A Message from our Founder: Sami Robertson

Six years ago, I walked out of Knight Frank leaving behind a 15-year career as one of the youngest partners leading a flagship office. The previous senior partner had spent a week briefing me on the partnership – it was one of the toughest decisions I’d ever made. Big financial commitments loomed (four children to support), and I went to bed thinking I’d stay. But at 2 am, I woke up feeling wretched and knew it was time to go.

Five days later, Covid hit, and the world flipped. Messages flooded in saying it was the worst time to leave a blue-chip firm and start on my own. “People thought I was mad,” I recall a close friend Marco Pasi saying, “I thought you were mad or very rich… turns out you were just mad.” But it worked out. Covid sparked huge movement, and it turned out to be a great time to go solo. As they say, be bold in times of crisis.

My first client was an Asian client who wanted out of London and into the countryside. “Surely you can leverage your contacts and find us somewhere?” they said. I was like, “Okay, yes, of course.” The market was shut, but I got them ahead of the game. When it reopened, we had a shortlist of thirty properties.

Covid rules meant only two people per viewing. So they went first, and I followed in my blue family van (see pic for proof!). We had that incredible April weather with constant sunshine.

We ended up viewing forty properties, but it was the first one that was right. They’re unbelievably happy there – I even saw them get married at the house. It was rewarding for many reasons. It was my first deal with a client who has become a good friend, and it was done with my old pal Stuart Cole, who was selling the house “off market”, and also Hina Bhudia, who sourced the finance. The lawyer was Belinda Frixou at Judge Sykes Frixou. We all worked hard and Harwood Advisory was off the mark.

Covid made everyone re-evaluate what’s right for them. Although estate agency looks the same, the model has changed – you don’t need an office or a desk, just your phone and a proactive approach. It’s about the client and getting the deal done. That freedom has allowed me to explore new things – like WILDPOOL, a passion project that has sold over 2.3k units and fully funded on Kickstarter in 27 minutes. It’s taken me into a completely new industry, combining creativity with my love of swimming.

My point is, always follow your gut. If you’re stuck in a rut, ask yourself: is it time to try something else?

Leaving lunch at Waterside Inn, Picture; Stuart Cole, Charles Penny, Alasdair Pritchard