What qualifications do you have?
I have a bachelor’s degree in property investment, appraisal and development from Ulster University and I am a qualified chartered surveyor through the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
What do you attribute your success to?
My folks - they supported any endeavour I pursued. A ‘treat others as you would like to be treated’ approach was instilled in me from a young age, and I strongly believe this has helped me progress in a professional capacity. Also . . . hard work.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
Funny, charming, kind, generous, thoughtful, intelligent. Anyone who knows me would no doubt tell you otherwise.
Who do you look up to in business?
I’ve had many peers that I have looked up to. One that stands out is Dougie Wheeler who is hugely respected within our industry, he has had fantastic success yet carries himself with a great deal of humility, which is always something I have admired.
How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
Team work - working collectively, communicating well and showing trust in the team around you makes a big difference. It’s important to know when to celebrate wins, and a small bit of encouragement can go a long way. Also recognising the importance of a work life/balance, work is important but chilling out every so often and going on holiday even more so.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
The return of a Stormont government, which had reflected badly and acted as a deterrent for potential inward investment, will hopefully now help untap ours potential.
What website or app could you not do without?
Skyscanner - I’ll use any excuse to get away on a trip!
What was the last book you read?
The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer - a highly intellectual read.
What car do you drive?
I initially inherited my granny’s 2001 Toyota Yaris (automatic – it was like a go kart) with 140,000 miles on it. I’ve since changed to something slightly more reliable, but the Yaris was my first true love.
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I was ballboy in a tennis match between John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg! And yes, I am being serious.
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
Over the years I have played a lot of sport, mainly tennis, golf and hockey but golf currently tops the list. The annual golf trip with friends is hard to beat (it has nothing to do with the beers).