We’re delighted to welcome Samantha Wardell to Alto as the newest member of our education team.
Sam brings over a decade of experience in estate agency and a long history as an Alto user, which makes her the perfect fit to help agents get even more from the platform.
We sat down with Sam to learn more about her background, her experience with Alto, and what excites her about the role.
Q: Tell us a bit about your background before joining Alto
Sam: “For the past 11 years I’ve worked in estate agency. I started off in admin, then moved into sales for a while at Countrywide, which was a different experience. I went back to my original firm. From there I went into a senior sales role, then supported the lettings manager – effectively managing the department alongside him.
Later I joined Pedder as lettings and sales admin, but also assisting the MD at head office. I naturally ended up putting processes in place, testing CRMs and new platforms, and figuring out how they’d work for the business. That grew into a business support role, which was wider than just sales and lettings – it meant supporting the whole business.
Q: You were known as a bit of a “power user” of CRMs. How did that come about?
Sam: “I’ve always been curious about how systems work and how they can make things easier. At Pedder I was often the one testing out new platforms or working out how Alto could help streamline processes. It became natural for people to come to me with system questions. I enjoyed finding solutions and making things clearer for the team.”
Q: What made you want to join Alto as a trainer?
Sam: “I’d been an Alto customer and really liked it. I had a great experience with the education team. They were supportive, approachable and always made things easier.
That stuck with me. When I saw the trainer role come up, I thought: I’d love to be on the other side of that, helping other agents the way they helped me. Alto has always felt like a system that really supports agents, and I wanted to be part of that.”
Q: What do you think makes Alto stand out?
Sam: “It’s the usability. Once you get to know it, it just works. Things like tasks and workflows really help keep you on top of everything – they make day-to-day life in agency much smoother. And because I’ve used it myself, I know the difference it makes when you’re juggling a million things.”
Q: What are you most excited about in your new role?
Sam: “Meeting agents, hearing how they work, and helping them get that confidence with Alto. I know how important it is to feel supported with your software. I’m excited to give people that same experience I had where training feels like it makes your job easier straight away.”
Quick fire round with Sam
Q: Coffee or tea?
Sam: “Coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon.”
Q: How do you like to unwind after work?
Sam: “Spending time with my family and just switching off from the day.”
Q: One thing colleagues might not know about you?
Sam: “I’m a bit of a perfectionist! i like things done properly, which I think helps in training too.”
Q: Best career advice you’ve ever had?
Sam: “Always be yourself. You can learn the skills, but it’s your attitude and how you treat people that really makes the difference.”
Welcome aboard, Sam
Sam’s deep industry background, genuine love for Alto and down-to-earth personality make her a fantastic addition to the education team. We’re thrilled to have her with us.
