Meet Our Team: Sam Ashburner

When it comes to creating the perfect new home and providing excellent levels of service throughout the homebuying journey, there are many people across Miller Homes who are involved in that process. In our efforts to highlight ‘the Miller Difference’ and conveying the importance of the work of our employees, our latest series of blogs will consist of interviews with various members of our teams located up and down the country.

Here we talk to Sam Ashburner, a Land Buyer in our Southern Region.

Name, position and how long you have been in the property industry?

My name is Sam Ashburner, Land Buyer and I have worked for Miller Homes for 18 months.

What does your job involve?

My role covers a wide variety of skills, ranging from assessing land that has just come market, to meeting with solicitors to finalise the purchase. The ultimate aim is to source land that enables the company to build the most desirable new places to live. One of the most important elements is building strong relationships with vendors and agents and maintaining a reputation as a reliable, trustworthy company to work with. Miller Homes has established a reputation based on integrity, attention to detail and strength of character.

What did you do before you joined Miller Homes?

When I completed my degree, I wasn’t sure what career I wanted to pursue. I was attracted by the headline salaries offered by investment banking, but after just a few weeks in the city I knew that I instead wanted to work in an industry that produced something tangible that I could be proud of.

I left to learn more about property and completed a masters degree. It was at this point I discovered Miller Homes.

What skills or qualifications do you have?

I have a degree in Economics and a masters degree in Town Planning.

What attracted you to a career with Miller Homes?

Everyone I have met here says there is something different about Miller Homes compared to the competition, and I’d have to agree with them. There is a supportive culture that gets results through constructive collaboration rather than a fear of failure.

The result of this is a company where everyone is welcoming and anyone can be approached with a question, no matter how simple. Even though I am at the start of my career, senior management are interested in my opinion and listen to what I have to say. They might not always agree, but it’s that universal level of respect that makes the company so satisfying and engaging to work for.

What tips would you give to someone wanting to enter the industry?

There is a huge range of roles available within the housebuilding industry. I believe it’s important to get experience in as broad a spectrum as you can before deciding to pursue a career in your favourite area. For me, this meant learning about the economy, becoming an electrician, learning about town planning and ultimately deciding that I most enjoyed the early stages of property development – land buying. Be patient and listen carefully to advice of everyone you encounter.

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