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Get to know Jake!
Jake Engerer is from the St Julian’s Letting Branch and like most young people, he is constantly on the move! Besides being one of the “Young Guns” in the company, he has been playing football since the age of 5, leading him to become a professional player in Malta. With seemingly boundless energy and a very full schedule, we had a hard time pinning him down… but we got there at last as he was touring with Sliema Wanderers FC during the time of our interview with him! Jake’s combination of being a professional sportsman and working in real estate is truly fascinating: it is well-known that people that hail from a background of competitive sport are known for their determination, their will to succeed, their tenacity and stamina to see things through when working in the corporate sector. Jake’s combination of sportsmanship and love for real estate is thus a great recipe for success, plus he has already at such a young age lived abroad for a couple of years which led him to have a good understanding of different cultures and people in general. Besides his passion for football, he has a keen interest in all things property and in his free time he likes to watch films, go out and play games on his PlayStation. This is what Jake shared with us about his life and career:
What can you tell us about yourself in under a 100 words?
I’m 20 years old and also currently studying at STC Higher Education: I am attending a course in business management and I also play football for Sliema Wanderers FC. I come from a family of only 4: there are my parents, my sister and I. When I was very young I went to St Michaels Primary and then moved to the National Sports School until Form 3. After that we moved to Italy for 3 years where I continued my studies at an Italian school.
Share with us something about your younger days, about growing up and also about your family…
I practically grew up at St.Michael’s Junior School playing football with Melita and then at the tender age of 14 – whilst attending the National Sports School – I moved to Italy to play football with Cesena F.C! I spent two years in Cesena, then moved to Frosinone F.C for 6 months and again return to Cesena for the rest of the season. At the time my family had to move with me till I was 16 years of age which meant that without them, none of this would have been possible!
Where have you worked in the past before joining Frank Salt Real Estate?
EF&CO, a certified accountancy company.
What made you decide to join the Frank Salt Team?
The freedom to work whatever time one wishes to, which is perfect for accommodating my football and studies.
Name the most important thing to you when it comes to client service…
For me the number one priority is honesty with clients!
Name something you have done that you are very proud of…
Playing football for the national under-21 team but also so at even younger levels.
In the rentals game, word-of-mouth referrals mean a lot to be successful. What do you do to keep clients happy?
I try to assist my clients in any way possible, even if it means doing something that falls outside my professional responsibilities and office hours. It’s more than just trying to find them a place to stay. For instance I will assist them in finding suitable schooling for their children, help with the arrangements for them to move and more.
What is the single most enjoyable thing about being in residential letting and why?
The most enjoyable thing to me is being able to help someone find a place urgently in impossible circumstances!
What advice will you give to someone who wants to become a rental agent?
If you’re willing to work hard, go for it! Working in a 9-5 position isn’t for everyone, so if you feel that way then I would suggest giving it a shot. You have nothing to lose!
What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
On most days I first go the gym and then rush off to work.
Name something you will never leave the house without!
My mobile!
You play professional football…what are the benefits of being fit to you mentally when it comes to your career?
It helps a lot with being disciplined and staying away from what is considered bad habits, but more than that, is definitely helps me with better time management.
What has been your biggest challenge to date?
This will surely be the fact that I’m currently juggling football, a career and furthering my education…all at the same time!
What is the one thing you wish you knew when you were younger?
The fact is that you never know what lies ahead of you in life. At this stage I think planning everything from a young age is a fairly futile exercise, because so many things will change as you get older.
What or who is your inspiration and why?
Cristiano Ronaldo. He is the reason I love the game of football and his mentality really inspires me.
Do you have any bad habits?
Yes, if it can be considered a bad habit: not knowing when to stop and calm down a bit with everything.
Tell us about the strangest dish you have ever eaten…
Shark meat!
If there’s anything you could erase in history, what would it be?
On a personal level it will be having joined a specific football team at the age of 16. Same as with one’s work life, it’s all about moving on to your next new challenge…but mistakes will be made so it’s all about moving on and learning from them.
What instantly makes your day a lot better?
Training and having a cold shower afterwards… first thing in the morning!
If you could relive one special moment in your life, what would it be?
Beating Northern Ireland both at home and abroad in the under-21 championships!
What is the best life lesson that you have been taught by your parents?
That having patience is key!
If you had unlimited access to money, what would you do?
I would buy a boat and also travel extensively.
How important is your phone in your life? Could you go without it for a weekend?
Yes of course, but I really can’t due to the nature of my job.
Name at least 3 celebrities you will invite to a party and tell us why?
Of course Cristiano Ronaldo but also Grealish and Walker. The latter are two funny characters and the other is my idol.
Do you ever cook and if so, what?
I don’t have much time to cook but when I do, it is mainly pasta.
What do you like most about living in Malta?
Having everything close by.
What do you think is the short answer to saving our planet?
World peace.
What will you do if you had a time machine?
Check out what state the world will be in, in 50 years’ time!
Give us an example of good manners you still practice…
Definitely respecting my elders…
Do you still keep in contact with any of your childhood friends?
Yes I do. Good friendships can never be replaced.
Some fun facts about Jake we'd like to share.
Cancer.
It depends on the day: if it’s during the football season, a soft drink at max… if it is off-season, a beer is nice!
A morning person for sure.
It has to be summer, as I can get up early and enjoy the whole day!
Never to get older than 22!
For being very energetic.
The list would be far too long to write everything down here!
Once again, for me it depends on what season it is. I like both nights that are chilled, relaxing at home and on the other hand I like having nights out on the town too!
Jake Engerer
Letting Consultant - St Julians Letting Branch
Jake is a letting consultant at Frank Salt Real Estate.
