Derek Chalmers

Mar 13 2007 By Evening Gazette

Member of board of management, Middlesbrough-based Michael Poole Estate Agents.

What did you want to be when you were young?
A professional footballer. The new Kenny Dalglish. I wanted to score the winning goal for Scotland in the World Cup Final. As you can see, I had a vivid imagination.

How much was your first pay packet and what did you spend it on?
Around £30 per week. I seem to remember spending it on driving lessons.

What's your dream job other than your current one?
If I could not fulfill my dream of being a footballer, I would have liked to be an architect.

What's the best piece of business advice you have received?
Your business is only as strong as your weakest link.

And the worst?
When working for a previous estate agency, I was told I was not there to sell houses!

What is your philosophy when it comes to business?
Under promise and overachieve.

What are your hobbies?
I enjoy most sport, in particular playing football. I try and spend as much time as I can with my wife and two young children.

What's your top financial tip?
As you would probably expect an estate agent to say, my financial tip would be to invest in property.

Does anything scare you and if so what?
Yes, two things. My wife's shopping habit and her credit card bill.

What would you choose as an epitaph?
Taken at his prime aged 105