#1. So, what’s your favourite word?

“Why?”

#2. We’ll ask why later. What gets you up in the morning?

My children. We’ve recently moved house so most mornings see me being woken up by the alarm clock of excitable children discovering things to love about their new home.

#3. Oh to be young again. What do you truly, honestly think of social media?

I must admit, I’m a bit of a novice. If I’m honest, I feel sometimes it’s done for the sake of it, without strategy or much focus being applied.

#4. Kindles or books?

Books – I don’t have a Kindle. Actually, for me there is something about the tactile nature of a book. With so much technology around, it’s good to go old school; a book rather than an ebook, a record over a file.

#5. Couldn’t agree more. What do you think is the biggest challenge to the property industry right now?

Across the board, it’s regulation and qualifications. Forget the market ups and downs, there are so many people doing jobs they’re not qualified to do, without legislation. The property market is fraught with red tape and obstacles, and there are a lot of people out there, winging it and getting it away with it.

#6. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to work in the Foreign Office as an ambassador or diplomat.

#7. You are spoiling us, Jon, with these answers. What led you to your current career?

I don’t know *smiles*. After university, I became a TEFL teacher then read an ad which asked if I liked the sound of my own voice. I did. So I started selling telephone advertising, moved onto Rightmove, Zoopla, Property Finder and the rest is history.

#8. Can you use your favourite word in a sentence?

Why is it always wine o’clock somewhere?

#9. Now can you make it rhyme?

Why and wine rhymes, doesn’t it?

#10. What advice would you give to your younger self?

Apply yourself and don’t think anything is too much hard work. Go for it.

#11. What’s the best thing anyone’s ever done for you?

I am lucky to be surrounded by thoughtful people – that keeps me going.

#12. Tell us, what’s been your ‘career-defining’ moment?

Getting the first deal over the line in this startup environment really meant a lot. I’ve had the opportunity to meet some incredible people on the way to this point, Nick Leeming being particularly invaluable in helping with introductions.

#13. If you won a big award of some kind, who would you thank?

Myself. *laughs*. Depends what it was for really. There could be a long list.

#14. Can you give us a timesaver of the day?

In the world of digital, take some time to sift out the crap, put your emails into priority order and make lists. My day starts with a checklist and if it’s not all checked by the end of it, then I haven’t achieved that day.

#15. You’ll always be an achiever to us, Jon. Where do you see your industry in 24 months?

Hopefully better equipped from a software perspective than it’s ever been.

#16. Where were you 24 months ago?

At Zoopla, probably in the London office, probably admiring the autumnal winter sunshine.

#17. Very poetic. What’s an interesting fact about your company?

It’s all based on an idea discussed over alcohol. Wine was definitely involved. There are only six of us but it feels like it’s much bigger than that. You don’t need monolithic organisations these days. Oh yes, and between us, we speak 10 languages.

#18. If you could have a 24-minute Skype chat with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

My dad.

#19. What’s one word you’d want people to describe you with?

Gregarious.

#20. Would you mind taking a selfie for us?

Refer to above.

#21. What’s your favourite Twitter handle or social media campaign?

I really like Portico – they get it and don’t try to be anything they are not.

#22. Great advice there, both for life and for social media. What’s one quote that defines your work ethic?

Always do what you say you are going to do.

#23. Hear hear. What’s been the best part of your day?

Finally getting to the office today – achievement.

#24. *fist pump emoji* Finally, anything to plug?

Yes, for sure. Get in contact for a free demo of the software or pick our brains for property software advice.

Jon can be contacted on 020 3751 5628 or email jon@resident.uk.com.

The post 24 questions with Jon Burrough of Resident first appeared on 24 fingers.

The post 24 questions with Jon Burrough of Resident appeared first on 24 fingers.