E35 Is it Time to Hire with Dan Lewis

In this episode, host Granger Forson sits down with Dan Lewis, founder of Worcester-based estate agency Free Agent 24-7. Dan shares his 20-year journey in real estate, from skiving college at 16 to launching a unique hybrid agency in 2018 with just £6,000. They discuss Dan's unique fee structures (including a buyer-funded model and a split-fee option), the importance of focusing on current clients to fuel word-of-mouth growth, navigating the unexpected loss of a business partner, and a practical coaching segment on using the "50-50 rule" and financial buffers to evaluate when to hire. Key Takeaways Pioneering Alternative Fee Models: Free Agent 24-7 stands out from traditional estate agencies by offering three flexible fee options: a buyer-paid fee ("Classic"), a traditional vendor-paid fee ("Switch"), and an equal 50/50 split between buyer and seller ("Split"). Human Connection Over Perfection:*Estate agency relies heavily on personal trust. Dan emphasises focusing 100% of your energy on clients who naturally buy into your team rather than worrying about prospects who choose another path. Nurturing Current Clients as the Primary Lead Engine: The most sustainable lead generation strategy is putting maximum energy into existing clients. Even when an immediate result isn't achieved, exceptional service creates passionate advocates who refer new business. Resilience Through Adversity: Facing major setbacks—from pulling night shifts at Tesco during COVID-19 lockdowns to managing the business following his co-founder's sudden passing—proved to Dan that he possesses the grit needed to navigate extreme crises. Hiring Outside the Industry: Some of the strongest team members come from outside estate agency. Fresh perspectives bring enthusiasm and unlearned bad habits, while core interpersonal skills and trust can be developed in-house. The "Hurdle": Knowing When to Scale and Hire HQ Staff Dan explores the growing pains of determining the right time to expand his central headquarters (HQ) support team to relieve operational bottlenecks without over-leveraging the business. Dan’s Perspective on Business "Success doesn't come to you, you go to it... In estate agency, you have to fight for everything, stay positive, and keep going. As long as you're doing the right things, opportunities will come." Resource Links & Contact Info Website: http://freeagent247.com Office Location: The Kiln, 2 Copenhagen Street, Worcester, WR1 2HB Socials:*Connect with Dan via his personal "Dan's Houses" channels or the main Free Agent 24-7 profiles.