More about Monks. Judy’s 30th anniversary.

As our Queen celebrates her Platinum Jubilee in June there are also special celebrations taking place at Monks…

A 30 year – Pearl Jubilee celebration for Co-Business owner Judy Bourne and what better way to mark this than to get an insight into the life of one of Shrewsbury’s longest practising female Estate Agents.

Insights from 30 years in the Estate & Lettings industry with Judy Bourne.

Take us back to the beginning – how did it all begin…

I just kind of fell into Estate Agency – I was working as an Admin assistant on one of the Government’s Youth Opportunity programmes which I knew wasn’t for me and I applied for a role as a Secretary (as we were called back in the day) at what was John German Ralph Pay on the High Street. I was there for over a year before I began maternity leave.

That was where my bug called `passion for property’ began – Back in 1992 I was itching to get back to work and Estate Agency was where I knew I wanted to be and I secured a role as a Sales Negotiator with G A Property Services in the Square I moved from there several years later to D B J Property Services where with the support of the Partners my career began to gather momentum and I will always be truly grateful to them for their trust and belief in me, in what was very much a male dominated industry at that time. In the early 2000’s Nock Deighton took over DBJ and I enjoyed some wonderful experiences during my time with them before moving on to try something new.

Did you ever want to try something new other than property?

No, definitely not. Property has and always will be my passion (she laughs).

A great opportunity arose for me in the world of New Build which was exciting yet daunting at the same time.

I joined the reputable firm of local developers at that time Jennings Homes as their Sales Manager and began to spend my days in hard hat, high viz and rigger boots on muddy sites and roof tops of scaffold – and I loved it! I embraced my time at Jennings, I remember sitting in meetings in the early days with the technical build terminology going right over the top of my head, never frightened to ask questions and therefore had the fortune to learn from the best. Sadly, these days came to an end too soon as they were bought out by a National House Builder and after a short time I realised I did not want to be part of the Corporate world.

What was next for you then?

2006 – 2007 – I went solo and opened my own agency Jamieson Bourne with the help and support of my wonderful parents. Not a time I like to dwell on but a time which became the biggest learning curve in my life – 2007 we saw the property market crash and not having had enough time to establish the brand and business I had to close the doors – I’m not ashamed to say it broke my heart at the time, but it also made me stronger and I came back fighting and I had the fortune to join forces with Monks Estate and Letting Agents.

You are now a Director and co-owner of Monks?

Yes, one of my proudest achievements to date.

My amazing, supportive business partner and friend, Patricia and I worked alongside the then Partners, Richard and Mary Cambray to build and strengthen the brand of Monks and we were honoured to have been offered the opportunity 7 years ago to buy the business which we have and will continued to grow with pride.

We bet you have seen some changes over the years?

Oh yes… how things have changed – back in the day we didn’t have the technology we have today – we would peel the backs off photographs to stick on details, spend hours pasting adverts onto sheets for the newspapers, our applicants would be registered on cards in little boxes – the famous hot boxes were for proceedable buyers, computers were huge and mobile phones the size of bricks.

Is there anything you miss that has changed over the years?

Most definitely – the personal touch. Technology has evolved so much and our industry now seems to exist in a text and email environment brought about by the busy lives everyone leads.

Can this be changed?

We certainly think so at Monks. We believe in communicating by picking up the phone and talking to our clients. We have embraced their busy schedules and enhanced our availability so we are there when it is convenient to them – out of traditional office hours 8.00am – 8.00pm weekdays and on a Sunday 11.00am – 3.00pm.

Estate Agents have a certain reputation?

Unfortunately as with any Industry there are bad eggs that tarnish the good and we suffer the brunt of many a comic joke and some mistrust – this is a small minority and at Monks we stand PROUD of our values and reputation we have strived hard to earn.

What have been the highlights over the years?

Gosh where do I start, there have been so many and one day (if I retire) I would love to write a book. I guess the main one has to be joining Monks and meeting my supportive business partner Patricia. We are a great fit and bounce off one another, each having key strengths within the business that compliment one another – you could cut us both in half and we are Monks green through and through.

I am also very proud to have been entrusted as the chosen agent with our clients most valuable assets – it is a privilege to work in our wonderful County Town, bringing people and property together.

So what next for you?

Well I am not going to be hanging up my rigger boots anytime soon – I absolutely love what I do, property is my passion and Monks will grow from strength to strength over the coming years.

On a personal front – how do you enjoy life outside of work?

I consider myself very lucky, I have two sons, Scott and Ross, who I am exceptionally proud of, both growing their own successful businesses, a very supportive husband Russell, who also embraces Monks and is often seen donning the Monks Monkey outfit at Festivals.

I love spending time with my wonderful family and friends and enjoying my holidays. I have travelled to some wonderful places including Japan, India and Australia and have many more places on my bucket list – when work allows.

Who are Monks? In a nutshell it all comes down to HOME four words that define who, and what, we are:

Honest. Original. Motivated. Empathetic.