Exploring the West: Andy's adventures as a Regional Sales Manager

How did you get into Sales management?

I have been in sales just over 20 years in total. First time I have ever thought about how long I have been in sales, now I am depressed. I started in the paint industry as a van driver/sales assistant working for Johnstones Paints in Gloucester. Then I went into the branch as a sales assistant, then moved to the Cheltenham branch as assistant manager to finally branch manager. After being branch Manager for about 3 years I then went out on the road as Territory Manager for Johnstones Paints. Although I liked all the roles, I had being out on the road was where I feel I do my best work.

What bought you to Hranipex and how long have you worked here?

I was looking for a new challenge after the paint industry, tried Territory Management in the food industry but it wasn’t for me. Saw Hranipex were looking for a Regional Sales Manager for the South West in an industry that isn’t a million miles away from the paint trade so thought why not?! Seven years and a much larger region later I am still here.

What is your favourite part about covering your region?

When I first started, I covered the South West and South Wales. Now I cover the whole of the West of England plus the whole of Wales. My favourite part in a region this size is that no two days are the same, I get to see so many different and interesting places not to mention the interesting people and different ways of life and working they all have. Covering from Lands End to Carlisle and all of Wales I really do appreciate the great places I get to see.

Tell us what makes you different compared to other people in the industry?

I like to think I have a knack of making people feel comfortable by being friendly, not taking myself too seriously and making them laugh. Of course, we are all here to sell a quality brand by having these discussions with customers but that doesn’t mean to say it can’t be fun!

What is your favourite part about being part of the HraniTeam and why?

My favourite part is that from day one it has felt like a family. People come to me for chats not just about work but anything just like a family would. Plus, the laughs we all had together and are still continuing to have together really makes it a great place to work.

What does a typical working day look like for you?

If I am working from home then I will get up and take the kids to school as I enjoy it and it won’t last forever. Come home get in my office along with my dog and start the day doing quotes, matching, pricing, and planning routes which is a very important part when you have a large area to cover. If I am out on the road depending on where I am going, I could be leaving at 6am or 9am, I have my route planned on my iPad, coffee thermos filled up and I am ready to go. Usually, I will have a mixture of appointments and cold calls in the day, if I am more than around 3 hours away I will stay over so as you can imagine I stay away quite a lot. Which pleases the wife

Your favourite memory at Hranipex?

Lots of great memories from my time at Hranipex (hopefully more to come). So many memories of team building nights, Christmas parties and trips away plus great meetings with customers I can’t just pick one. Lots of good memories in the last seven years and I hope there are a lot more to come!

What is your proudest achievement in work and personal life?

Proudest moment in work would be in the paint industry working from van driver up to branch management then area sales management. With Hranipex it’s the fact that I have been here seven years, taken the South West from an area that was doing very little to an area with a great turnover and more recently in the past three years being trusted to take on the West Midlands and North West to make my mark on those areas.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

To read minds. Because 1, the meetings with customers and potential customers would be brilliant every single time! 2, I will find out what my wife is thinking when she looks at me and shakes her head after another bad joke. 3, I might be able to find out what my kids are saying when they just grunt answers at me

What is one thing on your bucket list?

The main thing on my bucket list is to get a house by the sea. This may take some time, but it’s always been a dream of mine. This country it would be Cornwall, oversees it would be Rhodes.

Click here to contact Andy and find out how he can help you and your business, or make you laugh.