Our story
"Let's open an agency and show them how it's done."
When Phil first said those words to Sam, over a family Christmas lunch, he had no way of knowing that it would lead to a venture that would not only change the course of our lives forever, but those of our future clients.
We do what we do because we love it. We love our area, and the people we meet. We like to talk shop. We obsess about the details. We love to raise our game - and keep raising it. We love to hear stories, and to help create them. We’d love to hear yours.
At AshdownJones, we believe there is a better way to help people move. A more valuable, less invasive way where clients are earned, by listening and helping. Where rewards are connected to how much we help. We're obsessively passionate about it, and our mission is to help you to move on, via an experience you'll never forget, for all the right reasons.
That's our story; what's yours?
Meet the Team
Let’s Be Friends!
Some people collect teapots. We collect people. Not in a creepy way. We just love connecting with people and hearing stories. So, if you have room for one or two more friends, here’s where you can find us….
Sam Ashdown
Co-founder (and fearless disruptor)
Sam Ashdown
Co-founder (and fearless disruptor)
Hi, I'm Sam
“In 2004, I founded www.home-truths.co.uk - a website dedicated to helping homeowners sell more effectively.
Since then, I’ve helped over 1000 people to move on with their lives, by selling at the price they want. From prime central London townhouses, to Welsh cottages, York apartments, coastal retreats and Surrey mansions. By working in diverse markets and geographical areas, I’ve perfected a marketing formula that has been tested over and over - one that is much more successful than a standard estate agent marketing strategy.
I’m proud to have been featured in the national press, including the Sunday Times, Bricks and Mortar, The Telegraph and House Beautiful. I’ve also been on BBC1’s Homes Under the Hammer, and Radio 4’s You and Yours.
I’m also an expert home mover! Currently living in my 47th home, in Bowness-on-Windermere, with my Border collie Georgie.”
Phil Jones
Co-founder (and the brains behind the brand)
Phil Jones
Co-founder (and the brains behind the brand)
Hi, I'm Phil
“I am a Lakes man born and bred. Having spent time in Accountancy and Financial Planning I came to realise that I didn’t want my days to be spent in front of a screen and instead sought out more of a customer-facing role. Having spent some years with a national energy company and developing properties, I have seen some beautiful Lake District homes. This piqued my interest in the property market, and after some lengthy discussions with Sam, we began working together along side various independent agents nationwide. During this time, we felt the Lake District homes needed better marketing, so we launched AshdownJones.
My competitive nature means I am determined to get to a win-win for you, the seller, as well as us at AshdownJones.
At home, I have a beautiful wife called Molly, a future Carlisle Utd player called Noah and a gorgeous little girl called Rosie.”
Hannah Julian
Senior Client Executive
Hannah Julian
Client Executive
Hi, I'm Hannah
“I love working for Ashdown Jones because it doesn’t feel like work! I love what I do because the atmosphere is both energising and comforting in equal measure. My last job was as a restaurant manager and was stressful as well as quite lonely. Now I love being part of such a close team. I have a 4-year-old son and the directors and my co-workers are very understanding of my family needs. We all help each other out through work and personal life and I will forever be grateful of this opportunity.”
Edward Myers
Operations Manager
Edward Myers
Client Executive
Hi, I'm Edward
“After working for over 10 years in hospitality I was concerned about starting over with a new career path. But Sam, Phil and all the team made me feel so welcome that I quickly felt right at home. It is wonderful to work with such a friendly group of individuals, who along with exciting challenges of the job make the days fly by (in a good way). The core values of AshdownJones, and the caring nature of Sam and Phil continue to make me realise I made the best decision in joining such a rewarding and energetic business. Being one of the newest members of the team I am looking forward to the future, and now can honestly say I really enjoy coming to work.”
Lois Clifton
Office Manager
Lois Clifton
Office Manager
Hi, I'm Lois
“I knew I wanted to work for AshdownJones the minute I walked into the office for my very informal interview which was really just a friendly chat. I was greeted so warmly and felt at ease almost immediately. Not easy for a nervous, hopeful new team member! Yet Sam and Phil achieved just that. I also feel that there’s nothing hidden when it’s such a close-knit family business. Everything is transparent and open which means everyone is authentic and you really want success for each other.”
Maria Jones
Team Executive
Maria Jones
Team Executive
Hi, I'm Maria
“Having recently relocated back to the Lake District from working and travelling around Australia and living in Manchester, I was concerned about finding work. However, since coming down to the office and initially chatting with Hannah and Edward, I knew straight away this was the place I wanted to be. I was delighted once I was offered the job, and have never made made to feel as welcome as I have done by the AshdownJones team!”
Rebecca Williamson
Designer
Rebecca Williamson
Designer
Hi, I'm Rebecca
“I first started at AshdownJones as an office manager but Sam and Phil recognised my creativity and quickly moved me into a design role, which I love. The directors really care about our wellbeing, not just in our work life, but in our personal life too. When I told Sam and Phil I really wanted to take time off to do some long-awaited travelling, they assured me they would keep my job open as long as I liked, and I was really happy to come back two months later. It made me feel very valued and appreciated, and I honestly feel like the whole AJ team has become like a second family to me!”
Laura Potter
Team Assistant
Laura Potter
Team Assistant
Hi, I'm Laura
“Having been a Mum at home with my children for the last six years, I felt it was time to return to work part-time. This was a big step for me to take and one made easier by the AJ Team, who gave me the most friendly welcome. I am also Phil’s sister (which helps!) so I love that I can also work with my family. I am Lake District born and bred and love to run the Lake District Fells in my spare time!”
Noah Jones
Group CEO & Chief Toy Tester
Rosie Jones
Head of Giggles
Georgie
Office Dog