Since he joined us just over two years ago, Kevin has turbocharged sales, driven commercial success, and proven himself a much-loved friend amongst his colleagues and clients alike. 

Here we put Kevin under the intense glare of Igne’s staff spotlight, (it’s not for the fainthearted)

What does your job entail?

I am the first point of call for most clients mainly because I’m quickest off the draw and I answer the phone 95% of the time.  I also take a proactive approach to sales and client nurturing with email marketing and external communications.

I talk our UXO clients through their planned works and discuss what the best mitigation measures would be in association with their plans.  The conversation usually starts with me asking if they’ve had a detailed risk assessment completed, and if so, discuss that risk and how it could impact the project.

If the call comes in to me for another part of the business, I ensure the client’s concerns are properly addressed by the right person.  I try to never drop a potential lead. 

Who inspired you to pursue the career you have today?

My first boss from my first corporate role; I believe he gave a reference for when I started at Igne - if you can find it, I was told it was a really good one!

A key anecdote from him inspired me, and guides me now I work on the commercial side of operations: “you have two ears and one mouth for a reason - this is because you should listen twice as much as you speak!”

What advice can you give someone who wants to follow in your career footsteps?

Don’t?  joking!  Learn quickly to become at ease with the sound of your own voice and with others hearing it.  You need to be calm and collected when you’re talking through a process with clients – and this relates to all sales roles – not just at Igne.  

Clients need to be walked through your process logically and in an accessible way so they can understand and engage with what you’re saying.

If you’re in sales, pretend you’re the only person in the room; don’t let others listening put you off.

Also, what works for me personally, (although I guess it might just suit my personality), is I try to befriend whoever my contact is.  I have genuine interest in people and want to learn more about everyone I meet or speak to.  It brings me happiness – and I do know it helps with getting repeated work as well. 

Also, if you’re a trusted and friendly person, it’s so much easier to smooth over any issues should they arise.

What is a tough challenge you’ve overcome at work? 

They come randomly and often because the nature of UXO threat mitigation can be complicated.  

But one recent challenge relates to the integration of various additional business units into Igne, and me initially knowing nothing about what my new colleagues did! 

Because I’m always looking for opportunities, I had to learn as much as I could in order to advise clients on our group-wide integrated services; knowledge is power!

Having a well-planned internal training programme which ran over a few months before Igne launched was really beneficial.   Well done for organising this!

Blushing!  Thanks – so, what about a triumph or a career highlight?

Career highlight will definitely be the friendships and relationships I’ve built with my work colleagues here.  It’s very rare to get along with everyone you work with, let alone be able to class them as friends!

I consider my colleagues as close friends, and I feel very much at ease with everyone at Igne.  It’s a great place to work – we have a blast (excuse the pun) and all pull in the same direction to deliver exceptional results for clients.  Proof of the pudding is in the eating – and we just keep getting extensions to so many projects because our clients are delighted with all our teams’ efforts.

What’s a secret talent that no one knows about? 

My connection with animals for sure!  Who else can get a monkey to play hide and seek with you at a zoo?  Crazy.

In general though, the majority of animals I come across tend to fixate on me for some reason - maybe I just look tasty?  [Note from editor - you will see Kevin being 'eaten' by his dog Honey in the article thumbnail...]  But I like to think it’s just my playful nature shining through!

Oh, and I can get tigers to ‘chuff’ back at me as well, which is their way of greeting each other.  I learned that from the film called ‘We Bought a Zoo’ - would definitely recommend!

In terms of successes, that must rank highly!  But which work accomplishment are you most proud of?

There are a few, but the ones that make me feel the best are the ones that come in small and then develop into much larger tasks.  One I can think of off the top of my head is to do with a dockyard development in the Plymouth area,  it took considerable effort to get this project through the door and was initially for MUCH less scope than what we have now delivered for the hopefully very satisfied clients.

How have you grown professionally within your role/in your time at Igne?

I’m sure my cover letters are much better.  (That’ll make my bosses Lucie and Jordan chuckle!)

On a more serious note, I’d say that my construction knowledge in general has improved incredibly.  Being able to talk through planned construction works and be able to understand and even advise is something I never thought I’d be able to do.

I can confidently and easily guide clients through the stages of works as well as advise on different methodologies to achieve the required UXO clearance.

Thank you, Kevin, for surviving the piercing glare of the spotlight – and sharing your insights.

Here’s what your colleagues say about you:

Jordan: “Kevin embodies Igne's ethos with his contagious positivity.  His friendly demeanour, can-do attitude, and extensive knowledge are precisely what clients seek when they engage with Igne as a first port of call.  His welcoming approach plays a significant role in retaining clients and ensuring their return.”

Lucie: “Even though it was more than 2 years ago, my memory of interviewing Kevin remains vivid, as if it was yesterday.  Initially, Kevin seemed a bit out of his element, but his pleasant demeanour and evident drive left a lasting impression.  Despite lacking industry experience, we took a chance on him, and I’m delighted that we did.  Kevin’s infectious personality resonates with our clients, and his customer service skills are truly exceptional.”

Looking to work where you’ll make friends and a positive discernible difference for clients?  Igne is recruiting – we can’t wait to meet you!  Explore open roles.