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

I provide essential products people really could not live without.

What I love most about my job is…

Helping people to realise their dream bathrooms, and then getting to work and making those dreams come true.

The thing people might not know about me is…

I am an avid historian with in-depth knowledge of military history.

The work story I always tell to make people laugh is… 

When I was on the phone to a supplier complaining that my special order bath had arrived without tap holes as ordered. The very young lady who was very new to the job  apologised and said she would send them in the post! I just cracked up laughing!

I wish this industry would talk more about…

Manufacturers actually working together to overcome the problems of finishes and compatibility of products. Just look at the introduction of black fittings for example: how many there are and how many don’t match. Also, I’ve always believed in the importance of specialised, independent showrooms that possess vast knowledge of customer trends and requirements.

If budgets were unlimited, something I’d put in every bathroom is…

I would strongly recommend a washlet. They’re just invaluable. Once you used them, you can really never go back. With the vast majority of manufactures producing various models, there is now also such a wide  choice and budget options, too.

I’d have to say the most overrated feature of modern bathrooms is…

The most useless accessory is the toilet roll holder with a shelf for mobile phones. For goodness’ sake can we not have a bit of calm whilst in the loo? With technology  moving at an ever increasing pace, I wonder if people in a decade’s time will ask what that shelf was for?

My proudest professional achievement is….

Having the pleasure of working with some of the finest developers and clients in the country on absolutely amazing projects.

One professional mistake I’ve learned from is…

Not making sure to ‘measure twice cut once’.

The person who’s had the biggest influence on my career is…

It has to be Mike Williams of Watermans.  I’d say he completely set the standards for the services people expected. His designs were just so professionally presented, and in the days prior to CAD drawings, he had an artist paint the concept in 3D  for the client to visualise, along with every technical aspect of the designated products. He was not afraid of competition either, as he was simply providing a service no one else could offer at the time. He was also completely selfless in helping others to establish businesses, many of which are still flourishing today.

After retirement, I hope people in the industry remember me for…

Hopefully my straight unbiased assessment of products that were presented to me by representitives, even when the answer is not necessarily what they wanted to hear!

I dance in my kitchen to…

Without a doubt, Dobie Gray’s “Out on the Floor Tonight”!

The song I always sing in the shower is…

It has to be the fantastic “Singin’ in the Rain” by Fred Astaire.

Sales manager Brian Parfitt has recently announced his retirement, following an impressive 50-year-long career spent in the bathroom retail industry.