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Increase quantity by 1An interview with our Brand Director
As he steps up to the role of Brand Director for Hunter Plastics, we wanted to find out the inside story on Steve Dunkley. Read on for an exclusive interview brought to you by our regular two bloggers...
Tracy: Why do people buy from Hunter Plastics and indeed why should they? What makes Hunter special?
Steve: Hunter have always been known as a business that builds strong relationships, if we only meet the "manager" in his office, all you would get would be two views, our best relationships and success rates are when the merchant is open with us. When we know what their business requires and they know what our business requires, that is when we see real positive results.
Tracy: Would you say with confidence that Hunter is the number one choice for customers?
Steve: I would say that merchants who partner with us understand and maximise on the value we offer, we are the number one choice for those customers. The Hunter and Multikwik brand have a very strong reputation with End users I hope to build on that reputation even more in the coming years.
Tracy: What is it that you enjoy most about coming to work and your job overall?
Steve: Each day brings new challenges, but to be fair, no job would interest me if it didn't have its fair share of challenges...
Hand on heart, I can say that have always enjoyed working for Hunter it's hard to summarise the highlights of the last 20 years, but I think it's the people that make our industry, and we have some fantastic customers and industry personalities, and not forgetting the Hunter team, I love the way they all pull in the same direction to deliver the best possible service.
Tracy: What three words would you use to describe your approach to your work?
Steve: Involving, dedication and coaching. I get a real buzz from helping others to succeed.
Tracy: What is the most demanding element of your job?
Steve: Usually the most demanding elements are often the most rewarding. I would have to say customers top the table on time demands throughout the business. The standard that we have set in supply excellence is something no one can be complacent about.
I would also say the team at Hunter are quite a large commitment, but as our silver investor in people status shows, if we don't invest in the people, then we are not investing in the business.
Tracy: How do you keep your team motivated?
Steve: Good question - perhaps this is one you should put to the team? I try and communicate open and honestly, I am often joked about by the drawings I create, to communicate my point. With the economy in the state it's in, and the weather we experienced early this year I think really tested everyone's motivation, but I have to say I couldn't be prouder of the team at Hunter, and their commitment to ensuring we continue to do our best.
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Success
Tracy: Have there been any defining successful moments or shifts throughout your career so far?
Steve: I don't know about reeling off some defining moments, my career has been long and varied.
Right at the start, when I was an apprentice in the plumbing industry, the initiation of going to the merchant for a "long weight for a pump" or not really being considered fully qualified until you have scars from ‘wiping lead' joints was a test.
I think however that a solid grounding in a trade has stood me in good stead.
Like most people of my generation, we have been involved in converting the old paper based systems onto computer, our first computer server had as much memory as my mobile phone!
The demands of work today have really changed!!
Tracy: Exactly how many jobs have you had?
Steve: I started "proper work" as a Plumbing Technician Apprentice in 1973 and remained in plumbing contracting for 11 years.
I had many jobs before that, frying fish in my local chip shop, farm work (including driving tractors at 13/14 years of age) and oddly enough making shoe soles and heels in a plastic factory, injection moulding remains basically the same process today.
I joined Hunter in 1985, at that time a very different business to our current operation. Moving to our office from an external sales role was a major career change.
Tracy: Who are the people in your life that have been your role models and mentors?
Steve: In my first job I had two very influential senior people who I think made me what I am today.
This was at Mulhearns in Leicester (Plumbing Contractors).
Roger Smith, a great practical guy, always level headed and straight forward.
Martin Wadsworth, with the best eye for detail I have ever met.
The combination of Roger and Martin taught me to get things done right first time if possible, and respect everybody around me, at all levels as they contribute to what I do.
Business Highlights
Tracy: There must have been lots of changes in your 20 years service. Care to run us through the highlights?
Steve: Yes there have been a lot of changes, but some things have been constant. For example, when I joined Hunter as an area sales manager in 1985, it was an exciting time, the Hunter brand had gone back to basics, and was going through positive change towards a more customer focused business model. As you know, that customer focused ethos remains core to the Hunter business today.
Each of my roles at Hunter have provided some ‘interesting' challenges and many highlights, but being appointed Brand Director in January 2010 would be the pinnacle of my personal achievement (so far) although the next 12 months could top the highlights, as the Hunter brand improves and evolves making our business the easiest for our customers to deal with.
Tracy: Are there any fun elements of business/industry?
Steve: The CPA luncheon is always a good highlight, and 'The Conference' has been a fantastic industry event. Industry events are a fantastic way to network and get a view of what is going on.
Tracy: Have you met some interesting people through your job?
Steve: Absolutely! I would say I have made friends for life.
Tracy: What is the most embarrassing thing you have done at work?
Steve: In 20 years I imagine there have been some embarrassing tales, but the one that springs to mind is attending an industry function in London, followed by an evening in London. I then went to the office the next day in the same suit as the night before, it was covered in glitter! I will not say in detail why but dancing was involved!
More About Me
Tracy: Besides work, what are you passions in life?
Steve: I am very involved in Rugby - the family are united in following our old home team of the Leicester Tigers. Bishop Startford RFC is now my local club, where I am an executive member and involved in coaching. In football my patience is tested by following West Ham Uniteds progress in the premiership.
Tracy: How do you hope your colleagues see you?
Steve: Fair, Open and Honest.
Tracy: Any recent travels of note?
Steve: We have a very strong business partnership in Russia and Ukraine, it is always a pleasure to meet with our customers out there, they are always welcoming, and over the past 5 years or so it has been a delight to see the new architecture and buildings.
Tracy: How do you relax?
Steve: Ideally, with friends and family. A nice meal and great wine. I'm sure in an interview like this, you would normally have a response like golf, but at my level sometimes it doesn't always relax you! If all else fails my best way to relax would be to watch Blazing Saddles, my all time favourite movie.
Tracy: What keeps you motivated, not necessarily as a brand director, but just as a person?
Steve: Results, winning, getting things right.
Tracy: What is the most exciting thing you have done this year or plan to do?
Steve: Exciting may not be the word but attending the 'V' festival is a first for me and should be great.
Tracy: If you could have had any other career what would it have been?
Steve: An architect or artist. I love drawing, creating and sketching.
Tracy: What would you say was the proudest, happiest moment of your life
Steve: Arrival of Ben and Adam (my sons) - less painful for me than Jo (my wife)!
Tracy: Would you like to share any interesting facts about yourself that no one would expect form a brand director?
Steve: Tough question. What is interesting?
I am a bit of a barbeque geek. I like to cook al fresco, but not to just burn a burger. Being a bit more creative and producing an eating experience for friends is much more my style. I think one day I will write a barbeque book.
Tracy: Is there anything you feel you really have to do at some point in your life?
Steve: White water kayak fascinates me. I have never done it because I hate the idea of being upside down in water - which I'm sure I would be at some point!
Tracy: Are there any words you could use to describe yourself?
Steve: I am sure my family could provide many! The "old git" is what I am commonly known as by my sons.
I do like to be organized and am a list writer, which means I am sometimes described as "a pain in the * * * * " by those with the opposite traits!
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