Markus Kroner has joined J&E Shepherd Chartered Surveyors, one of the
largest independent firms of chartered surveyors in the UK, as a graduate
commercial surveyor.

After an extensive and successful career as a waiter in various well-known
restaurants in London and Glasgow - including The Rogano and The Ivy -
Markus decided to make a radical career switch from the culinary trade
into the surveying sector and duly enrolled at Glasgow Caledonian
University as a mature student.

Having worked at J&E Shepherd throughout his studies, 27 year old Markus,
who is from the Isle of Arran, will join the firm full-time, working from
its Ayr office, following graduation.

Of his career change, Markus said, "After some enjoyable times in the
hospitality business, I eventually grew tired of waiting on other people
and decided that I wanted to pursue a more rewarding career.

"Property has always interested me so to land a job as a graduate
commercial surveyor in Ayrshire, where I was born and raised, is something
of a dream come true. Despite the current economic climate, demand for
freehold properties either vacant or as an investment remains strong
throughout the three Ayrshire counties.  I expect the wide range of
valuation, agency and professional work undertaken by the Ayr office to
keep me busy in my new career!"

Steve Barnett, a partner in J&E Shepherd's Glasgow office, specialising in
commercial property, said, "We're delighted to welcome Markus to the firm
and know that he will be a tremendous asset to operation in the south west
of Scotland.

"Talented new recruits are the lifeblood for our firm and I'm sure that
the talent Markus's developed in his previous career as a waiter for
keeping numerous plates spinning at the one time, will serve him well in
our busy commercial property department!"

J&E Shepherd, one of Scotland's leading firms of chartered surveyors,
valuers, property agents and managers, has been established for over 125
years and operates from a network of 28 offices throughout Scotland and
over 75 locations throughout England and Wales. The firm offers a multi
disciplinary property service to include valuation, sales and lettings,
building surveying, rent reviews, development and investment consultancy,
rating and property management.