Estate managers with military backgrounds.

Paul Harrison, Development Manager, West End Quay

Walter Arciaga, House Manager, River Gardens

Morris Dickson, Estate Manager, Holborough Lakes

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NOTB: Why do ex-military personnel make good estate managers?

PH: Although people might not realise it, being a Development Manager has lots of similarities to working as a soldier. For example, you often see young soldiers who served as guards become concierges as there is still an element of keeping a block secure – just as you would on camp. From day one a soldier is taught to be driven, punctual and honest so there are lots of transferable skills. For example, when I run the concierge shift it reminds me of when I used to run the guard shift. Being a Development Manager, you need to be methodical and logical, which are two skills I definitely honed during my time in service.

WA: When you have even a little bit of military background you can bring security training, discipline and problem solving to the block. It helps a lot as on a daily basis you don’t know what will come up.

MD: The services have always installed a very profound self disciplined code and I think that ex service people look for work where they can use this skill.

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NOTB: What qualities do you think make a good Estate Manager?

PH: I believe in the three F’s – you need to be firm, fair and friendly. You also need to be self motivated, diligent, a good problem solver and have good communication skills.

WA: You need to be organised and comfortable with people of all levels. You have to go the extra mile for the residents, and it helps if you are supported by the managing agent.

MD: You have to be diplomatic and listen to you residents; they pay the wages.

NOTB: Have you had any difficult issues to cope with in your job?

WA: On a couple of occasions, I managed to practically save residents lives. At my previous block, there was a fire and the tenant was incapicitated, so I had to keep calm and help her out of her flat. The military training kicks in. Also on a daily basis you get leaks etc., and you need to be organised, and use common sense. But it can get frustrating when contractors don’t turn up or inconsiderate tenants affect the other residents. You just try to find solutions.

MD: We have had a severe fire which luckily did not involve any injuries; however nine families had to be re-housed on the estate. Suicides, sudden deaths, car accidents, vandalism, insurance claims - just remain calm and do not panic.

NOTB: What do you like most about the job?

PH: Being a development manager means you are dealing with lots of questions but it’s rewarding when you can quickly and successfully solve any problem – which I really enjoy doing. Helping the residents is primarily my main role.

WA: The day to day running of the building because you have to deal with staff, building maintenance, assisting the managing agent by resolving problems, or concerns arising from the residents. It gives you satisfaction that your block is running well and is in pristine condition.

MD: I have always been able to talk with people and I find it really interesting finding out their experience and talking about my own. I enjoy helping residents.

NOTB: What one thing makes your day special?

PH: It is always nice when a resident will personally say thank you for either helping them solve an issue or for keeping the block maintained to its highest level.

WA: Appreciation from residents or the managing agent.

MD: If a residents says thank you, you have done your job.

NOTB: The Development Manager is sometimes referred to as the “unsung hero” of the block. Would you say this is a fair synopsis?

PH: I think you’re only as good as your team as there is a huge team effort when maintaining any development.

WA: Yes, we contribute to the making of a block. If the staff aren’t doing their job, it affects the atmosphere of the block and the satisfaction of residents which in turn reflects on the managing agent.

MD: I have found that my residents really appreciate the work I do and mostly the words I hear are ‘you’re a star’.

>>Paul joined the Royal Regiment of Artillery and completed 22 years of full service, serving all over the world including the Balkans and Iraq. Paul ended his service as a Sergeant Major. Paul is proud that his son has followed in his footsteps and is a Lance Corporal in the Royal Engineers, and has recently been deployed to Afghanistan.
>>Managed by Consort, 467-unit West End Quay is located in Paddington, London and has a mixture of residents of all ages and backgrounds.

>>Walter was a Private in the Infantry of the Philippines Army before he came to the UK and has been working in estate management for 12 years.
>>116-unit River Gardens, managed by Farrar, is located along the Thames next to Fulham Football Ground, which “adds a bit of excitement to the location” particularly as some celebrity footballers live in the building. On match days the crowd can be heard while the game is ongoing. There a swimming pool, sauna, two communal ponds, and a big garden.

>>Morris served as a Warrant Officer in the Royal Fusiliers and was in the army for 39 years. During his 39 year career with the Army, Morris served all over the world including: France, Belgium, Holland, North Africa, East Africa, Central America, South America, and the Ukraine. The last fifteen years were as a Senior Estate Manager in Germany and Cyprus.
>>Built by Berkeley Homes and managed by the Residential Management Group, Holborough Lakes in Snodland, currently comprises 300 properties ranging from one bed apartments to five bedroom houses, with another 700 to be built over the next few years. Residents include social housing and private landlords, as well as some celebrity footballers and models.