Managing director, Synaxon UK
Career so far
I did short military service from college, then went into corporate sales of technology supplies and have spent 30 years in the IT channel. I launched Synaxon UK in the channel in January 2009.
What was your first job and were you any good at it?
At 15 years of age working for an upmarket high-street tailor. This was my introduction to sales and customer service, although I was never comfortable asking middle-aged men what side they dressed on before taking inside leg measurements. I got paid £15.50 per week for six 12-hour days. I lasted about two months.
Who was your top teenage pin-up?
Suzi Quatro.
My colleagues won't know this about me but...
Before leaving school I sold my first real business, a widow cleaning round with all equipment and regular customers. I only got £20 but felt fantastic even though I should have got about £200 (lesson learned).
What is your favourite snack? I don't have one. I would rather have a good dinner and a bottle of wine.
What has been your career high point to date?
Launching Synaxon in the UK channel.
Has 2013 been good, bad or ugly?
It has been an okay year - we work in the most dynamic sector on the planet, so while it's fast and furious and clearly changing, all channel businesses must change and keep up. Those that don't would always have a bad year even if the economy was strong.
What do you say when asked at a party what you do for a living?
I work for a technology channels service company and we help tech companies - from the very largest manufacturers and distributors to the smallest independents - build stronger and more sustainable businesses. I'm lucky to have a great job.
If I wasn't working in the channel I would probably be...
I have no idea as working within the technology sector would be impossible to better.
What will be the channel's biggest challenge in 2014? Sorting the wheat from the chaff within the cloud and new services sectors. What horse should the independent reseller back in 2014?
