One of the industry’s most colourful characters has been found dead.
Nigel Green became known after setting up an Apprentice-style job interview process, designed to find a star recruit for his business based in Newton Abbot, Devon.
The competition, which drew national headlines, was staged in 2007. The prize? A job in his estate agency.
One year later, just before the market was crashing, Green then went on to take it further, fronting a version of the X Factor – Nigel Green’s Yes factor – where applicants sung, danced and juggled, not because they wanted to find a career in showbusiness, but because they wanted to work for Green.
The final took place at the Grand Hotel in Torquay. “And, yes, I’m the Simon Cowell in this,” Green said with glee.
His rationale was that you had to be a performer to be a good estate agent. “You have to put on a show,” he said, adding: “I love being an estate agent.”
Shortly after, disaster struck when the business went into administration, and in 2009, eight offices closed after staff had worked without pay.
Green tried but failed to buy his business, Nigel Green Property Sales and Rentals, from the administrator.
There were reports of financial irregularities and also a police hunt for Green, reported missing but later found by the side of a reservoir. He was taken to hospital but survived.
Green, of Paignton, Devon, was found dead last week at his latest and current business, Target Property Services, with the cause of death confirmed as hanging.
The coroner has been told that no note was found, and a full inquest will take place at a later date, the local newspaper reports.
Comments (9)
Thank you everyone for your kind comments. Dads life was Estate Agency. He did it for 44 years. He gave his life to it as I remember from my childhood and now I have been in the same industry for nearly 17 years. He’s the reason I am what I am. I will continue to strive forward and be half the estate agent he was. Rest in piece Dad. You were my hero, my inspiration and your ethics will love on in me, your son. X
Such an awful loss – to those who knew and loved him; to our industry – and to the world in general.
Very sad news. He was a lovely guy. Rest in peace mate.
Very sad news Nigel was my First MD with Mann & Co 30 years ago a man I learnt a lot from and was an industry leader in his time our thoughts go out to his family Rip Nigel.
I first met Nigel back in Bristol, possibly 30 years ago when he was working with Mann & Co. He (and others he worked with) became friends and contacts. Like Nigel I eventually moved south to the Exeter/Newton Abbot area. I remember a forward thinking driven man and have nothing but fond memories of him, and what life was like ‘back in the day’. My thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP Nigel.
Thank you for your kind word is in regards to Dad Rob. The family and I appreciate it. RIP Dad.
A terribly sad tale. As someone who has been treated for both depression and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) in the past, I would say to anyone who reads this and feels that life is not worth living; that it is, things will get better, you will smile again and people do care about you. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness or failure.
Hats off to you, Chris, for such an extremely open and moving post.
You genuinely are an asset and inspiration to our industry.
Obviously a troubled individual. Thoughts go out to his family.