COFFEE BREAK WITH… Alex Rex, Associate Director – Pubs & Restaurants

When did you join Christie & Co? 
February 2020.

Where were you when you accepted your role at Christie & Co?
I was on the train back home from London after meeting the Global Managing Director, so that was an excellent journey home!

What was your first job?
I worked as a shop assistant at a newsagent's.

In a couple of sentences, can you tell us a bit about your job at Christie & Co?
I help clients sell or acquire pubs and restaurants across Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. I also work alongside the Regional Director of the Pubs & Restaurants North team to help us hit our goals.

What’s your favourite thing about Christie & Co?
The people - likeminded individuals who are highly skilled, all driving for the same goal. The depth of knowledge and experience throughout the team is incredible.

What’s been the biggest challenge of your career so far?
I started working at Christie & Co in early 2020, and within a month, we were in lockdown. So, I started my Christie & Co career working from home, selling hospitality businesses from my shed when my background was entirely in residential sales. Adapting and learning quickly when I was well out of my comfort zone, against a backdrop of complete uncertainty, was a challenge.

What’s been a highlight of your career so far?
I was lucky enough to win the award for running the EA Masters Best Sales and Lettings Branch in the country in 2018. That team stands out in my mind as one of the greatest I’ll ever work with. It was a great night of celebration and a culmination of a lot of hard work.

How has the industry changed since you started at Christie & Co?
Dramatically - I think the estate agency industry has undergone maybe 20 years' worth of advancements in the last five years due to COVID-19 and other factors. I think it’s fantastic, though!

Who in your industry do you feel most inspired by?
Thinking away from being an agent, it's the business operators that we provide the service for. They overcome challenge after challenge in this ever-changing landscape, especially in the pubs and restaurants industry at the moment. They provide a service for everyone across the country and continue to do it whilst facing constantly moving goal posts.

Tell us a bit about your life outside work – what are your hobbies?
I love all sports really, but my main ones are football and tennis. I do spend most of my time outside of work now with my daughter and son, who are four and two.

What’s your hometown? Where do you live now?
Leeds. Such an underrated city!

Where’s the best place you’ve been on holiday?
South Africa for our honeymoon was incredible!

What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Liars and hypocrites.

What would be your desert island meal?
Fish and chips, followed by all-you-can-eat ice cream!

What’s your favourite film?
It’s a Wonderful Life.

What is your favourite movie quote?
“A toast to my big brother George, the richest man in town.” For those who’ve seen It’s a Wonderful Life, they’ll know it’s a classic film moment!

What is one thing on your bucket list?
To go to all the four tennis grand slams – two down, two to go!

What is your biggest fear?
Snakes.

What news source do you read every day?
Sky Sports News…

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