In this episode of the Estate Agent Showdown, Matt welcomes industry titans Jamie Minors and Adam Horton to discuss their contrasting approaches to running estate agencies. Jamie, co-founder of Minors & Brady, emphasises the importance of team culture, high performance, and the challenges of scaling a business with nearly 100 employees. Adam, founder of Hortons, advocates for the self-employed model, highlighting the freedom and autonomy it offers agents. The conversation delves into the significance of marketing versus sales, the impact of AI on recruitment, and the evolving landscape of the estate agency industry. Both guests share their experiences, insights, and visions for the future, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics at play in the real estate market. Key Takeaways Business Models and Culture: There are two distinct business models in the estate agency industry: a high-performance, team-oriented model that emphasizes culture and collaboration, and a self-employed model that offers agents more freedom and autonomy. Each has its own set of challenges and benefits. Importance of Recruitment: Effective recruitment is crucial for both business models. Good or bad recruitment can significantly impact the growth and sustainability of an agency. The right talent can enhance performance, while poor hires can hinder progress. Marketing vs. Sales: There is a debate on whether marketing or sales should come first in a business. One perspective emphasizes that sales must come first to ensure cash flow and operational sustainability, while another argues that a strong brand and marketing strategy are essential for long-term success. Customer Experience and Retention: Providing an exceptional customer experience is vital for retaining clients. Strategies such as personalized follow-ups and thoughtful gestures can help improve customer satisfaction and encourage repeat business, as only one in eight consumers typically return to their previous agent. Industry Trends and Future Outlook: The self-employed model is gaining traction, but there are concerns about the quality of agents within this model. As the market evolves, there may be a consolidation of brokerages, with fewer but stronger players emerging, while the overall number of self-employed agents may continue to grow. Social Links YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattgiggs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giggsmatt/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@giggsmatt Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgiggs/ Jamie Minors https://www.minorsandbrady.co.uk/ https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jamie-minors-5ab96b96 Adam Horton https://hortons.co/ https://uk.linkedin.com/in/adamlhorton Host Bio Matt Giggs is a visionary property professional, industry leader, and the dynamic host of the Estate Agent Showdown Podcast. With 30 years of hands-on experience in real estate, Matt has built, grown, and inspired countless estate agents and businesses to reach new heights. Known for his no-nonsense approach and deep industry insights, he brings a fresh perspective to every episode, sparking candid conversations with top experts on the biggest challenges and opportunities in estate agency. Whether dissecting market trends or uncovering game-changing strategies, Matt’s passion for the industry and commitment to elevating professionals make him a must-listen voice in real estate. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/