For this weeks edition of our team I managed to have a chat with Mark, who started with Gardinia in 1992.
So to start things off how long have you worked at Gardinia?
I started January 1992, I left in 1995 and returned 1997.
How did you get the job at Gardinia?
I originally answered an advert and was set on by the then sales manager Roger Calvert. When I left to go to Sash, Alan Hinchliffe contacted me and asked me to return.
What is your day to day like at Gardinia?
No day is the same as it depends on customers.
What is your favourite part of your job?
Meeting customers who genuinely value you your advice.
Your favourite Gardinia product range and why?
Rustique II windows as they have the widest range with less limitations and are the main components of not only windows but also conservatories and orangeries etc.
The most difficult project you have undertaken at Gardinia?
A project that I’m currently dealing with that involves the construction of a steel portal frame to support an orangery.
What is the project you are most proud of?
Designing and surveying a Glass roof in the atrium of the Huddersfield Golf Club. This involved some difficult calculations that took 3 days to work out.
What did you do before Gardinia?
I worked at a local Textile mill as a shift foreman.
Who was your most difficult client and how did you win them over?
I had a client who claimed that we had not built a wall out of the correct stone. To resolve the matter, we asked them to source new stone and we rebuilt the wall as requested. The customer claimed that this was worse, and we had to resolve the issue in court.
Who was your most memorable client?
There are numerous clients that I’ve dealt with but I cant single one out as the most memorable.
If you had to choose a favourite hobby what would it be?
I used to enjoy flying light aircraft, but unfortunately, I don’t have the time.
Favourite movie of all time?
No favourites, I enjoy a variety.
Name your favourite cuisine?
No favourites, I enjoy a variety.
Favourite place to go on holiday?
Skegness.
Beer or Wine?
Beer.
How do you unwind?
I don’t work!
Do you have a personal philosophy?
I try to treat people in away that I would expect others to treat me and I don’t share personal information in public forums.
Who has influenced you the most?
My flying instructor, Dave Coulson.
And finally, the most important question… Tea or Coffee?
Coffee.
You can see some of the projects Mark has undertaken on the Gardinia Blog: Project By Mark
