Meet Stew, from Sales and Marketing
Introducing Stew from Sail Shades Direct Sales and Marketing
Tell us a little about yourself and your background?
I was born in Portsmouth but moved to Torpoint, Cornwall at a very young age and have lived in Torpoint ever since. My first main job role was a Recruitment Consultant where I worked for the best part of my life, before joining Sail Shades Direct.
What attracted you to work for Sail Shades Direct?
It’s an industry I knew nothing about prior to joining, but I’ve known and sailed with the owner Jamie for a number of years so when he approached me I knew it would be a great opportunity and I now get to walk to work! The job has a number of crossovers with my previous roles such as customer service, sales planning, research and territory management. Having the freedom to arrange appointments with customers and visit properties was an additional attraction.
Why do you think customers choose Sail Shades Direct?
I believe we offer a very honest and approachable service. We stand out from the crowd because we offer a completely bespoke range of products. A significant number of customers who do contact us have either seen or know someone who has a product from us.
Where do you work within the organisation, what is your job role?
My main job role is the development of our client base, while introducing new and existing products across both residential and commercial settings. I also research potential areas we can work in and create the marketing that goes with this process. I’m based in the office most of the time and am the first point of contact for most customers who are looking for a solution to their outside spaces.
Could you talk me through a typical day?
Arriving slightly before 8:30am, and after making a coffee (very important!), I’ll work through customer emails along with any final planning for that day or week. If I have a customer who would like a site visit, depending upon the location, I might find myself out on the road for the day. Later in the morning, I’ll start contacting or researching new customers and this will continue into the afternoon. Towards the end of the day, I’ll plan the next day and answer any outstanding emails. What I like most about this role is that I don’t really have a typical day, it’s very fluid which I believe is a great USP for our business. We can react at very short notice should a customer require us.
What is your favourite part of your job and why?
Visiting customers whether it’s residential or commercial. I get to go to some fantastic locations and meet all sorts of people. I love seeing their excitement when we get to talk through the solutions we can offer.
What are the key aspects of our job that inspire you?
Our ability to offer such a range of bespoke products and seeing them come to life when installed. Its great when people call and ask for Stew at Sail Shades Direct
When you’re not at work, what is your favourite pastime and where is your favourite place to visit in Cornwall?
I’m quite an active person who cannot sit down for too long, so I find myself doing a number of different pastimes such as surfing, skateboarding, swimming and riding my road bike when I get the chance. If I had to choose a favourite place to visit it would be the beach. We’re spoiled here in Cornwall for them, but I do have a regular spot. However it’s going to remain a secret as to which one I spend the most time on!
To find out more about our bespoke sail shades contact us here!