RISING STARS
LEE DAVIDSON
Job title: Branch Manager Company: Keith Builders Merchant
What’s your role?
I am the branch manager of Keith Builders Merchants at our Forres depot and oversee the day to day running of the branch.
How did you get into this industry? I applied to work at Keith Builders 6 years ago to work on the trade counter. I used to work in the construction industry as a labourer and when the opportunity came to apply here I knew that it was the correct decision to make.
What might a typical day for you at work be?
Opening up the depot then working through customers prices before being processed for invoicing, Working close with the sales team to make sure our daily targets are achieved whilst keeping regular communication with the trade counter and yard staff to ensure the most effective and efficient way to run the business.
What were you doing at work last week? I was actually on Holiday enjoying some sun in Neja (Spain)
What are your big challenges in this role? Making sure that our customers are receiving the best service out there as the industry is so competitive on pricing at the moment.
What do you love about your role? I really enjoy working with the staff and customers at Keith Builders and the new challenges we get every day at work. Knowing that we are providing a great service to our
customers which has led to us building a really good relationship with them.
What do you think has been your biggest achievement so far in your role? Having my branch win the Fakro pre-select window challenge two years in a row, this is a national competition and to have a small branch in a small town in the North East of Scotland win this has been a great achievement.
What would you like to achieve next? I would love to move to larger premises and take this depot to the next level.
What advice would you give someone new to this industry?
Always give 100% and if you have the right attitude and willing to learn you will always achieve your goals.
What would you say to someone who might be thinking about a career/getting a job on the merchant industry? It’s a great industry to get into and there is so much potential for promotion from within.
What are the changes you foresee the industry making in order to survive the future?
Suppliers are always looking at bringing in alternative and cheaper products to stay competitive in the market. With Brexit potentially looming it will be interesting to see how the industry copes with the uncertainty of imports and potential price increases.
MANAGER’S VIEW
Lee joined Keith Builders Merchants in July 2013 on a temporary basis as a storeman but was almost immediately offered a permanent position due to his obvious commitment and self- motivation. His confidence and ambition soon led him to a trade counter position, then internal sales and then Assistant Manager. He spent a few years honing his management skills and was promoted to Branch Manager in November 2017 since when he has been able to build a strong team by recognising everyone’s strengths and encouraging a work culture of trust. He has no need for micro management as due to his afore mentioned motivation and encouragement each of the Branches 11 Staff are productive and work well together. Since then his branch has performed exceptionally well and has won the Fakro preselect league for 2 years in a row being the most successful stockist in the UK Under Lee’s leadership the branch has increased sales turnover by almost 25% whilst retaining margin and is now looking undertake an expansion plan and move to larger premises. Lee is working with the local Authority to promote economic development in the local town, increase employment within KBM and encourage other businesses to flourish.
KBM are lucky to have someone that shares our clear vision/strategy and look forward to working with him for many years.
Our vision is to be recognised as a market leader and our customers’ preferred ‘Partner in Wall Building’, supplying innovative,
sustainable and cost-effective aircrete building solutions.
Our mission to supply value added aircrete solutions for any wall.
August 2019
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net 27
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