A HARD-working and well-known estate agent in Stroud is celebrating a major milestone achievement.
Alvin Gardiner, aged 77, from Frowens Estate Agents recently marked 60 years of service.
He first started working at Frowens on January 6, 1964 at the age of 17 and has been a constant in Stroud town centre ever since.
When Alvin first started, the then-owner, Mr Vivian Frowens, trained him on the sales side of the business, followed by the lettings side.
Eventually, in the 1990s, Alvin bought Frowens from Mr Frowen, and a few years later, his wife Angela joined the company as a partner.
To celebrate the anniversary Alvin's colleagues surprised him with a custom-made cake and balloons.
A spokesperson from Frowens said: “I am so proud to be part of such a great long standing business and Alvin is such a wonderful boss and lovely man.
"We still have customers coming in today saying they bought their first home from Alvin many years ago and would like him to re-sell their property.
“Many customers also still refer to Alvin as Mr. Frowen!
The spokesperson added: “We are proud to be the longest established Estate Agency in Stroud with over 60 year’s experience.
“Our family run independent agency prides itself on providing a personal yet professional service, catering to each individual’s needs whether you’re buying, selling, renting or simply browsing.
“Frowens are a traditional agency with a modern twist who will be delighted to go that extra mile for every client.
“Many times over the years people have commented ‘Frowens always get the unique properties’ - this is as true today as it has always been.
“We have sold everything from lock up garages, to a 10 bedroom mansion with a ballroom.
“We specialise in Narrowboats and Park Homes and a great deal of other weird, wonderful and interesting properties.”
The news has also celebrated by competitor Peter Joy Estate Agents.
They said in a statement on Facebook: “Social media friends, please can we ask you to join us today in congratulating Alvin Gardiner at Frowens on an amazing 60 years in estate agency!
“There can’t be anyone else in the business in Gloucestershire with more experience can there? Hats off sir!”
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