This month we chat with Ben Firth, Sales Executive, Road Tankers Northern Ltd.
“Build genuine relationships, listen to the customers’ needs, and always do what you say you’ll do.”Ben Firth
Sum up your working life in 25 words or fewer.
From workshop floor to sales, my 20-year career has given me a deep understanding of the fuel oil industry and the people within it.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Sociable. Reliable. Dedicated.
What were your childhood / early ambitions?
I always wanted to be a professional footballer! If that failed, I looked up to my dad and wanted to follow in his footsteps working with tankers… here we are now, 20 years in!
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation – because life is too short to spend it stuck on the M1!
The best advice you’ve ever received?
Listen to those you are learning from – advice I now pass on to new starters. There are a lot of knowledgeable people in the industry!
Your top tips for business success?
Build genuine relationships, listen to the customers’ needs, and always do what you say you’ll do.
What’s the last photo you took on your phone?
My eldest son receiving an award at his football presentation day!
If you could have dinner with any person, living or dead, who and why?
Greedily – all my grandparents. I recently lost my last one, and it is 30 years since my first passed. I’d love to show them the man I have become and for them to meet their great-grandchildren.
You can only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what is it?
This is a tough one… probably peanuts! I am a grazer and could eat them all day! Salted, dry roasted, chilli… all of them haha!
The best thing about your job?
I am very lucky that I get to travel to places I probably wouldn’t have if I didn’t do the job I do. Spending time with customers is a real pleasure.
The quality that you most admire?
Honesty – it helps to build lasting relationships.
What are you most likely to say?
There’s always a way! (There really is!)
What are you least likely to say?
It can’t be done. (Because there is always a way!)
Describe your perfect day.
Big breakfast, then a round of golf. Back home for a BBQ with the family, and a few cold beers of course!
Your favourite sports team?
Manchester United!
If you could be any fictional character, who and why?
James Bond – Travel the world, wear the suits, drive the cars, play with the gadgets, beat the bad guys and get the girl! What’s not to love haha!
Share your greatest personal achievement.
Watching my boys grow up! They fill me with so much joy and pride. They are 2 little superstars and their characters have me smiling and laughing every single day!
Share your pet hate or biggest irritant.
Poor timekeeping.
What would your Mastermind specialist subject be?
Premier League football years 1998-2008 – the greatest era of the Premier League. I spent a lot of my time watching it!
If you were PM what would be the first law you’d pass?
Free school meals and access to sports clubs for every child. I played football from age five and it helped me build my confidence and make new friends as I was quite shy. Every child should have the same opportunity.
If you had a time machine, would you go to the future or the past?
The past. To a time before mobile phones and social media! Riding your bike to your mate’s house to knock and see if they could play out, not knowing even if they were at home! I wish kids today still had this!
What is number 1 on your bucket list?
I would love to take a cruise around the Caribbean. I visited Jamaica in 2014 and the people are almost as laid back as I am! It is definitely my kind of place!
If you were Editor of Fuel Oil News magazine, what’s your first article?
How we attract, develop and retain young people to keep our industry thriving for years to come. There has been and still is a lot of experience leaving the industry through retirement, and that knowledge can’t be bought. Passing this on to the younger generation coming through is vital for keeping this industry as great as it is.
What 3 things would you take to a desert island?
My golf clubs, a lifetime supply of peanuts and my phone!
Something about you people would be surprised by?
I once played in goal at Old Trafford and kept a clean sheet!
Image credit: Ben Firth, Road Tankers Northern
