We recently caught up with our regional sales manager for the North, Anthony O’Neill, and Mark Harris, our regional sales manager for the South and South Wales. They discussed the ins and outs of their role, their highlights, and their thoughts on working at Bowater Doors. See below to learn more.
Anthony O’Neill
Tell us a little bit about you and your job
I come from a ventilation background, so although I’ve been walking through them all my life, I’m completely new to doors. I started at Bowater Doors in August this year, and since then I’ve learned so much and made many lasting and trusting relationships with clients and the wider team. It’s very rewarding to have a job that is so essential to our built environment, but also very sociable in that I meet and get to know so many different customers every week.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My top priority each day is managing and maintaining our existing portfolio of customers. At Birtley Group, the customer really is at the heart of all we do, so a lot of my job involves calling on existing customers and ensuring we’re providing them with the best possible service. Listening is also key in my line of work because I can learn what’s working for our customers (which is normally the majority of what I hear) but if there’s something that could be improved, I can take that into account and make sure the necessary changes are made. It’s important to be responsive to ways that Bowater Doors can add value to our customers’ lives and projects. I also carry out a lot of research to build our client base. That means looking for the right installers of our doors that we can supply to and building brand new relationships that we’ll aim to strengthen every day.
What attributes do you think you need to be successful in this industry?
You need to be upbeat, patient, creative and always hold yourself accountable.
Which projects stand out as highlights?
I think my highlight is the social side of my job in general. Days that involve in-person visits where you can make your job personal always fill me with enthusiasm as being around people and having conversations with them energises me.
What is the best part about working at Bowater Doors?
It’s being able to really get behind the product you’re working with. When we receive feedback, we generally hear great things about the quality of our product which fills me with confidence. Integrity is very important to me, so I simply couldn’t work with a product I didn’t believe in.
What are 3 words you’d use to describe Bowater Doors?
Friendly, without a doubt, honest and progressive.
Mark Harris
Please tell us a little bit about you and your job
After spending over twenty-five years within the merchant sector working from local area sales to a national sales position, I transitioned into sales management, and I’ve never looked back.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Two different day types are prevalent in this role. Some days begin with an early start on the road and a day packed with customer meetings, which I love. They normally involve meeting stakeholders such as buyers, construction directors, site managers, quantity surveyors, and planners. Once the necessary preparation is completed for the meetings, my day begins. Those types of days normally involve the dogs being walked at 5.00am before getting on the road at 6.30am – at the latest! I strive to always be early and never be late. The second type of day is when I work from home. I get up at the same time but my day looks totally different priorities-wise. It’s full of emails, customer follow-ups, appointment-making, and customer care. No matter what, each day involves managing a portfolio of standard and bespoke Bowater Doors, maintaining our loyal and large client base, and liaising internally to ensure every step of the customer’s experience is enjoyable.
What attributes do you think you need to be successful in this industry?
Being a good listener is essential. To provide the best customer experience, you need to really hear and understand what your customers are telling you. This industry is fraught with presenters who overpromise and underdeliver, but I strive to only ever exceed expectations. I might describe them as good habits rather than attributes, but I’ve always found that preparation, communication, and planning are all key elements to success.
Which projects stand out as highlights?
I don’t have one stand-out project. Customer projects are highlights in all variations, big or small – I’m indifferent. If someone has entrusted me with their business, they will get the same level of service.
What is the best part about working at Bowater Doors?
The people I work with are exceptionally special. We’re all dedicated to driving the company forward and doing all we can to ensure success. It’s a great environment to be part of when we’re all working together towards a common goal that we’re passionate about.
What are 3 words you’d use to describe Bowater Doors?
The business is honest, innovative, and warm. The product is quality, stunning and secure.