Gary Hawker, Sales Director
Introduction
Gary Hawker
Gary Hawker doesn't really fit the popular image of a sales director. He's softly spoken, thoughtful and really doesn't like using his job title - he's 'just Gary.'
Like so many people on the Ottimo team, he's spent a career in print and graphics. From his first reprographics techniques course at college to his promotion to print foreman for a high street supermarket chain, printing ink runs in Gary's veins. But he found his true calling in sales - building relationships, understanding client needs, and using his formidable print knowledge to offer solutions that work.
How long have you been at Ottimo Digital?
10 years! I joined Ottimo Digital in late 2010 shortly after the financial crash - the PLC I was working for was restructured, and I began working exclusively for one of our former clients before meeting Nick & Lee in 2011. Immediately I noticed the difference in their attitude and approach to business and wanted to be a part of it.
What's the best thing about working at Ottimo Digital?
There's quite a bit to choose from! It's all about the people I work with, enjoying the work - more than just work, it's about being part of a successful group effort. We've all got our strengths and weaknesses, but we're greater than the sum of our parts. From a sales perspective, Ottimo is a dream job. We have all the capabilities of much larger graphics producers and all the agility and flexibility of a small team. We've got the same machines, inks, substrates and arguably more expertise, but we can spin on a penny when we need to.
I've enjoyed watching the business and the team grow over the last 10 years. Nick & Lee are not only long-standing colleagues but also good friends. The company is built on friendship, trust, and teamwork, and fosters a strong sense of responsibility towards our clients.
How has the pandemic affected your work and the business?
Like everyone with a significant stake in supplying the events and exhibitions industry, it has been very tough, but exhibition enquiries are trickling in again, and I'm expecting that trickle to return to a full flow again by 2022. We've looked into different sectors whilst the event industry has been in hibernation and done quite a bit of work printing Covid-signage and decorative hoardings for closed shops - none of it very uplifting - but in the back of our minds, we knew the event industry was going to bounce back, so we haven't committed to any major change in our target market.
Why do clients keep coming back to Ottimo?
You'd need to ask them! Of course, we deliver outstanding print, on time and on budget, but that in itself is not enough. We always strive to become an extension of our clients' businesses, being there when they need us, as committed to their goals as they are.