In this month’s Employee Spotlight, we talk to New Zealand Branch Sales Manager, Greg Daniels who touches on his time at Redox, our customers and the difficulties faced in New Zealand because of COVID.
How has your career progressed over the years and when did you start working at Redox?
My career began in the 1970’s as a teacher of chemistry and physics at a top boys secondary school. What an enjoyable experience! Chemistry became many student’s favourite subject.
After a period of overseas travel back to my ancestral home in England, I resisted a return to the classroom and tried Industry Trained Dyer, Food Chemist, Production Manager Food industry before entering Nirvana – Industrial Sales! What a great career choice. A salesperson is at the sharp end – no hiding!
Salespeople must be dedicated and smart, be a student of human nature, be commercially aware and able to negotiate a deal – all at the same time. It’s never boring!
I started work with Redox on Thursday 24th October 2002 as an account manager in Auckland. At the time I had been made redundant from my previous role and was back in the classroom, – Redox gave me a call, and as they say the next 19 years are history.
What do you love most about working at Redox?
I love 2 main things about Redox, management leaves one in no doubt about what is required, and I work with a team of excellent people.
What do you think makes Redox different?
Redox takes care to employ the best people – good honest, hardworking staff. And our custom built Redebiz system makes it very easy to respond to Redox customers with good timely information.
In New Zealand, Redox is known for being a top supplier and customers like dealing with us.
What trends do you see in chemical distribution?
There has been increased governmental regulation of the transportation and storage of dangerous goods which has led to increased costs. But these are necessary measures and in fact make things more efficient and safe in the long run.
How has the shipping crisis affected customers in NZ? How bad is it?
I have never experienced such a chaotic time – tight availability of product in the world market, delays in arrival and increased costs all of which means that we need to work hard to be an information conduit to our customers. On the plus side customers have never been more open to listen to a Redox Rep.
Cargo cranes in the port in Auckland, tight availability of product in the world markets has created such a chaotic time.
How does Redox foster the kind of leadership that embraces and encourages its constant improvement?
Redox leadership is nimble and flexible, it’s a horizontal organisation in its approach to management that’s very ‘hands on’. This encourages everyone to take part and ownership of their role. There is no culture of blame. We get better together.
What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
I had a job offer once selling ice-cream on the main beach of St Tropez and I have often thought… my wife Jan said, “no way!”
Favourite band/song/music?
Vera Lynn and songs from WW1 or Led Zeplin.
Do you have a nickname?
Yea, Grandad.