In Profile: Robert Scarff, Countrywide

I became an estate agent becausefresh from school, I needed a job and was offered a position as a trainee sales negotiator at the first and (so far) only job interview I've ever had.

The biggest threat to our industry isbeing complacent about the speed at which the expectations of the public are moving.

My proudest moment in estate agency isbecoming Managing Director of the Dixons subsidiary of Countrywide in Birmingham at the age of 32 and leading it from bottom of the league in 1991 to top of the league in 1995.

My biggest mistake in estate agency isbelieving what people told me without checking their evidence.

The most stressful part of my job iswhen I know that something that I could have controlled has left a client or a colleague unnecessarily disappointed.

If I could change one thing about estate agency it would bethe introduction of minimum standards and licensing. It works in financial services, why can't it work in estate agency

My one piece of advice for young agents isyou'll get further with a clever brain and hard work than you will with a clever brain alone.

The best thing about being an estate agent isknowing that in some small way you've helped customers achieve their dream.

*Robert Scarff is Managing Director of Countrywide Estate Agents

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