Inspiring Conversations with Keith Nicholls of Clover & Cairn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Keith Nicholls.

Hi Keith, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve wanted to start my own business for a couple of years now, as I loved the idea of working for myself and the responsibility and flexibility that comes with owning my own work and outcomes. I got a drone about five years ago, and I spent a number of years taking photos and videos with it and loved how creative I could get with the footage! About a year ago, I started looking into the possibility of what it would look like to start a business using my drone. I had been in the real estate world for a couple of years, so my natural inclination was to look to that market to see what the possibilities and opportunities were. As I did my research, I found that realtors and homeowners were more and more interested in adding drone photos/videos to their listing packages. But while they may want drone photos/videos, realtors and homeowners are always going to need on the ground exterior, and interior photos too. So I started thinking more about what it would look like to become a one-stop-shop for all things real estate media. So I dove right in head first – purchased courses, bought the gear I needed, and pestered friends and real estate contacts to let me shoot their properties for practice and a portfolio. And out of all this, a number of months ago Clover & Cairn was born! Since then, I’ve been blindsiding helpless realtors, as I drop into their DMs to hassle them for their business!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, there have definitely been bumps along the way! But I guess they have, overall, been expected/normal bumps which come with taking a risk, and trying to start and grow something of your own. I’m juggling other jobs to pay the bills for my family, until I can get this to the point that it can sustain us by itself. And then there’s the bumps that come with trying to find clients, and convince them that the product I’m providing is a good one. As many realtors already have photographers/videographers that they like and trust and reflect their brand, so it’s a risk for them to try work with me. And I completely get that! So I’m aware that this will be a process and take time – but I’m here for it!

But while it’s been bumpy, and may continue to be, I have the most loving, and supportive wife who believes in me and what I am doing – and that’s worth it’s weight in gold! And above that, we have an incredibly faithful God, who has been providing for us every step of the way.

As you know, we’re big fans of Clover & Cairn. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
So Clover & Cairn is a one-stop-shop for all things real estate media! So from photos to video, drone to 3d tours – I have you covered! I want to make it as easy as possible for realtors and homeowners, as jumping between these different service providers can often get logistically frustrating and, at times, confusing. I want my clients to be able to pick up the phone, or book online, and be able to find what they need for their listing.

My goal is to operate like I am part of my client’s team, and make life as easy as possible for them. So with this, I provide a 24hr turnaround for photos, and 48hr when adding video, recognizing the time crunch that often comes with getting the listing to market. I also don’t charge cancellation or rescheduling fees, even if I’m to turn up at the property and we need to change things – life happens, and I get that!

I think I’m most proud about my ability to provide a product which my clients and homeowners have loved! I don’t want to simply provide a service, tick a box, and get paid – I’d rather provide a service which gives my clients every confidence that this product will set their listing apart from others!

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Reach out and make use of my free photo shoot for first time clients! I understand that people may be apprehensive to drop money on someone they don’t know, have never heard of, and don’t know their work. So I want to give people a risk-free opportunity to see my work, with no strings attached! You can do that my reaching out to me on Instagram @cloverandcairn or dropping me an email at [email protected] and we can get something set up!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://order.cloverandcairn.com
• Instagram: cloverandcairn
• Facebook: cloverandcairn