Phil joined the industry in 2013, and worked as a sales rep for Kettle Interiors until late last year. Now self employed and running sales agency PG Agencies, Phil looks after the Midlands for the likes of Papaya Trading, Vogue Beds, Sofitalia and SoftNord.
How might a child describe what you do?
Drive and talk.
What’s the biggest long-term challenge you face?
The flow of sales has been changed by the ‘Covid years’. I hope that they return to ‘normal’ over the next five years. Planning around this is probably the biggest hurdle.
If you had 10 x your working budget, what would you spend it on?
I would get a much bigger car –my current car is trying to remove my spine.
What would be the title of your autobiography?
Big, Bold and Beautiful …
What does ‘work/life balance’ mean to you?
Being able to get back in time to see my kids before bedtime and being able to switch off, without work stress creeping into life stress. The latter is often difficult.
Who’s been your most influential professional mentor?
My dad has been a huge influence on my professional career. He has always been there to offer sound advice. He has a wealth of business knowledge.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t worry as much– everything works out in the end if you stay true to yourself.
What’s been your best day in business to date?
Nothing beats scratching the pad with multiple containers – nine boxes of cabinet to one customer a few years ago felt pretty special.
What’s the biggest myth about our industry?
I would say that we are always looking for excuses for why it’s busy/quiet. It’s not the weather.
What should everyone in our industry either stop or start doing?
I’m not convinced about one set thing that people should do/not do, other than we should probably be less moany. Furniture people love a moan (myself included).
Where do you see the industry going in the next 5-10 years?
I think there will be a larger focus on recyclable furniture and further plastic waste reduction. Perhaps a resurgence in reupholstering or repairing furniture, rather than buying a new suite?
What question do you wish we’d asked? How would you have answered?
Q. What’s a hobby you enjoy?
A. I love BBQ – check out my Instagram page @bigphilibbq for BBQ updates throughout the summer.
Phil can be reached at [email protected].
