Stuart Nickloes
Stuart Nickloes on making property personal
After almost 20 years in the property industry, Stuart Nickloes decided it was time to put the ‘human’ back into homebuying. He’s now the Managing Director of Bricks & Mortar, an independent estate agency in Newcastle upon Tyne that embraces the personal side of property. Stuart told us about his career leading up to Bricks & Mortar, his daily routines and what he attributes to his success.
Edited by Ruby Guyler Photographs by Christopher Owens
Tell me about your background and career.
Well, it's been a little over 19 years since I took my first steps in the world of property. To be honest, I landed my first job in London thanks to a savvy friend who pocketed £500 for recommending me, and honestly, I almost quit a dozen times that first week – it felt like I was in a never-ending episode of "The Office" with my own comedy reel.
I've had the privilege of working for some of the biggest names in the London property scene, but after about 12 years, I decided it was time for a change. That's when Bricks & Mortar began to take shape. I certainly won't take all the credit; great partners and lady luck certainly played their part, and being in the right place at the right time didn't hurt either!
Tell me about Bricks & Mortar. What do you attribute to its success?
Bricks & Mortar Estate Agents is a fiercely independent agency covering the Newcastle upon Tyne area. We're firm believers that property transactions are more than just deals; they're deeply personal journeys.
Since 2003, our ethos has been simple - making property personal - and we're dedicated to sticking to that. As for our success, it's all down to our fantastic team of like-minded individuals who are truly passionate about all things property. Being independent allows us to break away from the crowd, forge our own path, and celebrate our uniqueness in this industry.
What do you love most about what you do every day?
To be honest, running a business means I don't often get to enjoy the moments I first enjoyed when entering the industry. However, there's still something incredibly exciting about watching our team hand over keys to new homeowners, and I cherish the moments when I get to carry out market appraisals on properties.
Have you had to make sacrifices in your chosen career, and have they been worth it?
No one who runs a business is immune to making sacrifices, and I'm no exception. It's been a challenging journey, but if I were sitting in my rocking chair one day pondering whether I'd do it all over again, knowing what I know now, the answer would be a resounding YES!
“There’s still something incredibly exciting about watching our team hand over keys to new homeowners.
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What are some of your daily rituals and why are they part of your routine?
I'm an early riser; the day starts at 5:30am with a gym session, and I'm in the office early.
I firmly believe that if you want to be the best, you have to put in the work when others are still asleep.
What does work/life balance look like for you?
Ah, the mythical work/life balance, the unicorn of our modern age! Thankfully, I have wonderful friends and family who remind me to find that balance. It's a work in progress, but their support keeps me grounded.
How do you stay focused and productive in a world of distractions?
It's tough, but having a routine is my saving grace. Without it, I'd be like a kid in a candy store, distracted by everything.
“Being independent allows us to break away from the crowd, forge our own path, and celebrate our uniqueness in this industry”
If you had the power to change the world, what would you change?
If I could change the world, I'd wish for everyone to be a little kinder, not because they know someone is watching them or trying to create a TikTok trend, but because kindness is at the core of what makes us human. Call me a bit of a hippie, but that's the change I'd love to see.
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