What do you actually do? I run a property investment business that enables clients to acquire off-market properties at market value or below and we also train clients to become professional property investors.

What attracted you to this career? I'd built up a successful property business part time and really enjoyed it, so I decided to do it full time. We opened McEwan Fraser at the start of 2004 and haven't looked back since.

What was your first senior job? Sales manager for an office equipment company.

Are you in the job for love or money? I'm in this job for love, first and foremost. I believe that if you love what you're doing and give your best to clients, the money side of things takes care of itself.

Was your first job for pocket money pennies or the first rung on the career ladder?

It was the first rung on the ladder, as I started out in sales.

Was yours a seamless logical progression or did fate lend a hand? It took me a while to figure out where my passion and career future would be best served and in the end it's been a logical progression to follow my interest and passion for property.

What has been the single most important stage of your career? The realisation that my ambition was to run my own property investment business.

Which stage has been most challenging and why? Setting up McEwan Fraser has been the most challenging stage of my career. When we started it was just myself and my business partner, with no staff and no clients. Luckily, we got our first client within a few weeks and our first property deal was for £3 million. We've now got eight staff and are currently looking to employ another four and open our second office.

What has been the essential element that has got you where you are today? My previous career in sales was a fantastic discipline in some of the qualities required for success - drive, determination, self belief, enthusiasm and a strong understanding of client needs - which have all stood me in good stead for my current role.

Any life changing magic moments along the way? The day we opened McEwan Fraser was a special one. Although it was nerve wracking, we were delighted to be running our own business and in control of our own future.

Any regrets? Only that I wish I had done this sooner.

What do you like least about your job? I'm not keen on administration. I much prefer to be spending time with clients.

Minimum 12-hour day or out the door by five? It's a minimum 14-hour day at the moment, because the business is in a rapid growth phase, but I'm hoping to cut back a little as we take on more staff.

Early bird or night owl? I'm more of an early bird - I like the peace and quiet when you get into the office before anyone else.

Best under pressure or well chilled? I'm chilled out once I know that all the necessary work has been done to produce the results.

Creative or logical? Most of my work is logical, based on figures, but I also enjoy the creative side, developing ideas that will take the business onwards and upwards.

Team player or lone wolf? As a salesman, I was more of a lone wolf, as that's what the job required to get results. Now, as a managing director, I'm more of a team player. Everyone at McEwan Fraser has something valuable to contribute in terms of strengths, skills and talents and it's exciting to see what we can create as a team.

Desk/office essentials? As I'm a bit of a hoarder, my desk could always be tidier.

Where do you see yourself in five years' time? I'd like the business to have expanded to four or five offices, with around 25 staff.

You've won the lottery: what do you do? I'd do exactly what I'm doing now and would use the money to invest in McEwan Fraser, taking on more key staff to help grow the business more quickly. I'd probably have a holiday or two as well though.

Recipe for winding down? Enjoying the company of my wife Diane and our two daughters, whether at home or on holiday.

Best well-kept secret? Becoming a successful property investor is much easier than people might think - and knowing the next Scottish property hot spot.

Last Updated: 12 May 2005 8:11 PM
Source: The Scotsman
Location: Edinburgh