29 June 2020
Tell us about your role and how long you’ve worked for FirstPort
I have been a Regional Manager in the Retirement Business for five and a half years. I support 12 Area Managers to deliver our services to 284 Developments from the West Midlands down to Berkshire.
What do you do in the first hour after you wake up?
Most days if I am home I will go on a short run or bike ride before getting the laptop set up. (I rode 20 miles this morning before work)
What you like most about your job?
Leading my team and the interactions with other colleagues and residents for example supporting one of my Area Managers with the building and roof replacement for a grade 2 listed Development in Bath. The project took two years from planning to completion and was the most complex undertaking I have had in my time with FirstPort. The involvement of and collaboration with the owners throughout the project made this a great experience.
What challenges do you face?
Balancing the demands of work with a great quality home life.
What led you to take this opportunity?
I was at a point in my work life when I wanted to move away from the industry I had spent the last 20 years in. The role at FirstPort came up at the right time for me. Despite it being a new industry, my life experience and many of my skills have been invaluable in this new role. I have also been able to bring a fresh perspective, which I think has been welcomed.
What is your greatest achievement?
Being a husband and father. I am really proud of my family life.
Who is your inspiration?
Julia, my wife, she is the glue that holds all of us together and supports us to deliver outside of the home.
What keeps you busy outside of work?
I love to cycle and started running in January 2019 after a lifetime of saying I couldn’t run. I also have five dogs who keep me busy when I am at home.
What personal goal have you set yourself this year?
To run a half marathon before the Cardiff Half marathon in October. My longest run to date is nine miles.
What is one thing that people may not know about you?
That I spend too much money on bikes and bike kit (according to Julia).
