Date Published 06 July 2023
At Stafford Johnson we are proud that our reputation as an independent estate agent means such a great deal to our clients. We've built up our relationships in Worthing, Goring and Ferring over more than 25 years and this relies heavily on our personal service style.
With that in mind, we thought it would be nice to let you know a little more about Area Manager Richard Davis.
Roots and branches
"My family relocated to Worthing when I was 8 years old, so I very much consider it my home town. I lived in Offington and then Goring by Sea as a kid," Richard explains by way of introduction.
So how did he start in the estate agency business?
"I worked for Halifax Property Services in Broadwater doing work experience and they obviously thought I did alright as they gave me a Saturday job mainly making the tea and photocopying," Richard says.
"I did a very brief stint working for Lloyds Bank when I left school but kept my estate agent Saturday job as I knew that was what I really wanted to do. A position at the branch then came up for a trainee negotiator, so I said goodbye to the bank and the rest is history!"
Working through the ranks is the time-honoured way to really get to know how a business runs.
"I remember my first area manager had me sweeping up leaves in the office car park as well as making the tea," Richard recalls.
Stafford Johnson
After 18 years at Stafford Johnson Richard is now Area Manager and he feels a sense of responsibility as the business has such a strong local profile.
"Being a smaller independent company our business has always been built on reputation and recommendation," he points out. "Neil Stafford & Ian Johnson worked hard, along with their wives Carole and Alison when they started the business from scratch in the 90's. Having worked closely with them for a long time, I am very much committed to continuing their legacy and making sure the well respected reputation we have earned over the years continues!"
With Ian recently taking a step back the gradual hand over of the reins was a natural and organic process.
"I suppose because I have been such a permanent part of the furniture for so long, many of our past clients will have dealt with me as much as they did Ian," Richard says. "Even though it has been Ian's name above the door, he has always considered me to be his right hand man which means a seamless transition has been straightforward."
Traditional aspects are a big part of the image of the company, so does Richard intend to ring the changes moving forward?
"Well we've had the decorators in and we've overhauled the office with new furniture which gives us a much more modern look," he explains. "But as far as how we work, I see very little change. We will continue to focus on working hard for our clients with what I like to call 'good old fashioned estate agency'."
"I want our emphasis to continue to be on integrity and providing excellent customer service to make sure we maintain the reputation we have worked so hard for."
Having so much personal experience in the local area, Richard knows how important it is to stand out from competitors.
"My team all live locally and have great local knowledge to share," he says. "I see us as an agent for all of Worthing, Goring and Ferring and as our office is based in Goring, we naturally get called on by local residents for help. So as they are on our doorstep, I guess we will always be seen as specialists for Goring and Ferring as well."
Richard has an 'out of hours' interest that mirrors the way he helps people in his day to day role.
"I had an early mid-life crisis in my mid thirties and got myself a personal trainer who over the space of a year got me fit and running half marathons!" he exclaims. "I was hooked and then at one gym an instructor suggested I should train for the position too."
"So I did my fitness qualifications and I have now been teaching a variety of group exercise classes in various gyms in the local area for the last 10 years," Richard says.
"I love doing it because it's always satisfying to help people achieve their goals, whether it be in fitness or moving onto their dream home," he adds.
Starting out in the estate agency business at a young age means Richard also wants to help others follow a similar career path.
"It's certainly a career that I love and I learnt what I know on the job," he says. "As estate agency is quite rightly to become more regulated over time, there are many opportunities now to study and gain job specific qualifications whilst working in the industry, which we certainly support here at Stafford Johnson."
Does he have any advice for those looking to follow in his footsteps today?
"I would encourage youngsters who have an interest in the business to start at the bottom, not be afraid to do the ground work, listen a lot, learn from colleagues and then the world is their oyster!" answers Richard.
As the personal touch is such a big part of the success of Stafford Johnson, Richard encourages people to contact him personally to discuss property matters of any kind.
"Anyone looking to sell, buy, let or rent in our area can come into our Goring office at 325 Goring Road BN12 4NX, call 01903 501105 or email richard@staffordjohnson.co.uk. I will be delighted to help as best I can!"
