At Horton and Garton, we’re always pleased to offer work experience placements to young people keen to learn about the world of estate agency. As a business with deep roots in the local community, we think it matters to share what we’ve learned over the years with the next generation.
It was a pleasure to have John’s 15 year old nephew Dex with us for his work experience week.
Dex travelled down from Manchester and immersed himself in every part of the business, gaining hands on experience while learning about property sales, lettings and property management.
What follows is a look back at his week with us, from viewings and valuations to a memorable end at the theatre.
A week of work experience
Over the week, Dex saw what a busy West London estate agency looks like from the inside rather than from behind a desk.
He shadowed the sales team on property viewings, went along with negotiators on appointments and joined market appraisals and valuations across our three offices. He also spent time with the marketing team at properties being prepared for professional photography, seeing how homes are presented for sale.
It was a brilliant opportunity to see how many different skills come together in estate agency from building relationships with clients and valuing homes to presenting properties in the best possible light.
To round off the week, some of the Horton and Garton team headed to The Old Vic in Waterloo to watch Glengarry Glen Ross, David Mamet’s legendary play about the fiercely competitive world of property sales.
Before the matinee performance, the team enjoyed lunch together at The Backstage Bar, making it a memorable end to an action-packed week.
A Review of Glengarry Glen Ross
Watching Glengarry Glen Ross live at The Old Vic was an intense and engaging experience. David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play remains one of the most celebrated dramas ever written about the high-pressure world of sales.
It was later adapted into the acclaimed 1992 film starring Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, Ed Harris and Kevin Spacey, with Alec Baldwin’s opening speech becoming one of the most quoted scenes in cinema.
Seeing the story performed live brought an extra sense of tension and realism.
The performances were exceptional, with every actor convincingly portraying the desperation, ambition and rivalry between struggling salesmen chasing increasingly elusive deals.
Mamet’s fast-paced dialogue, razor-sharp humour and sparse office setting ensured that the audience remained focused entirely on the characters and their relationships.
Although the play depicts an exaggerated and ruthless sales environment, it explores themes that remain relevant today: communication, resilience, confidence, ambition and the importance of maintaining integrity in a competitive industry.
It also serves as a reminder that success achieved without honesty or teamwork ultimately comes at a cost.
Having spent the week observing real estate professionals at Horton and Garton, the contrast couldn’t have been clearer.
The play dramatises the darker side of sales culture, the work experience demonstrated how modern estate agency is built on trust, local knowledge, professionalism and long-term relationships with clients.
Three Iconic Quotes from Glengarry Glen Ross
Perhaps the three most famous lines associated with Glengarry Glen Ross are:
- “Coffee is for closers.”
- “ABC – Always Be Closing.”
- “The leads are weak? You’re weak.”
These quotes have become part of business folklore and are still referenced in sales training and popular culture today.
Why is it called Glengarry Glen Ross?
The title comes from the names of two fictional property developments Glengarry Highlands and Glen Ross Farms.
Throughout the story, the salesmen compete to sell plots on these developments, despite the land itself being of questionable value.
The names are deliberately evocative, suggesting prestige, exclusivity and prosperity, reinforcing the play’s themes of illusion, persuasion and the seductive nature of sales.
A Fantastic End to the Week
For Dex, it was a fantastic conclusion to an eye-opening week at Horton and Garton.
Alongside learning about property sales, valuations, marketing and customer service, he also experienced one of the greatest plays ever written about the world of selling.
The day perfectly combined education, entertainment and team spirit. It was enjoyed by everyone and provided plenty to discuss long after the curtain came down.
Overall, Glengarry Glen Ross is a gripping, thought-provoking production with outstanding performances, a powerful script and timeless themes.
Whether you’re interested in theatre, business or property, it is a production well worth seeing.
As always, to discuss your property related matters with a member of the team please do get in touch.
