BUSINESS PROFILE
Thomas Avery, Rhubarb Property
geezer image [of estate agents]. There’s definitely been elements of homophobia.
You get a feeling sometimes when you’re dealing with a client, and you can sense that maybe they’re being slightly different towards you because they know you’re gay.
So, it’s just a casual homophobia that I’ve had to overcome.
Do you think that image of a typical property person puts people off?
I’d say so. Buying property and renting property are big steps for a lot of people. It can be quite a stressful time, and I think people want to have faith and feel as if they’re in the hands of someone that cares and somebody that’s on board with what they want, as opposed to being overpowering. No one really likes to feel that.
Has the industry altered?
Definitely. It’s had to change, and I think people’s attitudes have, too.
What’s next for Rhubarb?
This year, we’re really trying to push the interiors side, but also, since moving to London, I really want to focus on building the business here and enlarging our management portfolio. I think what’s next is having an all-in-one property package to offer our clients.
One last question: I saw on social media that you’re a fan of Michael Jackson and you can dance! Where did that come from?
[Laughs] I’ve been a fan of Michael Jackson since I was very young. I’m very much into my music and art and theatre, which is actually where the inspiration for Sell Buy Design came from. I was just really inspired by his [Jackson’s] dancing, but I ended up taking a different road.
“People want to have faith and feel as if they’re in the hands of someone that cares”