“It’s been everything I expected it would be,” Paul tells us, reflecting on his first 18 months with F. Ball. “Due to the Covid restrictions, I only got to meet the rest of the sales team in July; it was something I was really looking forward to, and it made the F. Ball experience a bit more real. Since joining the team, the time’s flown by, and that’s always a good thing.”
Given that Paul’s been in the flooring industry for nearly 30 years, including eight as an installer, it’s certainly a testament to the company. It’s also safe to say he knows a thing or two about the trade.
He continues: “Much of my career has been working as a Technical Representative – around 20 years in total. I also enjoyed my role at a distributor for almost a decade, which helps with maintaining vital relationships with our distribution network. The trade has changed a lot over the years, particularly with the technological advancements in products and the added pressures of site work. That’s really where we come in as tech reps – supporting the trade with our knowledge and expertise.”
Sounds like Paul’s a good man for the job. He covers North London, Northern Home Counties and parts of West Essex, meaning contractors in these areas can get in touch with Paul and he will advise on the best course of action for the job in-hand and optimal F. Ball products to use, paying a visit to the site, if necessary.
“Today’s been an interesting one,” he continues, “I’ve had three site visits that couldn’t be more different from one another: a warehouse where a wearing surface was required; next, a trip to London Zoo, not to see the animals, but to advise on an installation in a new reptile house; and then a domestic property with subfloor integrity issues.”
A varied job, certainly. What’s the best part of it?
“The diversity. Meeting with our distribution network, visiting contractors and retailers, carrying out site visits and helping with the product training that we offer – either on customers’ premises or at the F. Ball Centre of Excellence in Cheddleton.”
Good stuff. Any queries that crop up often, or any common training needs?
“Excess subfloor moisture is the most common issue that I’m asked to look at, whether that is residual construction moisture resulting from the building process, or as a result of the lack of a structural damp-proof course because of the age of a building. For example, I get called to many prison jobs because the buildings are old and have moisture issues, so I advise them on our fast-track solutions.”
We’ll take a guess these aren’t your favourite jobs. Any highlights?
“Last year, I visited Kensington Palace and Tottenham Hotspur Football Club Training Facility which is an amazing site, but I’m not a Spurs fan, so perhaps a bit wasted on me.”
Paul confided in us that he used to support another team as a child. We’ll keep it quiet but can say with honesty that it wasn’t a London team!
Finally, we’re interested to know how F. Ball’s new Stopgap 1500 AquaPro is being received on the ground.
Paul explains: “It’s doing well; contractors like having a water-based product that can be used over old adhesive residues, without the need to prime. The fact that it is moisture tolerant also gives the user an added benefit and makes it versatile.”