With the new year comes change in the air, and it brings us great pleasure to introduce you to Simon, who has recently switched role within our team to Installations Manager.
Simon has been working for us for nearly a year making significant improvements within our maintenance department, so we’re incredibly excited to see what positive impact Simon can bring by leading our installations team!
Get to know Simon a little more and feel free to reach out to him directly for any questions or assistance regarding your upcoming installations.
Simon Says
Q: What inspired you to switch to our installations department?
A: I saw the move as a fresh challenge, the maintenance dept is at the hub of the business, and installations often are generated from the maintenance team visits. For me it felt like the natural progression.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to customers to ensure a smooth installation process?
A: Ensure that they are happy with any works that may be required in advance of the installation, such as building or steel works, and electrical power supply issues.
Q: If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
A: It would not be a historical figure that is famous, but I would have to have dinner with my Grandma and Grandad, with my Mum who is still alive. If it had to be someone famous I would chose any of the Roman Emperors.
Q: If your life were a movie, which actor would you choose to play you?
A: John Candy or John Goodman
Q: What do you believe are the key ingredients for a successful and cohesive team?
A: Simply one word – communication.
Q: How do you measure success when it comes to customer satisfaction in installation projects for ADS?
A: We currently have a follow up with the customer following an installation, this includes a technical review of the installation and a review of the door installation itself. I intend to develop a more robust and customer focussed process with my colleagues in the Customer Service Department
Q: Are there any innovative technologies or trends in the industry that you’re particularly excited about?
A: There are some new radars that can be installed for vertically moving doors that help in a busy factory/warehouse area to identify the difference between a forklift and a pedestrian, and be set to open for Forklifts, and not Pedestrians using laser technology.
Q: What’s your favourite type of music, and do you have a go-to song for boosting your mood?
A: I generally listen to all types of music, my choice depends on my mood – it is quite diverse, from trance to Country!
Q: If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why?
A: I have a few places on my bucket list that I have been to – next on the list would be Asia
Q: Coffee or tea? How do you take it?
A: Coffee – wet, strong and warm!!!
Q: Are there any team-building activities you’ve found particularly effective in fostering a positive team dynamic?
A: In previous roles I have used many different team building activities, however I feel that in my current role where engineers are working remotely it is a challenge to engage them on a regular basis. With that in mind, communication is important, and also trying to have fun whilst at work and delivering positive messages. We have planned in monthly meetings for all engineers to try to build the team ethic and promote cross departmental teamwork.
Q: How do you handle work-life balance, and do you have any tips for maintaining it in a demanding role?
A: It can be very easy to become consumed by work when you have a demanding job, I ensure that I take time out for me each day – I often wake early and will either go for a walk (weather dependent). I make sure that I have something planned for days off that enable me to unwind. My one hobby that is very relaxing is building Lego Architecture and Technics.
Q: Can you share a memorable experience at ADS where exceeding a customer’s expectations made a lasting impact?
A: Customer in Norwich called through for a change to his scheduled date for service visit, and wanted to move from March to January due to changes in their factory. My team and I spoke with several customers to rearrange the order of their visits, and we successfully managed to find a schedule to suit everybody!
Q: If you could enrol in a masterclass on any subject, what would it be and why?
A: Musical instrument, such as saxophone or guitar. The saxophone because of several memories I have of the sax from growing up – the iconic saxophone sound in every Madness song, and Zoot from the Muppet Show. Guitar because I love how versatile the instrument is – the stripped back sound on an acoustic guitar through to the electric audible explosion in a hard rock track.
