Garry Preston left school in 1980 and went straight into the furniture industry – and says he “still loves every day of it!” He spent over 30 years with JH Haskins, becoming a director in 2002, and the retailer’s furniture MD in 2008 – before completing an MBO of the Haskins Furniture trading business in 2009, operating from its Shepton Mallet retail centre. After eight years, he sold Haskins Furniture back to JH Haskins & Son, but remained there as MD until March 2020 – and went on to join TR Hayes of Bath after the Covid lockdowns, where he now works as the retailer’s commercial director.
How might a child describe what you do?
He improves people’s homes.
What’s the biggest long-term challenge you face?
To increase the brand recognition and customer perception of TR Hayes.
If you had 10 x your working budget, what would you spend it on?
Continued development of the store. Marketing and digital.
What would be the title of your autobiography?
Relentless.
What does ‘work/life balance’ mean to you?
Juggling balls. Work has rubber balls, family and health have glass. It's important to not forget which is which.
Who’s been your most influential professional mentor?
Kevin Haskins was instrumental in recognising my potential and giving me the promotions and opportunities to progress.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Ask me in 20 years, I’m still learning!
What’s been your best day in business to date?
When I completed the MBO of Haskins Furniture. I joined the company the day after my 16th birthday, and 29 years later buying the furniture trading business in Shepton Mallet was an improbable dream that came true.
What’s the biggest myth about our industry?
That online will be the end of face-to-face retail and is cheaper than buying from a physical store. The expertise advice and knowledge, and being able to touch and test the product in a store can (and should) offer the consumer a far superior shopping experience, particularly in our industry.
What should everyone in our industry either stop or start doing?
Stop wasting time on things add no value. Start spending more time on what really does add value.
Where do you see the industry going in the next 5-10 years?
Sustainability in product and across the supply chain will be compulsory. The cost of buying UK manufactured versus imported will narrow, particularly in the luxury end of the market.
This interview was published in September's issue.
