This Week on the Podcast: Ian Wilkinson, Going All In on the Brokerage Model
After 25 years in estate agency — including two decades building the respected brand Snowden Wilkinson — Ian Wilkinson is starting again.
But not from scratch.From experience.
In this episode, Ian shares why, at the height of his success, he sold his stake in the business he’d spent 20 years growing… to launch something entirely new: Agent MXM, a boutique-style brokerage designed to support high-performing, self-employed agents.
We talk about:
✅ Starting his first agency at 23✅ The emotional (and financial) leap of leaving his own brand behind✅ Why he believes the brokerage model is the future — and how to do it right✅ What “being all in” really looks like as a mindset, not just a move
Whether you’re thinking about expanding, stepping away from the high street, or just want to hear what it takes to truly bet on yourself — this episode is packed with real insight, hard-earned lessons, and honest reflections.
🎧 Tune in now — and bring a notepad.
#EstateAgency #BrokerageModel #SelfEmployedAgents #IanWilkinson #AgentMXM #Leadership #FromAgentToOwner #AgencyGrowth
--------
38:54
--------
38:54
Building a Business Without a Blueprint – with Simon Ward of Mr Green Estate Agents
This week, I’m joined by Simon Ward, founder of Mr Green Estate Agents in Dorset—a business he’s built from the ground up over the past 15 years, without ever having been an estate agent himself.
And that’s exactly what makes this episode so valuable.
Whether you’re just thinking about going out on your own, or you’ve been running an agency for years, Simon shares hard-earned lessons that every estate agent can learn from.
💡 In this episode, we cover:
Why understanding your numbersis non-negotiable
How to balance business with family life(and where it gets hard)
What it really means to think like a business owner, not just an agent
The mindset shifts that drive sustainable growth
And of course, one of the best lines I’ve ever heard on a podcast:“It’ll all be alright in the end. And if it’s not alright, then it’s not the end.”
Simon’s story is a brilliant reminder that success doesn’t require the perfect background—it requires purpose, clarity, and a willingness to think differently. A relentless journey of learning.
🎧 Tune in now to The Utterly Indispensable Podcast for Estate Agents—this one’s full of gold.
#EstateAgency #SimonWard #MrGreen #BusinessMindset #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #EstateAgentPodcast #UtterlyIndispensable
--------
50:38
--------
50:38
Solving the Sales Progression Problem – with Laura Harvey
If you think sales progression is just about chasing solicitors and waiting for updates... think again. In this episode, I’m joined by Laura Harvey, founder of Property Fastrack, whose business was born not from within the estate agency world—but from the frustrations of being a buyer herself. And that’s her superpower. Laura’s approach is refreshingly different. She’s not here to follow broken processes—she’s here to fix them. From reducing fall-throughs to speeding up completions, she’s on a mission to make transactions smoother, smarter, and far more client-focused. 💡 One of the big takeaways? Sales progression starts way earlier than most agents think—long before the offer is agreed. So, if you’re tired of moaning about 19-week transactions… This episode might just change your mindset—or your move-out date. 📦 Tune in and learn: • Why estate agency “norms” often hold progress back • How outsourced sales progression can protect your pipeline • What agents can do before a listing goes live to avoid chaos later • And how Laura is reshaping an entire part of the industry by solving problems, not just reporting them 👂 Listen now—and if you want your deals to move faster, cleaner, and with fewer headaches… Laura might just be the answer.
--------
37:36
--------
37:36
Turning Followers into Clients with Kevin Abraham
In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Abraham—a real estate marketing strategist and ghostwriter who helps real estate CEOs turn cold leads into warm deals using 5-day educational email courses. Kevin shares how agents and founders often get stuck chasing vanity metrics—likes, views, and followers—without generating real, qualified leads. We dive into the systems behind converting attention into appointments, and why trust-building (not constant posting) is the real game-changer. What might surprise you? Kevin’s also studying Biomedical Science at university. Yep, he’s a self-proclaimed lab geek—and as it turns out, applying scientific testing principles to business and marketing delivers serious results. 💡 Highlights include: The hidden power of email over social media Why most agents confuse visibility with credibility How to build a reusable lead-gen asset that works on autopilot The one mindset shift agents must make to stop chasing and start attracting Whether you're an agent, founder, or just tired of posting into the void, this episode is packed with practical takeaways to improve your lead flow and start turning eyeballs into income. 🎧 Listen now and start making your marketing matter.
--------
42:34
--------
42:34
From Failed Rock Star to Marketing Maverick - A Chat with Toby Martin
This week on The Utterly Indispensable Podcast for Estate Agents, we dive deep into one of the most fascinating career journeys you'll ever hear. Meet Toby Martin - a man whose winding path from failed rock star to comedy club struggler, from terrifying secondary school classrooms to lettings director boardrooms, has somehow led him to become one of the property industry's most innovative marketing minds.
Toby's story is proof that life rarely follows a straight line. What started as dreams of musical stardom and stand-up comedy glory eventually evolved into a passion for property that now helps estate agents across the country stand out from the crowd. As the West Country Regional Executive for ARLA Propertymark, a trustee for The Propertymark Trust, and a mentor with Agents Together, Toby has built a reputation for being bold, innovative, and memorably different.
In our conversation, Toby reveals how every seemingly unrelated chapter of his life - the stage fright from bombing comedy gigs, the communication skills honed in rowdy classrooms, the creativity from his musical pursuits - has contributed to his unique approach to property marketing. His prolific social media presence across LinkedIn, TikTok, and Instagram has earned him industry accolades and something close to a cult following among property professionals.
The real magic of Toby's story lies in his philosophy: just put one foot in front of the other, because you never know where you might end up. At each stage of his journey, he had no idea where he was heading, yet every experience was building toward something bigger.
This episode is packed with marketing takeaways that will help your agency cut through the noise, plus an inspiring reminder that your seemingly random experiences might just be preparing you for something extraordinary. Whether you're struggling to make your mark or looking for fresh ways to differentiate your business, Toby's insights will leave you thinking differently about your own journey.
About Utterly Indispensable Podcast for Estate Agents
Welcome to The Utterly Indispensable Podcast for Estate Agents , your go-to podcast for insights, tips, and inspiration in the world of estate agency. Join us as we interview industry experts, successful estate agents, and thought leaders who share their experiences, strategies, and innovative ideas.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, our episodes are packed with valuable content designed to help you elevate your skills and enhance your services. Tune in to discover practical advice and fresh perspectives that will empower you to become a top-performing estate agent and take your agency to the next level.
Subscribe now and start your journey towards excellence in estate agency!
#EstateAgency #RealEstate #Podcast #IndustryInsights #ProfessionalGrowth
Ireland