Sophie’s career develops apace at Preston Baker

Meet Sophie Garlick; a woman with a goal

Sophie Garlick is a woman with a goal; to grow the reputation and reach of the New Homes department at Preston Baker throughout Yorkshire, and she is already well on track.

It’s just over two years since psychology graduate Sophie Garlick took a job with Preston Baker Estate Agents as a Lettings Negotiator; she is now the company’s New Homes Sales Manager looking after a team, helping take the New Homes department at Preston Baker from strength-to-strength, and is on the company’s Management Development Programme.

Sophie, who joined the company with no previous property industry experience, said she is extremely grateful to Preston Baker for encouraging and supporting her career progression through the company.

From Lettings Negotiator she moved to Land and New Homes Negotiator, and was then promoted to her current role as New Homes Sales Manager. This role covers a multitude of responsibilities, including managing and maintaining relationships with developers and managing the New Homes team.

“It has been a quick progression and I am really grateful to Preston Baker for investing the time in me and developing me,” said Sophie.

“I now want to grow the New Homes team, build and nurture existing and new developer relationships, planning, development and sales of new sites across Yorkshire.”

Sophie said the Land, Planning and New Homes side of the business was booming, with landowners and developers choosing to work with the team due to its specialist knowledge and success. In 2020, the company’s New Homes and Land departments were instrumental in the disposal of over £80m in property.

“We are a very close team and provide a level of service and specialist knowledge that our clients really value. The whole New Homes team has been upskilled with professional training, including the Consumer Code for Home Builders and construction process, and this, combined with our innovative new build marketing, instils huge confidence in clients.”

Sophie loves working with Yorkshire developers and being involved in the entirety of a project, from planning through to development and sale.

“There are some amazing local developers in Yorkshire building phenomenal houses and it’s fantastic to be involved from the start, go on to a site during build and then to find buyers for the new houses. All the new homes we market are high quality with great attention to detail.

“It’s a real honour to be involved with the process and I really enjoy securing a new site, marketing the site, finding buyers and working closely with a developer throughout.”

Sophie knew as soon as being interviewed at Preston Baker that she wanted to work for the company.

“I got a really good feeling from my first interactions with the company,” said Sophie.

“On my first ever visit to the office, Ian Preston, the Managing Director, met me at the door and made me a coffee. That made a strong impression on me and it has been the same ever since; the company is just really invested in people and giving real career progression opportunities.

“I have learnt so much from people here. James Baker, the Land and New Homes Director, is always available to help, support and mentor, giving advice whenever needed. There is open and free access to the senior management team which is tremendous for the company and everyone working here.”

Sophie is confident she can progress further within the company and said there is no barrier to career progression at Preston Baker.

“It’s all about having the right attitude and personality, being willing to learn and asking any questions you may have. Training is always available and there is the opportunity to work in any area of the business you are interested in.”

Sophie, who lives in North Leeds and enjoys visiting the area’s local coffee shops, is looking to buy her own first home soon. She spends a fair amount of her time socialising with her Preston Baker colleagues.

“We are a very close team sharing the same aspiration and goals and really support each other. We have regular nights out; the next is a Flamenco dancing night!”

Pictures show Sophie.