Jason and Matt head up the Gallagher Security team in the South West of England - Jason as Business Development Manager and Matt as Technical Account Manager.
They are a newly paired team, with Matt joining Gallagher in March 2020 to work with Jason, who moved from the Perimeter side of the business.
Here’s what they both had to say about the last 6 months, as well as a little bit about themselves too!
What has it been like starting your new job while in a lockdown?
Matt - In a word “weird” ... I’ve used online video conferencing such as TEAMS & Zoom more than I ever have in my entire career.
What has been an unexpected or positive side to joining Gallagher at this time?
Matt - The main positive is that it’s given me a chance to learn about our extensive product range in my own time. Also, the commute to my home office isn’t too bad :)
What have you enjoyed the most about your new roles?
Jason - I joined Gallagher 3 years ago in the Perimeter side of the business with an established network in a mature market. As I love change and challenges, I am excited about growing a new Region in the South West where Gallagher is an unknown brand.
Matt - Working with new Channel Partners and guiding them through our systems.
What’s the best experience you’re bringing with you from your previous role?
Jason - The ability to manage complex relationships across multiple stakeholders. Working in the Middle East was an extremely challenging environment to do successful business in. It teaches you to be patient, respectful and diligent in order to get the job done. You have to become the trusted advisor.
Matt - Having worked in the Fire & Security industry for 29 years ranging from engineering, sales, project management & senior management I’ve got a well-rounded knowledge of the industry, know what the main struggles are, and how to solve them.
What’s one new skill you’re currently working on?
Jason - Building my technical knowledge.
Matt - Integration between systems and the complexities of these connections.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
Jason - Put priority actions on a list - work through them and tick them off. Control the controllables. Regular breaks and fresh air - when WFH you have to make time to get outside to recharge.
Matt - I’m lucky to have my own office within the house. This enables me to sit down, close the door and engage work mode. I have lunch with the kids and then come back up to the office for the afternoon.
What’s the best advice you were ever given?
Jason - Tricky one – there are too many to mention. But I have picked up this over the years… Loyalty is the strongest word, but humility is one of the most important.
Matt - Don’t waste your time worrying about things that may never happen...
What was your first ever job?
Jason - Mushroom picker – I think I was 14. Different laws back in my day!
Matt - My father was a director of a Fire & Security company in South Wales and he gave me my first job as an apprentice engineer. I had to interview like all the other staff (which was strange being interviewed by a parent).
What would we most likely find you doing on the weekend?
Jason - Anything on two wheels with my wife, Vikki and our friends – motorbikes, road bicycles or mountain bikes. I love the great outdoors.
Matt - Anything to do with water... I love surfing, kayaking & paddle boarding. In the winter months I’m mostly covered in mud with mountain biking and I help coach with the local rugby club.
What are you most looking forward to doing once restrictions are lifted?
Jason - Proper human contact with colleagues, friends and family.
Matt - Having a pint of cider in a nice pub with my work colleagues, as I’ve only met them in 2D.
What’s one of your favourite places you’ve ever visited?
Jason - That easy… New Zealand.
Matt - I was lucky enough to travel for 12 months in my late twenties with my now wife. One of the fantastic places we visited was New Zealand (we travelled around the whole island for 13 weeks in a camper van). Then we moved onto Fiji where we got married.
Gallagher is a leading manuafacturer in security and agriculture technology and have recently joined the Business West Chambers of Commerce.
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