Meet James Machin
Getting to know James Machin – Telesales Advisor at Midland Lead
While he only joined the Midland Lead team in February this year, telesales advisor James Machin has quickly settled into his new role, already establishing himself as a hardworking, yet fun influence in the sales office.
Three months into the job and James has just attended his first NFRC UK Roofing Awards and is currently training for an upcoming triathlon for the Roofing Racers; making now a fitting time to get to know him a little better…
What was it about Midland Lead that appealed to you?
“I’ve worked in sales roles before, but I thought this one offered a great challenge. It was a new and interesting industry for me, offering lots of career progression opportunities.”
What’s the best thing about working for Midland Lead?
“The team – they’re a fantastic lot to work with. Also, the customers are great. Compared to other industries I’ve worked in, construction professionals are a really jolly bunch!”
How would your colleagues describe you?
“I think they’d describe me as a ‘machine’! In the sense that I’m hardworking and always busy getting things done. I also bring with me lots of banter and fun, which I think helps boost morale in the office.”
Is there anyone in or out of work that you look up to?
“Steve Jobs kept getting rejected, but never gave up; he’s definitely someone I aspire to.”
You recently attended the NFRC UK Roofing Awards – how was that?
“It was a great experience. I was able to see all the different types of work roofers do and felt like I got a real insight into the industry.”
You’re taking part in this year’s London Triathlon – tell us more.
“I’m currently training for Roofing Racers with fellow Midland Lead employees Kyle Hazeldine and Richard Gee. Roofing Racers represent a voluntary collection of teams and individuals from the roofing, building, plastics and windows industries who come together each year to take part in the AJ Bell London Triathlon. It’s on 6th August and involves a 750m swim, a 20km bike ride and a 5k run. We’re looking to raise £1050 for two fantastic charities – Great Ormond Street and Macmillan Cancer Support.”
Aside from training for the triathlon, do you play any other sports?
“I play football semi-professionally, playing forward for Gresley FC in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League. I train twice a week and play on a Saturday during the season. I’ve been playing all my life and before a serious leg injury, used to play for Birmingham City as a kid.”
What else do you like doing out of work?
“I have a 3-year-old daughter who I love spending time with. I particularly enjoy reading to her at bedtime and she often ropes me into playing with her Barbie toys! My girlfriend also has two children who live with us; a 9-year-old girl who we often watch practice in her gymnastics classes, and an 8-year-old boy, who I play football with and help coach his football team on a Sunday.”
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
“The Maldives. I’d love to stay in one of their famous water bungalows; it’d be ideal for a honeymoon when I get married, as long as I can overcome my fear of big fish!”
If you won £1m, what would you do with it?
“After paying off my car and suchlike, I’d put my business head on and invest it, in the hope of growing it.”
If you’d like to support James and his colleagues in this year’s London Triathlon and their bid to raise £1050 for charity, please visit their donation page at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MidlandLead
