How did your career in the lubricants industry begin?
I worked for a company called Protector Guard Right, who sold safety equipment. At the time the company belonged to Morgan Crucible, as did ROCOL. Morgan Crucible sold Protector Guard Right with all jobs guaranteed by the new firm, but the Group Managing Director asked me to stay and join ROCOL. I remember using ROCOL grease on my cart bearings as kid, so I found the idea of working for the company an interesting one.
How long have you worked at ROCOL and what attracted you to the company? I worked for ROCOL South Africa for 10 years before moving to ROCOL UK, where I’ve been for the last 19 years. Becoming a sales engineer in the mining industry was a big promotion for me as the mining industry in South Africa is such an important industry to the country.
What are your favourite parts of your role?
Being a Segment Specialist allows me to put all my years of experience into practice alongside my core knowledge of the products and industry to help our customers overcome their problems.
How do you spend your time outside work?
My daughters like to say that I’m a dog power walker…I say that I like to walk the dog! As well as that, I am the treasurer of a local arts, culture and sports club. I first joined the club 20 years ago when I arrived in Portugal from South Africa. We organise activities such as theatre, dance, music and look to preserve local traditional activities.
One thing that has stuck with me from my years in South Africa is the love of a BBQ. I really enjoy hosting them as it’s a great way to spend time with friends and family.
With retirement just around the corner, I’ve taken up painting, fishing and learning the guitar. I’m enjoying getting to grips with all three.
Share one fact that your colleagues wouldn’t know about you.
I’ve been an active Scout since 1974. For me, Scouting has been a hobby, a passion and my way of life.
