Stuart McGinlay

Tell us about yourself

I first joined the preservation industry at 22 years old working for Protim Services in Clydebank. After two years, I moved to Peter Cox and became a surveyor in 1994 under the then young Les Meikle (now Managing Director of Wise Property Care). In 1996, I then joined Timberwise and in 2000, left to start up my own business. Finally, in 2010, I returned to Wise Property Care and I'm really pleased to be back.

What are your new responsibilities?

Not only will I be carrying on with offering my expertise within damp and timber preservation, but I will be providing basement waterproofing services under the Wise Basement Systems division to the Wise Property Care brand.

What qualification do you have?

• C.S.S.W - Certified Surveyor of Structural Waterproofing
• C.S.R.T - Certified Surveyor of Remedial Treatment

What are your past times and interests?

I love getting out on the golf course, listening to music, general socialising, football, travelling, and eating out. Ohhh, and of course, spending time with my family!

What was your first job?

DIY shop assistant and apprentice joiner. Wow, I haven't thought about those jobs in a long time.

What has been the biggest challenge of your career to date?

Starting up and running my own business. As any business owner will tell you, it's a tough job.

What has been your career highlight?

Being promoted to a damp and timber surveyor from a technician, and also becoming the top preservation surveyor in the UK for a couple of years in a row. It is an award I plan to achieve again.

What in your opinion is the one thing above all else that sells a property?

Location, location, location...ohh yes, and presentation

What advice would you offer to those looking to be a damp and timber surveyor?

Be persistant and methodical!

If money was no object, where would you live?

New York, Scotland and Spain equally for 4 months of the year. Following the sunshine!

Which celebrity would you most like to work with?

Kylie Minogue!