We are Home Made: James
Here is the second article in our blog series introducing landlords and renters to our fantastic Home Made team! Together, we come from 21 different countries (and counting) and a range of industry backgrounds, and our diversity is our strength. This series showcases the unique individuals at the heart of our mission to make the process of renting and letting property better for everyone. Read on to find out more about the people taking care of your property needs.
Meet James, our amazing sales development manager and one of our longest-serving team members.
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Prior to joining Home Made, I studied Industrial Design at Bournemouth University and worked in a traditional lettings agency (a well-respected brand). I gained a lot of valuable experience but the archaic practices and throwaway culture really put me off. Thankfully, Home Made invited me to join shortly after the company was founded. I spent two years as a senior account manager before moving into my current role last year.
Outside of work, I’m an adrenaline junkie who enjoys anything fast-paced: surfing, skiing, endurance racing, and cooking a good stir-fry. I also love nature and animals and spend a lot of time enjoying the outdoors (my beard really completes the woodsman look).
Why Home Made?
I joined Home Made 3 years ago. Looking back it was certainly a risk, but one I was willing to take at the time as I was unhappy in my previous role and disillusioned with an industry that doesn’t treat landlords and renters with respect. After hearing the pitch and signing an NDA in a Notting Hill pub (I’m sure not the first this pub has seen) I was very interested. I handed in my notice the following morning and ripped my trousers on a glass table in my enthusiasm…
It has been clear since the start that the customer is always at the forefront of decisions made at Home Made, and this is the main reason I joined without hesitation. It’s great to feel as though you’re making a positive difference in a broken industry (especially one that most people can’t avoid).
What makes us unique?
The model is certainly unique, but aspects have been tried by others in the past with mixed success. What really sets us apart is the people we have here, who will always go beyond their roles to deliver for customers or their colleagues. It’s truly a refreshing and engaging place to work.
It’s been really rewarding to see the company grow from a handful of people working out of a tiny cupboard under the stairs into an award-winning startup with nearly 50 employees.
What is your favourite area of London and why?
The riverside footpath west of Hammersmith - great pubs stretching all the way down the river - unbeatable in the summer.
Fun fact:
During lockdown I built surfboards in a small garden shed, turning out two in quick succession with limited knowledge and tools. I’m very much looking forward to building more as a side project!
Read more about Home Made on our blog and website, or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Linkedin for useful info and updates. If you are interested in joining the team, you can view all the job openings we have available here.
