The Two Russells

Two brothers. One incredible journey. Matt and Neil’s story starts in Chelmsford with junior neg jobs, diverted phones at funfairs, and even setting up what they believe was the UK’s first online estate agency back in 2002. Life wasn’t easy...their parents divorced, they lost their dad young, and at times the brothers fell out completely. But grief, graft, and a pub fight (!) brought them back together. Since then, they’ve built something special. From Neil leaving the police to focus on lettings, to Matt grafting 13 days straight on door knocks, their paths merged in 2014. Today, they run a £1m turnover agency with 13 staff, managing sales, lettings, and HMOs all while raising families and staying true to their roots. This is a story of resilience, ambition, and a partnership built on trust. With a brand that’s growing in a unique way, their mum as their biggest fan, and their sights set on the future, Matt and Neil show what happens when brothers back each other all the way.

We’re kicking off Season 3 of The Two Russells with none other than Mark Burgess, founder of Iceberg Digital a man who’s lived ten lives before most of us have had breakfast. Mark went from growing up in some of the toughest parts of East London, caught up in gangs and battling addiction from 13 to 18, to buying properties with no money, leading in estate agency sales, and ultimately building 7- and 8-figure businesses. He’s now the author of three best-selling books, an international keynote speaker on AI, marketing, and Big Data, and the creator of Iceberg Digital’s AI operating system for estate agents that’s changing the industry. This conversation is raw, dynamic, and inspiring. A story of resilience, reinvention, and always staying one step ahead.

From a social media post to the Two Russells' big chair. We spotted a Facebook post that Kim McGinley published back in April that talked candidly of her anxiety at addressing a big crowd at an event Kim spoke at. 'This', we thought, 'is worth exploring'. Roll forward to June and our diaries aligned and we had the pleasure of speaking to Kim in our London studios to talk about 'that panic attack' and anxiety generally. Is it crippling? Or can it be utilised as a strength? A little nervousness keeps us all on our toes, after all. Well, we spoke about all that plus life as an entrepreneur in financial services, juggling family life, being a social media influencer and more. Tune in for yet another fabulous journey unwrapped on the Two Russells. Be inspired...

What’s it like to be the first female house builder MD?And why would that person choose to then go an work in Azerbaijan?As ever, the Two Russells prove these questions and more, of this week’s podcast guest, Sarah Pasco.The house building sector has become significantly more balanced in recent years in respect of senior women in the sector. As leaders, as board members etc.Sarah discusses how being one of the first female new homes bosses showed others ‘what was possible’ and, she hopes, paved that path (no pun intended).Now, in her latest role at Taylor Wimpey having first been promoted to MD at Laing Homes, Sarah continues to deliver as an entrepreneurial leader. It’s for nothing to do with gender. Merit is merit.

“Estate agency marketing is sh*t. Discuss”This is one of the questions that the Two Russells put to Marketing Empress Kirsty Franks See how she responds by listening to the latest Two R’s podcast. And if you’re inspired by stories of strength through adversity, it doesn’t get more emotional and challenging than what happened on the night of Kirsty’s engagement party…

Geoff Wilford founded Wilfords estate agents after a roller coaster career selling luxury homes in the Caribbean. But as he was about to bank enough commission from well-heeled celebrity buyers that would make him a millionaire, his world cam crashing down and he ended up with nothing. One day he drove up to the gates of the ‘rock star’ type development of villas he was mid-way through selling and was greeted by a sign that the company had gone out of business. But from this he salvaged an ‘ice cool’ contact that backed him in what is the extremely successful Wilfords business today. All from the proceeds of ‘Party platters for a pound’, or thereabouts. Listen to the latest Two Russells episode now to find out who this mystery supporter was and why he invested in Geoff.

One of Google UK’s first 100 employees, Gemma Young used her technology experience to help solve the problem of a protracted, piecemeal home moving process.Her first entrepreneurial endeavour raised VC money but ultimately didn’t succeed.But did it? Given that those learnings translate into her follow up start-up, Moverly, which is growing fast.Gemma juggles being a tech founder with parenthood now too. Plus we ask the forbidden question, is it harder to be your own boss as a mum versus a dad?

Join the Two Russells – Quirk and Jervis – as they sit down with Ben Madden, six-year Fine & Country licensee and founder of Digital Sparks.In this candid conversation, Ben opens up about his inspiration behind the Boys Club – a safe space for male property professionals to talk openly about whatever life throws their way. He also shares his insights on the consumer appetite, authenticity, and personal branding.Tune in for a look back on Ben's career, his impact in our industry and much more.

Serge talks candidly about the death of his young daughter and the challenges that he had leading up to that from her birth issues that should have been noted and remedied during his wife’s pregnancy. We discuss divorce, depression and more and once again, we reveal a person that has shrugged off the worst of things and somehow comes through as not only a successful international estate agent selling homes for millions, but a thoroughly nice guy too. Grab the tissues once again for a teary half hour of the Two Russells and their probe into the industry’s most incredible of people. #globalproperty #overseasproperty #realestate #realestateadvisor #propertypodcast #propertyshow #propertyjobs #ukpropertymarketing #propertypublicrelations

A story of deep emotion, personal loss and regret from Matt but also a lesson in learning from such. Matt lost his older brother when he was at Uni and his last conversation with him on the phone was not great. But a trip to somewhere that you wouldn’t expect, years later, became the catalyst for Matt’s change of approach to life. This is compelling stuff.

Colby is a smart cookie. He founded GetAgent with his business partner to help home sellers understand and choose the best agent for their needs. This proposition is perhaps misunderstood by estate agents themselves and this in depth interview with Colby explains why they should embrace his business and not think it's a rival to them. Frankly, if their performance warrants it, they will be shortlisted for would sellers and placed in pole position. GetAgent spends £6m a year on marketing and therefore agents receive the benefit of that. As to Colby himself, instead of Uni, a stint of 'Stockholm Syndrome' then brought him back to the UK where his entrepreneurial spirit could be unleashed on the world of property. A new dad, how has being a father affected his appetite for risk, we wondered?

£1.63 away from bankruptcy. Well, such a challenge rather focuses the mind it seems. If ever there was a tale of perseverance and indefatigability it’s that of Simon Leadbetter, former marketing boss at Knight Frank and at Countrywide and now guru to estate agents where he offers his famous ’30 years of marketing in a day’ to the ambitious amongst you.30 years? We get his whole journey into just 30 minutes right here…

Nervous public speaker? This episode of the Two Russells profiles Vicky Bibris, boss of Location Location and her challenges around confidence and speaking in public.Given that we interview her straight off the WiEA stage, rather confirms how you can overcome fears.Plus, another deeply personal account of her sexuality and how telling her family was far from easy.

Our second 'straight from the stage' interview at the WiEA conference 2025 and this one's a shocker. An Deckers jokes that she is the most wanted lettings agent in London but was once on the Most Wanted list - by Interpol. Watch to find out how the latter became the former.

What an incredible experience the Women in Estate Agency Conference 2025 turned out to be! We hit the road with The Two Russells and went live from the event, catching up with the three inspiring keynote speakers.First up, settle in and get inspired as we chat with Danielle Nash, Managing Director of the Property Academy. In this powerful conversation, Danielle shares her insights on mastering public speaking, the importance of putting in the work, and what it truly means to be a woman in the property industry.

Christopher Watkins : Turning the tables, the king of property sofa conversations gets grilled by the Two Russells on his journey, his career, how he selects HIS podcast guests, and on his family business and whether its influence has necessitated that he ultimately couldn’t work for anyone but himself.

A harrowing and distressing account of a young girl, now a young woman, who encountered the worst experience imaginable from the age of 11 at the hands of someone that she should have been able to trust with her life. Instead, they almost ended hers. Warning: This is a very grown up conversation with a victim of abuse. This is not for the faint hearted and you will be shocked. Annalese, Russell Quirk and Russell Jervis hope though that her story will inspire and help others. Inspire? Yes, because Annalese has emerged from her nightmare to become one of the property industry's most successful people and is now in a happy place in her personal life. Somehow... Reach out to her if you have suffered abuse in any way. She wants to help others like her.If you are watching this and would like support please reach out to https://refuge.org.uk/ or https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/safeguarding-child-protection

The latest episode of the Two Russells Podcast see's Quirk and Jervis joined by Rupert Collingwood. Rupert is from notable stock. His ancestor was 1st Baron Collingwood, an Admiral alongside Lord Nelson. This explains why Rupert has such gravitas and is so highly respected in our industry. He’s a natural born leader. So, how does this translate into running an estate agency brokerage? Listen to the full conversation to hear all!

This time the Two Russells victim is the most irrepressible, charismatic, authentic and popular Viking you will ever meet.Yes, Kristjan Byfield tells us about pressure, vodka and dreams at Stowe School (which he attended with Superman by the way) and how he and An Deckers have flourished as one of the most enduring partnerships in the property industry.Plus, failure and success as our regular themes.

As Lomond continues to hoover up independent estate and lettings businesses across the land, the Two Russells prove their Chief Revenue Officer John Ennis. “Is any business too big for them to buy?”“Is there ‘one that got away’ that Lomond really regrets missing out on?”“And was leaving Chestertons a mistake?”