10 QUESTIONS WITH...
Each issue we ask an industry professional the Tomorrow’s Tile & Stone 10 Questions. This month, we chatted to Fraser Lockley, Specification Manager at Parkside.
10 QUESTIONS WITH… Q4
IF MONEY WAS NO OBJECT, WHAT CAR
WOULD YOU BUY? A mid 80s Aston Martin V8 Vantage, or a SAAB 900 Turbo. They’re definitely iconic and while at different ends of the affordability spectrum, they both hold a strong appeal for me. Prices for classic SAABs are certainly on the rise, but I’m not sure they’ll ever match Aston prices, so I’m thinking the SAAB 900 Turbo is a more realistic option. My partner hates them though, but I can dream.
Q1
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
My first job was as at a point-of- sale manufacturer, where I had a practical role involving lots of different processes including the tool shop, screen printing, assembly and packing. It certainly set me up for being adaptable.
Q2
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE
TILE INDUSTRY? I applied for two jobs at the same time, a traffic warden and a warehouse operative at Parkside. I managed to get an interview at Parkside that saw me get a job as the company merchandiser. It was a very hands-on role that I enjoyed greatly, that was some 26 years ago. Funnily enough, I never heard back about the traffic warden job.
Q3
WHO, IN ANY OTHER INDUSTRY, DO YOU
MOST ADMIRE? It must be Richard Branson. Despite his huge success, he seems so chilled and is apparently polite and well- mannered. It seems like success hasn’t changed him as a person – regular trips to Necker Island probably help to keep him fairly relaxed.
— 32 — Q5
IF YOU COULD INVENT ONE PRODUCT TO
MAKE YOUR JOB EASIER,
WHAT WOULD IT BE? This is a difficult one, perhaps an automatic specification generator that knows exactly what tiles to choose from our 20,000-odd collection. That would probably save me a fair bit of time, although it would take some of the fun out of working with clients to develop their perfect specification. Thinking about it, I’d probably not invent that.
Q6 Q7
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU
WERE GROWING UP? Again, I seem to be a man of opposites: either a graphic designer or a forces pilot.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO UNWIND?
I’m something of a hobbyist mixologist, so I like to craft a perfect Manhattan – that’s definitely a favourite. Then, I’d probably sit back and listen to some music, I’ve a pretty eclectic taste from 1930s to now, the Beatles to Bjork so it’s a case of whatever album fits my mood. I’m also partial to a good view – beside the sea or roaming across hills – just being outdoors and close to nature is a great way to unwind.
Q8
IF YOU COULD HOST A DINNER PARTY WITH
THREE GUESTS, DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD THEY BE
AND WHY? Firstly, Ian Fleming without a doubt. I’m a huge James Bond fan – perhaps a Vodka Martini should be my favourite tipple. It would be interesting to see what he was like for real. Then, Bill Nighy as he seems slightly off-tangent in the best kind of way and I think he has a wise head on his shoulders. Absolutely, my late father. He was a master of cutting through all the rubbish.
Q9
IF YOU COULD VISIT ANY PLACE IN THE
WORLD, WHERE WOULD YOU
GO AND WHY? I’d take a drive down to the South of France in my Aston Martin (or SAAB) with my partner Rachel and our daughter so we could hang out in those super stylish coastal towns and soak up the scenery.
Q10
KAMILA CHALFIN, MARKETING
& BRAND MANAGER AT TILE GIANT, ASKED: HOW CAN WE PROVIDE BUDGET CONSCIOUS CUSTOMERS WITH A LUXURIOUS AND MORE
PERSONALISED EXPERIENCE? As a specification business, it’s important to give clients your full focus and attention. Listen and treat them as if they are your most important client – at that point in time they are.
www.parkside.co.uk www.tomorrowstileandstone.co.uk
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