3-MINUTE INTERVIEW
JULIAN WOOD
3-MINUTE INTERVIEW – JULIAN WOOD
JULIAN WOOD, FOUNDING MEMBER OF GLOBAL STONE
WHEN YOU WERE AT SCHOOL, WHAT DID
YOU WANT TO BE AND WHY?
I’ve always been interested in the mechanical and
practical side of things and knew that I wanted a
career that enabled me to keep in touch with
those interests. ones that meet changing trends and those
that shape the market in a new direction. Our
introduction of porcelain paving has certainly
done that by meeting the requirement for low
maintenance, but by also changing the colours and
size of paving that our customers want.
HOW DID YOU GET TO BE WHERE YOU ARE
TODAY?
I joined a local builders’ merchant at the age of 16
where I experienced working across most aspects
of the product supply chain. After a number of
years I moved into sales and out on the road,
managing ‘Heavy Side’. I quickly recognised an
opportunity to develop the landscape side of the
business and in particular the growing popularity
of natural stone. I established a successful centre,
which included importing natural stone and
selling to other companies. This led to the forming
of Global Stone, where I was the sales director
before taking on the role of managing director. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT?
Being a founder member and setting up Global
Stone, and subsequent appointment to
managing director.
WHICH ASPECT OF YOUR JOB DO YOU ENJOY
MOST, AND WHY?
As managing director I have overall responsibility
for all aspects of the company as well as
giving strategic guidance and direction to the
board ensuring that we achieve our business
objectives. The area that I enjoy most is product
development; I love the sourcing of new products,
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE BEEN
GIVEN IN WORK OR LIFE IN GENERAL?
There are three, the first is ‘embrace change’.
For me change has always led to more exciting
opportunities. The second is ‘know your own
mind’, know what you want to do and why, but
always be open to suggestions. The third is ‘enjoy
what you do’ - if you are passionate about your
work, it becomes infectious for the people
around you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With a long history in the merchant industry,
particularly in the hard landscaping business, Julian
identified a growing market in 2003 for natural
stone. He was a founder member of Global Stone,
where he is now managing director. Julian is quick
to identify key trends in the market which, along
with an attention to quality products and customer
service, has enabled the company to go from
strength to strength. Julian was one of the first to
identify and introduce external porcelain paving
tiles into the UK market, resulting in Global Stone
leading the fast growing domestic market.
WHAT IS YOUR NEXT GOAL?
A continuation of our sustained and profitable
growth, by taking the company from a good to
great and becomingthe paving company of choice,
where we are recognised as the premium brand
offering excellent quality, customer service and
innovative paving solutions.
Global stone is an industry leading, innovative supplier of premium porcelain and
natural stone paving, setts, accessories and features
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE OUR FULL RANGE VISIT:
WWW.GLOBALSTONEPAVING.CO.UK/PRODUCTS
OR CALL 0845 60 60 240 (LO-CALL RATE)
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Landscape Insight | August 2017