We’re pleased to tell you more about our new commercial property investment partner, Richard Goodall, who has just joined our Birmingham office.
Richard, who specialises in commercial property investment acquisitions and disposals, development funding, and strategic portfolio advice, has joined us from Jones Lang Lasalle (JLL), where he was director of capital markets.
As you’ll find out, he’s a lover of the outdoors, and counts diving and skiing amongst his sporting repertoire.
We spoke to him to find out a bit more about what makes him tick.
Where are you joining Vail Williams from?
I was at Jones Lang Lasalle (JLL) for over five years as director of capital markets and prior to that, I was a partner at King Sturge.
What do you specialise in?
For the past 30+ years I have specialised in capital markets and commercial property investment, so I am looking forward to applying this knowledge and expertise in my new role to grow Vail Williams’ investment business throughout the Midlands.
What attracted you to your new post at Vail Williams?
Having spent many years at my previous employer, I found myself looking for a new challenge. I have worked at large, international firms in the past, so I welcomed the opportunity to join a smaller, more personable firm like Vail Williams, whilst still benefitting from its strong brand reputation.
What are your ambitions in the role?
I will be seeking to grow the investment business service line in the Midlands, and I am very much looking forward to getting stuck in.
What’s the best thing about working in property, and why?
It has to be the variety of people you meet, and the wide range of individual and differing instructions you become involved with. I’ve been lucky enough to work on some really interesting projects in the past, and this is what gets me out of bed in the morning.
What was your first ever job?
I was a ‘Refuse Technician’ for the local council! (Bin man!)
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Run hard and run straight (rugby!).
If you had to recommend a good book, what would it be, and why?
IKON by Graham Masterton – an unbelievable (but in the present day, believable) plot revolving around Russia controlling the United States post the Bay of Pigs conflict and the Kennedy assassination.
Tell us a surprising fact about yourself
In my prime I was a Ski instructor – hence the recent installation of a new knee!
Have you ever had a hair-raising moment, if so, what was it?
Dry suit diving in the Sifla National Park in Iceland between the Eurasian and North American Tectonic plates
What’s your favourite band?
The Blues Brothers
If you could work in any other profession, what would it be and why?
Something outdoors to do with the land or forestry, so I could experience first-hand the changing seasons.