Kings has been one of our longest running recommenders, and was one of the first to become branded. They are without doubt one of the most dynamic firms we deal with, and over the years have celebrated great success, having won many ESTA awards.
Roydon Weekes is definitely the man in charge of residential sales, and his grasp of detail is head and shoulders above many other agents. He also has a very clear vision of what he expects of his staff, and of us, and I really like that.
What is your working history?
When I left school, I started working in the sheet metal fabrication industry and was happy in a manual role for some time. Eventually though it came to a point where I was happy with the work I was doing, but not the earning potential. I had a think and made the decision that sales would be for me.
I joined Kings Group in 2004 and really enjoyed my new role and the atmosphere (I actually looked forward to Monday mornings). I quickly learned how to earn a good wage, which helped me progress quite quickly through the ranks and in 2009 I was made Estate Agent Sales Director, which is my current role.
What is your proudest moment at Kings Group?
I’ve had a few promotions along the way, which have all made me proud, however I am actually proudest when I hire a new staff member and they go on to win awards, be it a monthly or yearly award. I am proudest of this because it is good to see that they have been able to achieve what was discussed at the interview stage and how they are constantly progressing in their role.
Before working at Kings Group, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
Prior to working at Kings Group, I took a job selling Kirby Vacuum cleaners. These were £1,895 apiece and the role involved cold calling and direct selling. The job was interesting, as it was a really tough sale, but I genuinely believe that if the price was just £500, 100% of the people I visited would have bought one!
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to yourself before starting your career?
That it doesn’t matter who you are having a disagreement with, you won’t win every battle, you can’t win every battle and that you don’t need to win every battle.
What is your favourite film/book and favourite quote from it?
My favourite quote: “There can be only one”. Growing up I was (and still am) into action films and I remember my older brother and I watching Highlander starring Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery. I must have seen this film 100 times, to the point that I was able to quote most scenes word for word.
If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you?
Someone with my dashing looks obviously! Cuba Gooding Jnr springs to mind, or maybe Idris Elba? But it would probably be the kid from the Everybody Hates Chris TV show. I doubt my life is interesting enough to grace Hollywood, but if it did, I would just hope that the audience were able to see that my confidence comes from throwing myself into any situation and not taking myself too seriously.
Do you have a motto or personal mantra?
I wouldn’t call it a mantra but I am big on “what’s the worst that could happen?”
I feel that too many people are afraid to take small risks, so I remind myself to do so with that simple phrase, which I think helps bring some perspective to situations.
What is on your bucket list?
To see the Great Wall of China from space. Unfortunately, I’m still trying to get my space money together. I wouldn’t say I have specific things that have to be ticked off, I feel like I have done lots in my life which make me feel content. I would just want to get the most out of life before my time comes (boring I know).
What is your biggest pet peeve about the property industry?
To be a successful agent is so hard, especially nowadays, sometimes agents are having to work 60 plus hours a week to meet the demands and needs of clients, but the media still portrays agents as lazy liars who only care about commission and not the client. Granted, there are some cowboys out there, but I’d like to see a shift in public perception someday.
What are your hopes for the future of the property industry?
I would love some stability to come back. I was never a fan when prices were going up at a ridiculous level, because I missed dealing with real first-time buyers that were actually using their savings to get on the ladder. Hopefully we’ll see better deals and rates for young first-time buyers so that can become a reality again.