Tuesday 19th November marks International Men’s Day, which aims to celebrate positive male role models and to raise awareness of men’s issues such as health and wellbeing. We have many great men at SAM who work hard to make sure our company achieves its goals and objectives and every day this week we will be sharing an interview with one of them where they explain what they enjoy about their job, the development opportunities they have had, what their biggest achievements have been and what they do to relax and stay healthy.
To kick things off, we chatted to Jason Dacres who is a Regional Sales Manager at SAM. When Jason isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his family, going to the gym and supporting his beloved Liverpool FC.
1. Tell us about your role within SAM
I am the Regional Sales Manager for the East Midlands here at SAM. My role is to manage and support existing customers and key accounts, helping and aiding my customers with all their MDF requirements. This can consist of many different things like on-site training, product guidance, sales support with my customers’ customers or finding new profitable business within my territory.
2. What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love interacting with my customers and the diverse customer base that I have. The SAM team is one big family and I have been made to feel very welcome from day one. We are a very driven team without the silly rivalries you find in other businesses.
3. What career development opportunities have you had within the manufacturing industry?
The product training I have received has really benefitted my development within the manufacturing industry. There has also always been someone to turn to when I don’t have the answers I need. I learn something new everyday in terms of competitors, profiles and MDF in general.
4. Name two things you are really good at?
My two best attributes that I bring to the role are my enthusiasm and my relationship building skills with my customers. Building good solid relationships is key to maintaining fantastic rapport with customers.
5. What would you say is your biggest achievement?
Definitely my two sons.
6. What do you do to relax?
I am a massive Liverpool FC fan, so I enjoy watching the games. I like to take my sons fishing which is very relaxing.
7. What do you do to stay healthy?
I used to play basketball professionally, but unfortunately, I had to stop due to an injury. I try to eat well and I attend the gym three times a week, although I have been struggling with severe sciatica for the last eight weeks so my routine has changed recently.
8. What values do you live by?
Honesty, integrity and hard work and do it all with a smile. I also believe in treating others as I wish to be treated.
9. Who is your greatest role model and why?
My foster Mum and Dad. To truly love a child that is not your own flesh and blood and give them everything they need in life is absolutely amazing. I wouldn’t be who I am today without them and their influences. A famous role model would be John Barnes (former professional footballer and manager) who fought racism from every single angle in his sport, wore his smile every day and produced great performances against all odds and adversity. Another would be Michael Jordan, who I believe is the greatest athlete of all time. A true leader on the court.
10. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Do not fear mistakes – we all make them. The key is to learn from them. Life is a lesson. Those who learn from their mistakes will always move forward, those who don’t are fools!
Keep an eye out for our next interview tomorrow!
