MERCHANT FOCUS: RISING STARS GRAHAM PLUMBERS MERCHANT
In a return to last year’s Rising Stars series, BMJ talks to two up-and-coming employees at Graham Plumbers Merchants Job title: Management Trainee, Graham Plumbers’ Merchant
JOSEPH MCDONNELL What’s your role?
MANAGER’S VIEW
Georgina Aujla Branch Manager
Joseph has been a pleasure to have at the branch. He’s settled in superbly and fits in with the rest of the team like he’s been here forever. Joseph is reliable, trustworthy and always happy to help. He’s a very fast learner and always eager to absorb more. His knowledge in all things branch related is outstanding considering he’s not been with us long. Joseph is helping me personally, with our Contract Sales Manager Mark Dunford (and of course the whole team/branch), with a local branch plan. He has also taken ownership our Facebook page, something that we haven’t always been able to dedicate enough time to. Joseph really is a shining, rising star and will be an absolutely fantastic future manager.
16
I am an apprentice at the Hayes End branch of Graham Plumbers’ Merchant and my apprenticeship will include being trained in all parts of the business to prepare me for the role of assistant branch manager. I am currently in the first phase of learning about the business and the start of my journey begins with working in the warehouse. I’ve already learnt so much about the processes of incoming stock and outgoing deliveries as well as understanding branch and stock controls.
How did you get into this industry? I had never really considered a job in the plumbing and heating industry before. I always wanted to be a footballer but ultimately had to accept that it wasn’t to be. When I left university, I knew I wanted to pursue a management role as I enjoy working with people, as part of a team, to achieve the best results we can. When I got the chance to interview with, and eventually join Graham, it was an opportunity too good to pass up.
What might a typical day for you at work be? The work I do can vary a lot from day-to-day. I often spend the morning shadowing a certain member of the team and learning a new part of the job. For example, I might help with the incoming deliveries – unloading, unboxing and placing new stock in the appropriate areas within the warehouse. I’ve also worked on Perpetual Product Inventory (PPI) checks, ensuring thhings are ready for the stock take at the end of the month. It has really shown me the importance of stock management and maintenance. In my current role, the rest of my day is typically taken up with helping our drivers manage incoming stock – and of course making my fair share of the teas and coffees.
What are your big challenges in this role? This is my first job in the plumbing industry so learning about the vast range of products was, and still is, challenging. If you had asked me six months ago what an elbow was, I would have probably just pointed to my arm. Learning the processes and systems of the company was also a big part of my first few months and, if I am honest, going from a sleepy student to a 7:30am start was a slight shock to the system.
What do you love about your role?
I love that the variety of this job will always present new challenges and opportunities. I hope that even when I think I have experienced it all, something new will arise requiring a different solution or approach. My favourite part of the job is the people I work with;
the weird and wonderful conversations and stories from their time at Graham. I feel that this company is a family and one that I am steadily becoming a part of.
What has been your biggest achievement in your role? While I have been tasked with the PPI checks of the warehouse we became the number one in London for most completed checks, which made me very proud. Also, while stock checking I found a discrepancy with an item due for delivery. We were able to sort the issue immediately and ensure it didn’t cause a problem for the customer.
What would you like to achieve next? Being on the counter and serving customers should put my product knowledge to the test and give me the chance to hone my customer service skills. As I said, the company is like a family and I would like to contribute as much as I can and become a key member of the team as well as developing relationships with our customers too.
What advice would you give someone new to this industry?
Arrive with an open mind and open ears as there is a huge amount to learn. If you’re as lucky as me to have an experienced team around you then listen to them and use them to your advantage – they can be like walking encyclopaedias. On the other hand, don’t be scared to volunteer your thoughts and give a different perspective on a situation, you may suggest something no one has considered.
What would you say to someone thinking about a career/getting a job in the merchant industry? When you’re considering a job in a plumbing merchant you might think that you’ll never be truly interested in boilers and radiators, but you might be surprised. Also, the job allows you to meet unique and interesting people and there is never a dull moment. Finding the right job and company can make all the difference and will mean you get out of bed in the morning excited for the day ahead.
What are the changes you foresee the industry making in order to survive the future?
One of the biggest advantages the industry has is how it can retain staff for years to accumulate an extensive knowledge base. But this must also be balanced with changing and growing to meet new challenges, such as embracing evolving technologies and ways of working. I am excited to see what the future holds and I hope to play my own part in the process.
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net May 2020
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