We recently caught up with Alastair, who became the newest member of our Sales Team last month, to discuss his career to date and his first few weeks at Bridgman IBC.
Please tell us about your professional development journey / career to date.
Since graduating university it’s fair to say that my working life has varied somewhat before centring around kitchens for new build developments.
I’ve done this whilst also moving around the country a fair bit. I’m originally from a village in Hertfordshire.
My career path started by ordering and installing kitchens based at Sevenoaks, Kent, then designing, and delivering during a spell in Sidcup in Bexley. More recently I oversaw templating, supply and installation of solid surface worktops for a company in Warwick in the midlands, before relocating to Hartlepool to be closer to family.
What have been some of the most important lessons that you have learned throughout your career?
Not to take yourself too seriously, you can pick who you work for, but not who you work with, so being amiable is well worth it.
Do you have a professional success story that you’re proud of?
In my previous role leading a small two-person team, we would occasionally win awards from our customers and suppliers, which was always nice to receive.
What does your job at Bridgman IBC entail?
As a Sales Estimator, my main responsibilities are to look over the tender/quote packs that we receive and extract the relevant information required to provide an accurate quote back to our customers for non-fire and fire rated doorsets and screens.
How have you found your first few weeks with the company?
There’s quite a few similarities from previous roles I’ve done, so that has helped me settle into my new role. But I am enjoying learning about a new product and industry.
What do you enjoy most about working here?
My colleagues who have been welcoming and friendly.
How do you see yourself developing in your role?
As I become more confident in the role, I’d hope to be achieving the same goals I have accomplished in previous roles I’ve undertaken.
What techniques or tools help you to stay organised and productive?
I like to think I’m fairly organised anyway; I don’t leave paperwork on my desk as it makes me feel like there is more to do than there actually is. I hope I can bring some of the systems that I introduced elsewhere to this role and hopefully make improvements that my colleagues can benefit from.
Do you have any strategies for dealing with stress at work?
Asking for assistance if needed is the best place to start, something quite simple to say, but I’m not always the best at taking my own advice.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I watch and (if I can) attend Formula one races. I also have two young children, so they keep me busy most of the time. I also enjoy cooking.
Do you have an interesting fact about yourself or a secret talent that you can share with us?
More of a story than a fact or talent – I had an encounter with a Rhino whilst in South Africa …
What is the one thing you can’t live without?
I wish it wasn’t the case, but my phone.
What’s your favourite type of food or cuisine?
Indian and BBQ.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
Maldives. My wife and I never truly had a proper honeymoon.