Staff Spotlight: Get to know our Managing Director
As our Director, Mike works closely with all of our staff and customers on an extensive range of projects. Mike is frequently out and about where he catches up with customers on forthcoming projects but we managed to find 5 minutes to ask him a few questions! Find out below how Mike joined the Print Trade (many years ago!) ...
How did you get into the Print Trade?
My father was in the print trade when I was quite young and I used to go and work alongside him every school holiday from the age of 14. I learnt a lot whilst I was there so when I left school I already had a lot of Print knowledge. I actually didn’t want to stay in the trade, I had passed my qualifications to go in the Paratroop Regiment in the September so I left school in the May and I went to work at the printers where they gave me a Saturday job. Not long after, they then offered me a 4 year apprenticeship and the rest they say, is history.
What did you do prior to Chameleon?
I worked for various other print companies from the age of 16 to 45. I worked my way up the ladder from an Apprentice to Sales Director and eventually made the decision to start my own company in 2006.
What made you want to set up Chameleon?
I could see a gap in the market where other print companies were turning down work because the job was different, i.e. it had complex finishing or it had an element that printers were not comfortable in sourcing or there were too many steps to complete the end product. From here, I took the decision to set up Chameleon and created a company that could take on any size job and find solutions to some of the most unique print and packaging projects.
What is your favourite type of project to work on?
My favourite projects are the ones that need a lot of thought (which mainly come with sleepless nights to get it finished). When the job is complete, it's truly satisfying to sit back and see the end product which has had so much time and effort go into it.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love meeting new clients, that's what I probably enjoy the most. I also like to work alongside new and existing customers where I can help them achieve exactly what they envisioned.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
My proudest moment of my career has been setting up Chameleon and having my daughter join the company. She can practically run the company blindfolded (it had to rub off somewhere!).
Since setting up Chameleon, what has been your most memorable project that you have worked on?
I would have to say the light bulb box, just because of what was involved within this project - all the components, the packaging, sourcing the bulbs and shipping the end product worldwide.
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to work within the Print Trade?
It's so different these days from when I started all of those years ago but my advice would be to listen, not only to clients, but from the ones looking to teach you, do that and you will go far in this industry.
