Sam and Phil break down when and why agency owners should consider hiring an Operations Manager, challenging misconceptions around the cost and value, and examining what an Ops Manager actually does day-to-day.

The right operational structure can support you to focus on growth and strategy and this podcast addresses common mistakes and practical solutions.

Some key takeaways:

➡️ The right operations support increases efficiency and lets estate agency owners focus on growth.
➡️ Hiring an ops manager too early or too late are both common pitfalls.
➡️ Defining roles, responsibilities, and expectations is essential for successful agency scaling.

Some great moments:

✅ “If you don’t have an operations manager, you are the operations manager. While you're managing operations, you're looking down, not looking ahead.”
✅ “Your operations manager is like the tactician who keeps the team working together, so you can actually score the goals.”
✅ “They should be able to increase everyone else's output by 10, 20, 30% in the company as a whole.”

Want to grow your agency with confidence?

Book a free strategy call with Sam
Get clear on what’s holding your agency back — and what to do about it.
https://www.samashdown.co.uk/call

Catch up on more episodes of Ignite Your Estate Agency
Smart, straight-talking strategies from the front line.
https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/ignite-podcast

Request an AJ Mastermind brochure
Call 015394 40892 or email emma@ajmastermind.co.uk

Join our private Facebook group
Connect with growth-minded agency owners like you.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ajmmforagencygrowth

Have a question?
Email Sam: sam@ajmastermind.co.uk
Email Phil: phil@ashdownjones.co.uk

Don’t miss our next live event
Find out what’s coming up:
https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/events

Sam and Phil break down the recent Panorama documentary "Undercover Estate Agents," offering an insider's take on how estate agency practices were presented on TV. What was really uncovered? And what was missed?

If you haven’t seen it yet, you can watch it here:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002fygs/panorama-undercover-estate-agent

How are industry perceptions shaped by documentaries like this, why is upselling commonplace and what is the difference between business reality and media expectation?

and reflect on the practicalities of compliance, commission, and serving both sellers and buyers.

Here’s how we can help you to IGNITE your agency:

BOOK A CALL WITH SAM to find out how to scale your agency

LISTEN to another episode

Request an AJ Mastermind brochure by calling 015394 40892 or emailing emma@ajmastermind.co.uk

Connect with a community of ambitious agency owners on our private AJ Mastermind FACEBOOK PAGE

For your questions, reach out to Sam Or Phil: sam@ajmastermind.co.uk OR phil@ashdownjones.co.uk

Stay updated on our upcoming EVENTS

Some key takeaways:

➡️ Media exposes rarely tell the whole story, understanding how your agency is perceived still matters.
➡️ Clear boundaries between ancillary services and sales advice protect clients and your brand.
➡️ Coaching and peer exchange can open doors to bigger, better instructions and build resilience.

Some standout moments:

✅ "If they go looking for dirt, in any industry, they’re gonna find it.”
✅ “You get what you pay for. You get what you don’t pay for.”
✅ “If you’re not paying for a service and then expecting amazing communication, well, there’s something not quite right on both sides.”

Want to grow your agency with confidence?

Book a free strategy call with Sam
Get clear on what’s holding your agency back — and what to do about it.
https://www.samashdown.co.uk/call

Catch up on more episodes of Ignite Your Estate Agency
Smart, straight-talking strategies from the front line.
https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/ignite-podcast

Request an AJ Mastermind brochure
Call 015394 40892 or email emma@ajmastermind.co.uk

Join our private Facebook group
Connect with growth-minded agency owners like you.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ajmmforagencygrowth

Have a question?
Email Sam: sam@ajmastermind.co.uk
Email Phil: phil@ashdownjones.co.uk

Don’t miss our next live event
Find out what’s coming up:
https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/events

Sam and Phil reflect on Ashdown Jones’ Q2 2025 and look ahead as Q3 approaches. Find out why regular reflection shapes performance, and why you should prioritise planning, even during quieter market periods.

Hear about the current market challenges, staffing adjustments, revenue targets, and the value of direct mail. Explore property sales trends, fee averages, and the impact of lost instructions, highlighting how estate agents can adapt to fluctuations and setbacks.

There are six strategic thinking questions AJ uses in their review which has been a useful tool for agency growth and clarity, finds out what they are as well as getting insights into new revenue streams, recruitment, and how to sharpen operational focus to maintain momentum.

Quarterly reviews and goal-setting contribute to transparency, team alignment, and measurable results, so listen out for strategies to navigate tough quarters and keep your team engaged.

Some key takeaways:

➡️ Quarterly reviews and transparent planning help your agency handle changing markets and team challenges.

➡️ Tracking KPIs, like valuations, listings, and revenue gives estate agency owners the tools to adjust quickly.

➡️ Streamlining operations and exploring new revenue streams supports consistency and growth.

Some great moments:

✅ "If you're listening to this and you never do reviews, then this is probably the bit that you need to listen to because I think they're really important to review and plan."

✅ "When revenue is good, that's when most people don't look at costs. They take their eye off the ball."

✅ "Every time we come to planning, we're like, well, we could do this or this or this or we can just buy properties."

Want to grow your agency with confidence?

Book a free strategy call with Sam
Get clear on what’s holding your agency back — and what to do about it.
https://www.samashdown.co.uk/call

Catch up on more episodes of Ignite Your Estate Agency
Smart, straight-talking strategies from the front line.
https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/ignite-podcast

Request an AJ Mastermind brochure
Call 015394 40892 or email emma@ajmastermind.co.uk

Join our private Facebook group
Connect with growth-minded agency owners like you.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ajmmforagencygrowth

Have a question?
Email Sam: sam@ajmastermind.co.uk
Email Phil: phil@ashdownjones.co.uk

Don’t miss our next live event
Find out what’s coming up:
https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/events