We met in 2015 whilst walking our dogs in a local park, the conversation quickly turned to property development where we both had more than a mutual interest and things have boomed ever since...fast forward 6 years and Leo and Ta**us Developments has been set up as a joint venture following the success of our 2 previous projects (Doing it for Dot, and Wotter Church). What is the vision for Leo and Ta**us Developments? Our mission is to put as many empty buildings back into use, be considerate with our building work by protecting our surrounding wildlife, recycle where possible, create more energy efficient homes and inspire more women to join the industry. What are you currently working on? We are due to exchange and complete on a new project but don’t want to tempt fate just yet by telling you! We’re really excited about it due to it being a heritage site which will bring new challenges - watch this space!! How did you get into property developing? Sam: I purchased my first house in Plymouth when I was 23 years old which I rented out as a HMO and managed myself while living in London and working in the hospitality Industry. After watching Sarah Beeny’s Property Ladder back in 2001, I had a desire to become a property developer. After a career in hospitality, I worked for an investment bank for a couple of years but this wasn’t for me so in 2010 I decided to go for it and moved back to Plymouth and set up my own property lettings and development business, Leo Lettings Ltd and this is where it all began! Carla: I’ve always had an interest in DIY and bought and rented out 2 houses by the time I was 28. I worked in telecoms and creative industries as a project manager and after a redundancy scenario I decided it was time to do up and sell the rentals. When Sam and I met in 2015, it was less than 2 years into our friendship when we did our first joint venture. Things have progressed since then and we’re now in it together full time. What do you do when you are not working? Sam: I love to run, Carla and I completed the Marathon du Medoc which we are very proud of (run a marathon while drinking wine!) also a lover of kayaking, skiing (not very good yet!) coastal walks with Oscar (my dog) family time and travelling all over the world. Carla: I am an avid spinner and having 2 dogs means walks are a big thing. I still like to do DIY in my current home with my Fiancé however we’re almost out of rooms!! Looking at getting into kayaking as well as advancing on skis!
