International Men's Day

Why Jordan Simms, the Head of Property Management for City Centre is our inspirational man this International Mens Day.

How do you try to be a role model for those in your team?
I don’t believe in pretending to be perfect - it’s exhausting. I make mistakes (daily, probably before 10am), but I own them, learn from them, and move forward. My team see me fail, but I hope they also see the bit that matters - how I get back up, dust myself off, and keep pushing until we get it right. If I can show that resilience is more important than perfection, then I’ve done my job.
 

What inspired you to start a career in property?
I actually owe my career to the computer game: The Sims. As a kid (and, admittedly, still now), I’d spend hours building homes, redesigning rooms, and keeping my Sims alive - which was harder than it sounds when you forget to put a fire alarm in. There was something special about creating a space where people could live their lives and feel safe. Fast-forward to today, and I suppose that’s what I do in real life - just with fewer swimming pool “accidents” and more compliance checks.

How has your journey with Thornley Groves evolved so far?
I’ve been with Thornley Groves for over a decade - we’ve seen each other through thick, thin, and whatever comes after thin. There have been some really tough chapters, but we’ve grown stronger each time. The business is in a better place now than it’s ever been, and that’s down to every single person who stuck through the grind. It’s taken countless small steps - and sometimes a few leaps of faith - but each one has mattered. I always say, don’t rush from A to Z. You’ll miss all the brilliant letters in between.
 

What do you love about your job?
My team, hands down. I spend more time with them than with my own family, so creating a culture of trust, humour, and support is everything to me. We celebrate the wins, we tackle the chaos together, and we keep each other sane (most days). There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing someone in the team turn a stressful situation into a success - watching that moment of pride on their face is priceless. That’s what it’s all about.

What advice would you give to younger people entering the property industry?
Remember: we’re fixing toilets, not performing brain surgery. Don’t take angry phone calls personally - they’re never really about you. Just focus on solving the problem and showing people why you’re the best at what you do. Property Management is basically professional problem-solving with a side of diplomacy. Keep your sense of humour intact, stay calm, and take pride in the little wins - because they add up to something big.

How do you take care of your physical and mental well-being?
As someone who’s neurodivergent and has been through the darker side of mental health, I take my well-being seriously. Property Management can be emotionally heavy - no one’s ringing to say, “Hope you’re having a lovely Tuesday!” It’s usually, “My boiler’s broken and I haven’t showered in three days.”
So, I make time for myself. I jog for 45 minutes every morning before work - it clears my head and sets me up for the day. And on Tuesdays, I play badminton with three close friends (who also happen to be colleagues). We laugh, we’re competitive. It’s therapy disguised as sport.

Do you have a particular moment or accomplishment you’re proud of?
Winning Team Leader of the Year in 2017 and then winning Property Management Top Performer at the 2023 Lomond Awards were huge personal highlights. But honestly, what makes me proudest is seeing the success of people who started in my team and have gone on to do amazing things within the business. Watching someone you’ve mentored grow, develop, and lead - that’s the kind of achievement that sticks with you. Their wins feel like mine too.

What’s a fun fact about you?
For my 30th birthday, I decided the world needed a little more chaos - so I booked a professional clown photoshoot for myself. I was in full costume and full commitment. Then I made all my friends and family send me their own clown photos. It was part nightmare fuel, part masterpiece. Terrifying for some, hilarious for others - but perfectly on brand for me.