10 Questions With Chris Moore
Chris Moore – Northern Division Technical Manager, Bostik
Chris has over 20 years of industry experience. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge of adhesives and most importantly his expertise in Bostik’s professional adhesive systems. Chris wishes to share his skills with flooring professionals to ensure that future installations are completed in the best nature.
We sat down to chat with Chris Moore, our new Northern Area Manager, to find out about his background in flooring and tiling, what he’s looking forward to most about working at Bostik, and what he believes the future holds for the industry.
What was your first job?
Aside from working on the family farm, my Uncle ran a business shot blasting and applying protective coatings. I started working with him from a very young age, and when I left college, I worked for him full time. We branched into all types of contracts. This gave me a wealth of knowledge across the construction industry, from an excellent understanding of industrial coatings to concrete repairs and waterproofing.
How did you get into the adhesives industry?
While working with my Uncle, I had built up many contacts with product manufacturers. One of them approached me and offered me a job in technical sales for their specialist products division. This encompassed all sorts of products, but my main focus was epoxy flooring and everything that goes along with it. This job led me to join an English company that specialised in flooring products. I took on the role of their technical representative for Ireland, a role I carried for 15 years. Hopefully, the knowledge I have gained through these roles will aid Bostik in growing further within the flooring industry in Ireland.
How would you describe your role?
As part of the Wall and Floor Team, I see my role as twofold. Providing technical knowledge and information to contractors, end-users and industry partners. This is accomplished through product demonstrations, onsite investigations, training and specifying products. Together with this, my role is also to maximise sales of products through our distribution network. If the first part is carried out correctly and people can be confident in the products I am promoting, and they can rely on their advice, then the second part should follow.
What aspect are you most looking forward to about the new Bostik Academy facility?
The Academy is a fantastic facility to have in Ireland, it is one of a kind and much needed here. I am most looking forward to promoting the products and training contractors. We have some of the best products available in the market, and to get a chance to show these to the end-users will be invaluable. I love it when you can change someone’s perception of how a product should perform.
What do you think are the positive and negative aspects of the industry?
The positive aspect of the industry for me is that it will always be there – buildings will always need floors. Also, the industry is constantly evolving, and new products are being developed, new methods of application are being utilised all the time.
One of the most significant negatives I see is the lack of young people coming into the trade. We need young people to grasp the new products and methods to drive the industry forward and keep evolving.
What has been your proudest moment?
I have to go with the birth of my children. I know it’s a cliché, but there is no better feeling.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned so far in your career?
I remember one of the first big clients I ever met, who had been in the industry for a long time, said to me, “If you are ever asked a question that you don’t know the answer to, admit you don’t know, find out the answer and come back to them. You will gain more respect for that than taking a chance and giving the wrong information.” This has always stuck with me – and he was right!
What do most of your colleagues not know about you?
I used to own showjumping horses and compete regularly.
What do you think the future holds for the industry?
I think the future of the industry is bright, but It must evolve In the following ways:
— Sustainability
This is such a huge factor in everything today. From raw materials through manufacture, distribution, installation methods, and disposal, the entire cycle must be made cleaner and greener. This will soon become one of the most critical factors in winning or losing contracts.
— Speed
With projects having such tight time scales, the ability to get products placed quickly is of the essence. Also, with so many larger buildings being constructed, the ability to cover these areas as quickly as possible will be essential. If it is possible to cover an area in one day that would typically take several, then there will be massive savings in time and cost.
— Ergonomics
Getting people off their knees. Developing application methods to keep end-users off their knees for as much of the process as possible will be invaluable. This will increase the productivity and well-being of all installers.
Finally, if you could be any character from film or TV, who would you be and why?
I would have to say Daniel Craig as James Bond. Fast cars, amazing locations, and always getting the job done – what’s not to like!
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