Get to Know Tom Fowkes

A mainstay of the UK Hose team, our Marketing and Data Assistant spent some time with Head of Sales, Tom, to gain an insight into his role here at UK Hose.

When asked what he enjoys most about his role, Tom declared ‘I enjoy meeting people the most, especially new people. There are a lot of customers that we have dealt with for a long time. I know their stories, I know their families, friends and what makes them tick. Finding this out about new people and creating bonds and partnerships is what I enjoy most’.

Tom is an asset to the team and our customers value his knowledge and expertise. We asked Tom what he thinks makes him good at his job, he replied ‘I think I understand people, especially on a deeper level. I understand what makes them happy and what makes them tick. With my 21 years experience in the industry, I know how it works. I know it inside out, it’s all I know’.

Expanding on Tom’s previous answer, we wanted to gain more insight into his 21 years of experience. ‘I started in hydraulics when I was eighteen, at another company within the industry. I was sweeping the floors and making tea. I then began making kits and serving customers on the counter. After this, I went into an engineering role where I worked on the vans for three or four years. When I got back, I worked in operations and then progressed to Operations Manager.

After a few years, I decided to join Matt and his team on their journey. He spotted my talent for interacting with people, so I moved into a Regional Sales Manager role at what was Eastern Hose and Hydraulics. I know every aspect of the job; therefore, I can talk to people I need to on different levels which really helps’.

As the final work related question, we asked Tom what gets him through his day. ‘I think the strive to be the best. Matt has always said early doors, that we don’t want to be the biggest, we want to be the best. This is the same for everything we do, every evolving process. There is always something to do, always someone to talk to, always a customer that needs something fixing. So, striving to be the best is what gets me through the day’.

Straying away from work, we wanted to know what Tom does in his spare time. ‘This is an easy one, spending time with the family. I have two girls who are now eight and eleven. Helping them with their homework and supporting my eldest’s passion for football through coaching the team. My youngest is a ball of fun, so being around her makes me happy. My wife and I enjoy weekend breaks at every given opportunity, as well as holidaying as a family of four and creating lifelong memories’.

Each team member here at UK Hose plays a pivotal role in ensuring that we are not the biggest, but the best. Without people like Tom, we wouldn’t be able to provide our customers with the unrivalled service they deserve.

If you want to partner with a company that puts their customers at the forefront of everything they do, contact us today!