When people outside the industry ask what I do, I say….

I work with a premium German kitchen furniture manufacturer to supply independent retailers in the UK and Ireland. I often joke that I am a heart surgeon of the home, as my job as a KBB specialist is often a very precise and delicate operation!

If I was in charge of this industry I would…

Encourage every retailer to step away from their busy showrooms and attend the annual Hausmesse show. In my experience it’s one of the few times they get to pause and reflect, build new collaborations and share knowledge with like-minded studios. Over the years I have seen the role of manufacturers organically develop from supplier to partner, with Hausmesse representing the changing dynamics and offering retailers a stronger supporting partnership.  

What I love most about my job is…

My mantra has always been “people buy from people” and over the last 42 years in the industry, building relationships and supporting customers is what I love most about my job. I enjoy being out and about, whether meeting clients or taking them to visit the Sachsenküchen German showroom and factories. 

The thing people might not know about me is…

I am one of five brothers and there are seven years between the youngest and oldest. At school we made an unbeatable five-a-side football team and we all still catch up most weeks for a family beer.

The story I always tell to make people laugh is… 

In my early days working for a German manufacturer there wasn’t the luxury of using a translator app in our UK office. One day we received a new brochure that highlighted we offered 14 ‘dead cow’ finishes! Unfortunately, the German word ‘Korpus’ for kitchen carcase had been lost in translation…

The industry person I most admire is…

In my early roles in the kitchen industry, I had the pleasure of working for Wolfgang Luckhaus, export director of Rational. A great mentor, he was the man responsible for bringing the first German kitchen into the UK in the 1970’s, the now renowned brand was called ‘Poggenpohl’ and he was their export manager. He encouraged me to make decisions in his absence, highlighting how it was important to make a choice, irrespective of whether it was right or wrong, and always supported me. 

I wish this industry would talk more about…

The importance of standing out from the crowd. We should continue to celebrate and champion independent retailers who carve out their specialist niche. There is so much creative talent, let us all inspire the next generation of designers and fitters to join our wonderful industry.

My proudest professional achievement is…

Working in the same industry for over four decades, and having a great team around me, collaborating with independent KBB retailers in every aspect of their business, from product selection to training, helping them to elevate their offering.

One professional mistake I’ve learned from is…

I should have carried on training to be an accountant!

If I could go back to the day I started in this industry, I would tell myself…

You can’t be all things to all people! Early in your career it sometimes takes time and experience to define your own boundaries. It’s also important to pass on lessons to the next generation, helping them flourish both personally and professionally.

I dance in my kitchen to…

Bob Marley’s “No Woman, no Cry”.

The song I always sing in the shower is…

Gene Kelly’s “Singin’ In The Rain”, it sets me up positively for the day!