COFFEE BREAK WITH… Simon Jackaman, Director - Hotels

When did you join Christie & Co?
Originally from 1992 to 2008, and I returned in 2023. On both occasions, I joined the Ipswich office.

Where were you when you accepted your role at Christie & Co?
Cyprus, as I had gone on holiday immediately after my interview. The tan looked good on my first day.  

What was your first job?
A residential estate agent. I was selling houses before I was legally old enough to drink.

In a couple of sentences, can you tell us a bit about your job at Christie & Co?
I work out of the Ipswich office, within the Hotels - South team. I cover the eastern region (Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambs, Herts, and Beds) and north Essex for hotels, both agency transactions and acquisitions.

What’s your favourite thing about Christie & Co?
It's always been the people. There has always been a great family feel around this company, a sense of belonging. The longevity of colleagues within the company who have been around for 30/40 years. Few companies can offer that level of experience, and so much of that is being passed onto the next generation.  

What’s been the biggest challenge of your career so far?
I’ve been around long enough to have seen two or three recessions and a pandemic, which was an experience. But I would say the banking collapse of 2008 presented the most significant of challenges.

What’s been a highlight of your career so far?
Deciding to return to Christie & Co in 2023. It’s just the right place to be.

How has the industry changed since you started at Christie & Co?
When I first joined, there were no computers or mobile phones. I had an index box card system for my buyers, and loose change in the car to call the office from a phone box to check if I had any messages. There is a lot of compliance and due diligence now, but I would say that the industry is far more professional and service-driven. 

Who in your industry do you feel most inspired by?
Jim Owen, or ‘JO’ as he was referred to - one of the original founding partners of Christie & Co. He had so much experience, knowledge, and would give so much encouragement. During a recent office refurbishment, we found a poster of him for when we opened our Paris office. I’ve put it up on the wall and feel his presence.

Tell us a bit about your life outside work – what are your hobbies?
I’m married (20 years) with two children, one of whom is now an adult and driving, so I’m no longer required for Saturday morning football duties. The other is taking GCSEs, so helping with revision takes up a lot of my current free time. I have had a season ticket at Ipswich Town F.C. for 40+ years, which has been a roller-coaster of a ride in recent years.

What’s your hometown? Where do you live now?
Born, schooled, and grew up in Ipswich, so a true East Anglian. I now live with my family on the east Suffolk coast, about 12 miles from the office.

Where’s the best place you’ve been on holiday?
Sydney, Australia, albeit only for five days for a wedding, but I will go back one day when I’m retired to have a proper look around.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?
People who answer their phone then say they are too busy to speak.

If you could live and work in any city, where would you go?
Sydney, more specifically, Manly, to watch the beach volleyball.

What would be your desert island meal?
I love a pie.

What’s your favourite film?
I could watch old Ealing comedies all day long, but if I had to choose one, then that’s easy, Kind Hearts and Coronets.

What is your favourite movie quote?
From the movie Glengarry Glen Ross (every agent/broker must watch this movie) - “Put that coffee down! Coffee is for closers only”.

What is one thing on your bucket list?
To wake up tomorrow.

What is your biggest fear?
Getting dementia, I’ve seen too many great people suffer from it.

What news source do you read every day?
BBC/Sky news apps.

What’s your social media platform of choice?
LinkedIn.

To read more of our “Coffee Break with…” blog posts, click here.