‘Singing salesman’ welcomed to the Liniar fold

Due to an unprecedented response to the launch of Liniar’s installation supplies range, the innovative company has moved quickly to recruit an enthusiastic new sales manager to help manage the influx of inquiries – and he can’t wait to ‘tune in’ to the company’s success.

If the name Phil Turner doesn’t ring a bell with those in the industry, then the face and voice might spark memories of him leading an impromptu sing-along session with his guitar in the bar of the Holiday Inn after the Gala Dinner at the last FIT Show.

Originally from Cheshire but now living in Stoke-on-Trent, Phil has 25 years of industry experience behind him, specialising in fixings and fastenings. He joins Liniar from Rapier Star where he spent more than 11 years as Technical Sales Manager for the North, dealing with stockists, builders’ merchants and directly with the window industry.

“I began my career as an office junior before moving on to technical support and then being sent out on the road. And I’ve been on the road ever since,” says Phil.

I’ve always been very passionate about the technical side of things and that’s one of many elements that attracted me to Liniar.”

When the position came up at Liniar Phil couldn’t resist the challenge, and after meeting Chief Executive Roger Hartshorn his mind was easily made up. “I must admit that I was a bit nervous about meeting Roger, the man behind the Liniar brand, but he was just really down to earth. We had a pleasant chat and then he offered me the job. Best interview I’ve ever had!”

Working with Business Development Director Tony Basile, Phil will be visiting window fabricators all over the UK, then focusing on the Northern Region in the longer term. We caught up with Phil to find out what attracted Liniar’s new Northern Region Sales Manager of Building Supplies and Roofs to the company.

“The main appeal was the brand. I would only ever sell top quality products and the opportunity to work for a large organisation with such an immense reputation was just too good to turn down.

“The installation supplies are really top of the range and I can’t wait to get out and meet customers to show them exactly how good they are – and Liniar’s conservatory roofs are second to none.

Innovation is the philosophy at Liniar; everything is designed with quality in mind. Everyone I’d spoken to about them had the same opinion – Liniar just do it right.

“In my short time working here I’ve been impressed by an almost overwhelming impression of enthusiasm. Everyone’s behind the company and there’s a real sense of family, a true team with a common goal. “I’ve even received the same feedback from the customers I’ve talked to – how could I turn down working for a company like that?”

Passionate about his profession, Phil’s other great love, apart from his wife and four-year-old daughter, is music. “I’ve been in various bands for more than 14 years as a singer and a drummer. I’m afraid I am that guy who picks up a guitar at a party and starts a sing song.”

So how did the impromptu ‘gig’ in the hotel bar come about at the last FIT Show? “I just think it’s a fun way to bring people together and have a good time. Everyone likes to let their hair down and have a good old sing song. I’d taken my guitar along with me, just in case, and couldn’t resist strumming a few tunes and getting everyone to join in. It ended up being a brilliant night!”

So what are Phil’s ambitions for his new role? “My aim is to build on the brand and make my mark with Liniar. I’d like my contribution to have an influence on the future success of the business. I’m looking forward to being part of this excellent team, working with our valued customers and bringing even greater success.”

That’s certain to be music to the ears of Phil’s colleagues!