In the High Flyers spotlight this week is Ross McKnight, a senior valuator at John Minnis, an estate agent with five offices offering a comprehensive range of property services across Greater Belfast and North Down.
- What was your first job?
My first job once I completed university was as a white van man before I went travelling. It was actually really good fun!
- What qualifications do you have?
I have a degree in building surveying from Northumbria University and a diploma in residential sales and lettings. I’m currently working towards an associate qualification with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, which certifies my commitment to client care, ethics, professional practice, and much more.
- What do you attribute your success to?
My ambition, my ability to back myself, and my strict timekeeping – all essential aspects of working in property! At John Minnis, we pride ourselves on going above and beyond for clients, and my willingness to get stuck in and get the job done helps build that trust and efficiency that we have become known for.
- How would you describe yourself to someone who had never met you?
I have a positive outlook and love finding people’s ‘forever homes’, so I think I’m naturally drawn to helping others. I enjoy learning and developing my skills, so I am extremely fortunate to have found a role within John Minnis that allows me to do just that!
- Who do you look up to in business?
Most of my experience and knowledge of the industry have come from working at the same company for over six years now, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance and expertise of John and the team at Ballyhackamore.
- If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
There is no doubt that Northern Ireland has become a very attractive place to live and work due to our world-class education system, top-notch public transport, and balance of business and leisure activities. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to complete some sales as a result of the issues within Northern Ireland’s conveyancing system, which can be rather slow. We need to streamline the whole process to ensure that Northern Ireland is benefiting from the surge of people from England, Scotland, and Wales choosing to relocate.
- What do you do in your typical day?
It might be a cliché, but no two days are the same! I usually start the day with morning prep before heading out to valuations and viewings, where I have the pleasure of meeting people from all walks and stages of life. In the Ballyhackamore branch we cover properties from the Holywood Road to Lisburn and Carrickfergus, so I never know where the day will take me, but I enjoy the variety.
- What website or app could you not do without?
Believe it or not, I could not do without PropertyPal and Property News. The apps and websites are great and I enjoy browsing, even when I am not working!
- What was the last book you read?
The last book I read was a golf book by Dave Peltz, Putting Out of Your Mind – although it hasn’t done much to help my swing!
- Tell us something interesting about yourself.
I am actually half Scottish and am named after the Ross Fountain in Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh!
- What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
I was born and raised in East Belfast, only ten minutes from our Ballyhackamore branch, and I’m a big supporter of local businesses, so in my spare time I enjoy checking out the countless coffee shops and restaurants in the area. I also play golf at Belvoir Park and hockey for Instonians and am passionate about encouraging the next generation of athletes – at John Minnis we sponsor a number of sports clubs so I am able to support youth development, fitness, and friendly competition.
