Meet Benjamin Haas

 Editor: Hello Benjamin, thanks for taking time out to join us today. Why don’t you tell us a bit about yourself and your role at France4U?
Benjamin: Sure, I'm the founder and general manager of France4U. I lead a fantastic team of thirteen commercial agents in Burgundy, and I also manage the marketing for several regional agency partners.
Editor: Interesting. I noticed your company is actually called Burgundy4U. Can you tell me more about that?
Benjamin: Absolutely. We originally started as Burgundy4U because Burgundy is where our roots are. It's where our commercial agents are based, where our office is located in Meursault, and it's where I've been living since 2000, right in the heart of the famous Burgundy vineyards.
Editor: And what brought you to Burgundy in the first place, apart from the fabulous selection of wines?
Benjamin: Well, back at the turn of the Millenium, I was fortunate enough to take a sabbatical from my then full-time job. After returning from a two-year sailing trip around the Atlantic, my family and I were free to choose where to live in Europe. Being born in Argentina, with Dutch nationality and an English education, language wasn't a barrier. We never planned to stay in Burgundy for so long, but looking back, we have no regrets. Its central location in Western Europe, the rolling countryside, four truly defined seasons, and the welcoming people all contributed to our decision. Over the past 24 years, I've had opportunities to move elsewhere, but I've chosen to stay in the area, and I am now on my third property, so I guess I’m here to stay!
Editor: Well, a good decision on your part, but a long way from home, eh?
Benjamin: I was born in Argentina and lived there until I was sixteen years old. I then studied in the UK and worked for fast-moving consumer goods companies in the Benelux countries and Paris. Transitioning to selling property was quite a change from marketing shampoos and alike.
Editor: So, what really keeps you in Burgundy?
Benjamin: That’s an easy one to answer: The pleasure I find in my work comes from making clients happy. As an estate agent, we're able to provide solutions for both sellers and buyers, which brings a sense of real satisfaction. Over time, many of these clients have become friends, which is incredibly rewarding.
Editor: And what's it like being an estate agent in France?
Benjamin: Over the past 20 years, I've seen a significant shift in our work. Nowadays, the State demands more paperwork, making our role as guides through this administrative jungle crucial, especially for buyers who aren't familiar with the French legal system. While finding properties has become easier thanks to the Internet, our main job is to advise sellers on the most appropriate sales strategy for their home, and helping buyers understand all the factors involved in the decision-making process. Since we're usually the only professionals involved, it can be challenging at times.
Editor: When I talk with business leaders, I always ask them if they have a motto. Do you have one?
Benjamin: Professionalism. It’s the foundation on which we have built the business. We live it and breathe it every day!
Editor: Do you actually get any free time for yourself?
Benjamin: Well, it’s a pretty demanding job with lots of highs and some lows, but when I do get time-off, I enjoy gardening and my daily walks with my dog Sienna. They say simple pleasures are always the best! If I can get longer breaks, I like to travel. I try to take regular weekend breaks away. There’s so much to see and do that’s only a few hours away from our home base here in Burgundy!
Editor: Thank you for your time, Benjamin, you’d better take that call on your phone, it’s probably another sale in the making!
Benjamin: Let’s hope so!