I’m a former Royal Marines Commando, serving a full 22 year career. Originally from a small village in Ayrshire in the South West of Scotland. I have now relocated to the South West of England with my wife, also a veteran of 15 years as a Nurse in the Royal Navy who grew up in Plymouth.

My time in the Marines was mostly spent based in Devon, so as an adopted Janner, we hoped to settle down in the Plymouth area. With great delight we managed to secure a dilapidated dormer bungalow by the river Tamar in the “gateway to Cornwall”, Saltash. It required a much needed full renovation both inside and out. We had a clear vision and goal to completely transform the property even with our non-existent experience of property restoration. It was certainly a very daunting but exciting prospect.

 Unfortunately we hit a major stumbling block just a few weeks into the build, our building firm collapsed leaving us badly out of pocket and questioning how and would we be able to continue? We were very close to having to sell and lose our dream home, however refusing to be beaten, I took the daunting but decisive decision to project manage the build whilst also being the on-site labourer to try and salvage the project.

During my time in the Royal Marines there were certain integral core values which have been instilled in me; determination, courage, self-discipline and some much needed humour in the face of adversity were a few. These helped me focus, I had the instilled mind-set to roll up my sleeves and using as much resolve as I could muster whilst still working a full time job, I got stuck in.

I learned a lot over the following 18 months, liaising with building control, architects, structural engineers, plumbers, electricians, roofers, carpenters, plasterers, window fitters, and ground workers all to name a few. It was without doubt one of the most stressful times of our lives, however, the sense of achievement when we finally got to a stage where we could move in, made it all worth it!

After all our hard work and commitment, we are now privileged and grateful to be living in our dream forever home!

There were many low points throughout the project, but the sheer sense of accomplishment against some pretty sizable odds has sparked a huge passion in property. Which I have now decided to take into my second career, as I have made the decision to become self-employed as an associate of Keller Williams UK Estate Agents. 

My new mission; To provide my clients with the exacting standards of both Keller Williams and previous career whether you’re selling or letting your property. To uphold the core values I held dear during my time in the Marines as I continue them unselfishly into the next chapter of my work and life.

I am acutely aware how important and stressful this experience can be, so, my top priority; To take you through selling or letting your property, step by step, giving all the help and advice possible, but most of all, to make it an enjoyable and positive experience.