‘The team are all on the same page here and all work really well together’

By Tony Sanchez 11th October 2023

In our latest Five Minute Interview, Tony Sanchez speaks to Jourdan Rajwan, Director at CSBF Capital Partners.

Jourdan has been working in the property industry throughout his whole career, albeit across different parts of it.

Working both of the advisory side at JLL and then moved principal side into fund management at Schroder Real Estate Investment Management.

In 2020 he left the corporate world and joined CSBF to help build the lending business having spotted a gap in the market.

What is the best thing about being in the bridging and development finance business?

I enjoy the pace. Things have to get done quickly, so there is a real buzz in our office and in day to day work life.

I like working with smart people and I’ve been lucky to develop some really good relationships within the industry including with other lenders.

I also like the fact that we can make a difference to people. When we are the difference between a project happening or not, it really leaves you feeling that you’ve managed to help your clients achieve their goals

What keeps you focused?

Coffee and snacks!

There’s a constant supply of biscuits and chocolate in our office (or accurately in my desk), which might not be the most healthy thing, but comes in handy when you need a quick pick-me-up and most days I tend to almost max out my Pret subscription of 5 coffees a day.

To balance that out I try and exercise every day and that has massive impact on my mental focus.

What qualities do you look for in your employees or colleagues?

As a team we work hard but the most important thing for me is the ability to question and push.

What we have done before, even if it worked well may not be the right thing to do tomorrow.

So, a hard-working team, who questions what we do and why we do it, is key for us to innovate and grow.

The team are all on the same page here and all work really well together.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

An optimist. I’ve got three young daughters so I think I have to be!

I never try and predict the market or macro-economic outcomes but I try (and try is the operative word) to see the opportunities.

What did you want to be as a child?

I wanted to be in the army. I’ve always enjoyed keeping fit and doing physical challenges. I think I would have enjoyed the camaraderie and satisfaction that comes from it.

What will be the greatest challenge facing the bridging and development finance industry in the coming months?

I think that one of the biggest challenges for us in the current market has been pricing into such volatility.

We have had periods where we have done very well and picked up excellent lending opportunities and others where we have sat on our hands and have not been able to deploy capital.

That lumpiness is natural for a small business, but it can be hard when you have ambitious growth plans.

Who or what makes you laugh?

The Office (the American version….) I watch repeats regularly and still find myself laughing out loud.

My other guilty pleasure is Ali G (the old stuff).

Do you dread Monday mornings?

I really don’t. I’m incredibly fortunate to be in a position where I work for myself, and I get to see the direct benefits of my hard work. I enjoy what I do (I wouldn’t do it otherwise!)

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

This is the hardest question… In an ideal world I would change a lot but if I was limited to one attribute it would be the ability to get more done in a day!

There are only so many hours to squeeze in work, family and everything else.