Johnny Cermann, the Maintenance Lead for Unity Real Estate, sat down with us to discuss his background and his experience in his new role. Here’s what he had to say:
Q: Welcome, Johnny! Could you tell us a bit about your background?
A: Well, I actually started my career as a music producer and DJ. My interest in fixing things led me to work on audio and visual equipment. When I moved to London from Sweden in 2001, I began renovating a friend’s penthouse, which eventually led to me working on short-term holiday rentals across the city. I discovered that I had a knack for it, and after a few different roles, I worked as the Head of Maintenance at Caroline Baker, overseeing a portfolio of 30 to 40 properties.
Q: That’s quite an interesting journey! What do you enjoy most about your line of work?
A: I absolutely love being out and about, especially during the summer. There’s something special about being on a rooftop and taking in the breath-taking view of the London skyline. I’m not the type to enjoy sitting at a desk all day, so being able to work on-site is perfect for me. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the gratitude from people when you fix something for them and then move on to the next job. Each day presents new challenges, and it keeps things exciting. In maintenance, there’s never a dull moment.
Q: Which properties are you responsible for at Unity Real Estate?
A: I oversee all of the properties under management, from Hampstead High Street to Cowcross Street. If a tenant has an issue, I’m the go-to person. I’m really grateful for the support of the wider Unity team who I can consult with for more complex issues.
Q: Out of all the buildings you’ve encountered so far, do you have a favourite?
A: It might come as a surprise, but my favourite building is actually the office! We’re located in a lovely building at Bloomsbury Square, in Central London. I’m also excited about our unique project in Cavendish Place, where we are connecting two Grade II listed townhouses to create an exclusive, members only business club. I’m looking forward to spending more time there and getting to know the building once the works have been completed.
Q: What are your interests outside of work?
A: Music has always been a passion of mine, going back to when I used to work in the industry. I’ve maintained that interest while transitioning into a more stable job. I still DJ when I can, but it’s quite nice to have a more stable work life!
