Built to Perform with James Hallworth – Ep.3: Shaun Simons on Innovation & Disruption in Property

In this episode of the Build to Perform podcast, host James Hallworth converses with Shaun Simons about his journey from school dropout to a successful entrepreneur in the commercial property sector. Shaun delves into his early days, founding two businesses, Hatton Real Estate and Compton, comparing their growth to the evolution of the iPhone. He highlights the importance of understanding the consumer perspective in property, details his disruptive and innovative approach to real estate, and expresses his thoughts on business culture and working from the office. Shaun also shares insights into current market trends, challenges in property planning, and the importance of creativity in property development.

00:00 Introduction and Initial Gripe
00:19 Guest Introduction: Sean's Journey
00:58 Early Career and First Business Ventures
02:15 Building and Selling Hatton Real Estate
02:25 Founding Compton and Business Philosophy
04:06 Challenges and Rewards of Being a Business Owner
07:40 The Importance of Personal and Brand Identity
13:56 Innovative Marketing Strategies: Compton TV
17:07 Consumer-First Approach in Property Market
24:55 The Role of Culture and Office Work
26:03 Debunking Work From Home Myths
27:43 The City Fringe Focus
28:45 Passion for Design and Architecture
31:36 Navigating Market Trends and Challenges
38:44 The Importance of Location and Flexibility
41:25 Adapting to Industry Changes
44:47 The Need for Evolution and Revolution
50:09 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks