By Business & Finance 
Pictured: Tim Cahill, Managing Director of Grayling Properties
Tim Cahill is managing director of Grayling Properties. Grayling Properties has over 17 years’ experience in the Irish property sector, managing the delivery of residential units, from development to letting and management.
What was your first job?
My first job was in a mail room. Back in 1999, I was living in Sydney, Australia with a pad on my thumb, flicking through the post. It ended up leading me onto my next job in New South Wales, carrying out an audit for PwC.
What would you regard as your greatest achievement in business to date?
Setting up Grayling Properties, and doing it with a good friend. I came from an institution with guaranteed job security, so taking that step and finding the courage to set up our own business — with no safety net — is something I am proud of. At the time, the property market was on its knees, but we were so sure that it would improve. I never wanted to be the person saying ‘didn’t I tell you’. Instead we took that leap – and haven’t looked back since.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Follow your gut. It is impossible to move forward if no one takes the lead.
If you could step into the shoes of one businessperson for the day, who would it be and why?
Obvious answer but it has to be Steve Jobs. It is amazing how one man has basically changed the way we live our lives.
In three words or less, how do you define success?
Empowering your team. Building a culture which fosters trust has been key in the advancement of our business. By creating a dynamic environment, where everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute,
How do you motivate yourself and your staff?
We offer complete transparency and disclosure, so everyone understands and commits to what we are trying to achieve. We operate on a total inclusion, total buy-in basis. Most of our staff have been with us from the beginning, and have helped us to build the organisation from the ground up. We strongly believe that the success of the company, is the success of the team.
How do you relax?
I play golf and I exercise five to six times a week. Running really helps me to clear my head. Work can occasionally become all-consuming, and I find that the more you try to think of an answer to a problem, the less likely you are to think of a solution. When I run, and let my mind wander, I find ideas and thoughts come more naturally to me.
What’s your motto?
Family first. No matter how busy you get with work, what is important is what is waiting for you once you finish.
What are your aspirations for the future of your business?
I’d like to continue along our current trajectory, creating a business we can be proud of with a strong and progressive culture. There is such an issue with supply in the Irish housing market and by making smart development choices in terms of sustainability and regeneration, we hope to take steps towards resolving this problem.
