Name: Richard Jones
Job title: Key Account Manager Non-Residential
Tell us a bit about yourself
I really don’t like talking about myself, I love talking about my family though! I live in Bristol and am married to Pippa, who is an assistant head teacher. We have been together for twenty-seven years. I have two fantastic children; Emma who is 22 and Will, who is 19. I enjoy all sports but the one I love and play is golf. My football team is Derby County, so not the best of seasons, but I know we will be back. I grew up in a Uttoxeter in Staffordshire, “Utch” as it is known locally.
Describe your job to a five-year-old
I sell toilets! Then wait for the questions that follow. 😊
What do you like most about your job?
Every day is different within selling and key account management. I love the saying ‘Selling is not something you do to someone, it’s something you do for and with someone’. The world is changing, but I still love the challenge of understanding people’s and companies’ wants or needs.
How did you get here?
I left school in 1985 and started on a YTS (A Government Youth Training Scheme, for those asking what that is) at the Armitage Office in August 1985. I was given a full-time job in the sales office in April 1986. What a different office it was then – around seventy people in the office, most smoking, phones rather than headsets. I will never forget the first day I walked into the sales office; I loved the buzz!
In 1991 I was given the role of merchant sales representative for South Wales and the Bristol area. I replaced an industry legend, with the best name for the job, Ivor Trapp. At the age of 22 I was the youngest ever representative for the company, something I am very proud of. I am also proud that I am still representing the company thirty-one years later. You guessed it – I was the youngest and now I am probably the longest serving external salesperson.
What motivates you?
As a salesman I am sure I am meant to say something about “Getting the order”. I am very much a people person and as such what motivates me is getting to know the person behind the desk. It is amazing what you find out about people. They also give you the order as well!
If you could swap jobs with anyone, who would it be?
It should be Tiger Woods, as in my view he is the best golfer ever to have played the game! But that would be boring so mine would be Sevi (Ballesteros). His imagination and fiery personality just had me glued to the TV as a kid. For those who say golf is not a job, it is hard work whenever I play it. 😊
Your favourite song lyric or line from a film
Jaws: “Were gonna need a bigger boat”
Your favourite app?
Angry Birds
Biggest facepalm moment at work?
As a YTS in the sales office you had to collect the urgent orders from the Warehouse, (‘AZ’ Notes for those of an age!). The first time I went, I was asked to collect a “box of tapholes”.
Richard is pictured above at the ‘Armitage Thanks’ charity golf day, with PGA professional Mel Reid, who Ideal Standard sponsored for the year.