstones?

After a successful sales career with Northern Rock, I left to start my own lettings agency. I was disillusioned with the poor standards of service I’d personally received from lettings agents and was confident I could do better.

Unfortunately, I under-estimated that level of investment needed to establish a reputable brand so closed my business and returned to full-time employment with a local lettings agency. While I loved the job, everyday reminded me of how much I wanted to launch my own business, so I decided to go explore franchising, rather than try to get an unknown brand with no prove business format off the ground.

How did you first learn about franchising?

A friend of mine purchased a mobile phone franchise 5 years ago and enjoyed great success. After my experience attempting to go it alone, it seemed franchising might be the best option for me. All I knew was that I had a burning desire to build my own successful business!

What attracted you to Redstones?

Making the decision to invest in a Redstones franchise was easy. It clearly stood out in the market against all of the other property franchises right from the start. Redstones was the first franchisor to respond to my enquiry but it wasn’t just that. Redstones share my values for delivering outstanding customer service and genuinely care about the success of their franchisees. You’re more than just a number with Redstones.

Tell us about the support provided by Redstones

The whole experience with Redstones has been first class. All of my questions were answered during my first meeting and the training course covered absolutely everything there is to know about running a successful lettings agency. While it’s still early days, whenever I have a question about running my business, the response is swift and comprehensive. I have no doubt that will continue.

We like to be transparent at Redstones. Have you encountered any problems or challenges in the early stages of running your business?

It will take time to thoroughly get to know the systems and the procedures that I need to follow in order to deliver the outstanding standards of service Redstones is renowned for. I know it will become easier over time but I am putting all my effort into ensure I start as I mean to go on!

What feedback have you received so far?

After speaking with my first few potential clients, they have all been extremely impressed with the presentation of the Redstones brand and are happy to discuss how we can work together.

What is your vision for your Redstones lettings agency?

I have so many plans! I intend to develop my customer base and have set myself ambitious targets for my first year. With my background, I’ve also opened a property sales division alongside lettings. My goal is to exceed my customers’ expectations whether in property sales or property management! My digital marketing campaign is now ready to go so I’m extremely optimistic about the future.

What advice would you offer to a prospective franchisee?

Research your market thoroughly and speak to every franchisor in your chosen market until you find the brand that is right you.

Thank you Craig and welcome to Redstones!