Liberty Blue Estate Agents
Regina Mangan set up Book A Room, The Accommodation Co Ltd in 1997, the first lettings and property management company in Waterford. The company was rebranded to Liberty Blue Estate Agents in 2014 when it expanded into residential property sales. They have won multiple national property awards and are recognised as the number one Google-reviewed estate agent in Ireland. The company’s mission is to showcase Waterford as a great living place. Why not subscribe to “The Waterford Property Watch Podcast” from Liberty Blue Estate Agents? There will be lots of helpful information and advice from experts you can trust. https://lnkd.in/gmYCZRJC
Good Friday 1997: The Day It All Began – In Regina Mangan’s own words
This weekend marks a personal and professional milestone, 30 years since I moved to Waterford. I arrived on the bus on Good Friday in 1997. I was 23, didn’t drive, knew no one, but I had grit, determination, and a brand-new role setting up an apart-hotel called Adelphi Wharf Suites. I joined the Waterford Chamber of Commerce and Network Waterford, which helped me grow my network and become part of the Waterford business community. I went to every event; in fact, I pretty much went to the opening of an envelope. At 24, I became president of the Network Waterford branch, where I made some great contacts and friendships. Terrified of public speaking, I joined Toastmasters, which hugely helped me.
From Start-Up to Survival Mode: In 1997
I saw a gap in the market and launched Waterford’s first property lettings and management company. I was 25, clueless, and had £7 Irish punts in the bank. Thankfully, I had a great relationship with my bank manager, Nora Widger, who gave me a £10,000 overdraft (a fortune at the time). The Local Enterprise Board supported me with a £7,000 employment grant. It took me seven years to turn a profit. To keep going, I launched a second business, Blue Chip Marketing & Events. I became an agent for Stena Sea Ferries, ran festivals, golf classics, and conferences, and handled marketing for hotels and holiday homes. I even did PR for a theatre company, which I loved, but it paid peanuts. I didn’t have any qualifications in marketing or PR, just a passion for it, and I needed it to work. My only qualification after school was a certificate in typing and shorthand. The speed typing has come in handy over the years -:)
The Breakthrough Moment
One networking connection changed everything. I was introduced to a major property investor. He hired us to manage over 100 apartments. Suddenly, we were at the heart of a growing property market. Bookaroom (our original brand) was in the right place at the right time. We dropped the side hustles and focused on lettings and management full-time. Things were flying for a while. Then the crash hit.
The Crash & The Comeback
Clients who’d bought apartments for €400,000 watched their value plummet to €35,000. Our income dropped drastically, too. But we’d learned to mind the money in the lean years, and that discipline carried us through. By 2014, the clouds began to lift. We decided to expand into property sales, terrifying, but necessary. The first property I sold was my hairdresser’s house. It had been on the market with another agent for three months. We had it sale agreed in seven days. That’s when I realised we were good at this.
Enter – Liberty Blue Estate Agents
In 2014, we rebranded as Liberty Blue Estate Agents, focused on selling, renting, and managing residential property. Since then, we’ve continued to grow. We’ve built a strong, values-driven team and a brand that reflects who we are: straight talking, innovative, energetic and do the right thing. We are helpful experts who show case Waterford as a great place to live.
13 Lessons From 30 Years in Business
1. Feel the fear, and do it anyway.
2. Find a mentor. You need a sage voice in your corner.
3. Network, network, network, and build relationships.
4. Hire well. Skills can be taught, but attitude can’t.
5. Fire fast. The wrong people cost more than money.
6. Obsess over the details. Small things make big impressions.
7. Sales and marketing are oxygen. Have a plan and implement.
8. Know your numbers, every single month.
9. Surround yourself with great people. Internally and externally.
10. Always be learning. Podcasts, courses, mastermind groups.
11. Use video. It works. Don’t wait for perfection, start now.
12. Systemise everything. Reduce, eliminate, automate.
13. Choose your mindset. You’re either in BED (Blame, Excuse, Deny) or OAR (Own, Accountable, Responsible). Choose wisely and hire wisely.
And finally… 30 years on, I’m still passionate about people, property, and progress. Waterford gave me my first big break, and I’ve never looked back. To anyone just starting out or thinking about taking the leap, do it. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.
| Regina Mangan, Managing Director & Auctioneer | |||||
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