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David Spoors

David Spoors, Account Manager at Coffee Point shares a moment of his time to talk about life, fund-raising and industry lessons learned.

1. David, can you give us a brief introduction to Coffee Point?

Coffee Point is part of the UK's largest vending operator. Started 20 years ago by our MD and Commercial Director, the business now services over 14,000 machines from our 13 regional centres of excellence across the UK. Coffee Point has recently been purchased by Bunzl plc to integrate with Bunzl Vending Services.

2. What was your first job ever?

I was a banqueting waiter in a three star hotel in Newcastle. At the college training restaurant we served up to 4 customers. On my very first night in banqueting at the hotel (no training given) I served a silver flat of 15 sirloin steaks! I was told that, as I was male, I could 'cope better than the ladies', who had years of experience and were proficient at silver service. I did not!
My first lesson learnt:
experience really does count.

3. What advice would you give to people aspiring to work in a hospitality role?

If you're looking for a career that will provide; fun, diversity, opportunities to work abroad and great promotion prospects then look no further. To take advantage of this you must be willing to participate in all activities, make sacrifices and strive to achieve perfection.

4. What are the key characteristics that you look for in the people you bring on board?

Just one, an attitude that says: I want to work, I have self pride, I enjoy myself, I like to help others to enjoy themselves, I want to learn, I like to win and achieve.

5. What is the importance you place on training and development?

It's crucial to any successful business. However it must be relative to the business, achievable, meaningful and enjoyable. Training and development should never be considered as a cost but as an investment in the future success of the business. Commitment, drive and involvement from the board, management and entire team is crucial to gaining the required outcomes.

6. So David, you just did the Great North run, for the 25th time! Why?

It's always been a personal challenge to push myself to the limit and achieve success by crossing the finish line (some years quicker than others e.g.1997 1hr 35 mins). However this year is very different in that I am raising funds for the Coffee Farmers of Sumatra in Indonesia. They and their families have been blighted by 30 years of civil war, floods, earthquakes and the Tsunami of 2004.

7. Can you tell us what difference this funding will make to the farmers?

It will enable the local growers co-operative to build a hulling machine, associated building and a drying pan. Ultimately it provides the farmers and their families with the ability to have sustainability of trade giving a long term benefit, as opposed to aid which has a very short term benefit.

8. Could you share some of your life lessons with us?

You only get out of life what you put into it, so be involved and participate; your efforts will be recognised.
It's easier to say yes than no. Time after time this has reaped great rewards, it's the 'can do' attitude.
Have fun - at work and at home. Life is too short to be miserable.
It's not what they can do for you, but what you can do for them. This works well both at work and at home.
Crazy ideas can work, involve those around you, listen to their point of view, don't be to ready to dismiss their ideas.
Respect to those around you is rewarded with respect returned. It's not a chicken and egg situation, it's a give and you shall receive scenario.

9. What is your philosophy on leadership/ recipe for success?

Great leadership, not strong management brings true success, be that financial, emotional, or personal. Great leadership encompasses: a strong vision/ belief, well publicised strategic and tactical plans, constant communication across all levels, belief in the team (this is real empowerment) and the ability to identify changes to the plan to achieve the long term goal.

And last but not least: 10. What results have you achieved from working with learnpurple?

Overall we have achieved some of the company's top rated performance for: financial achievement, awards gained and client recognition in excellence of service. This has been done partly through working with learnpurple in: recruiting the right person (iWAM profiling), providing skill sets (90 minute Learning Bites) and developing the team (Management Development Programme). Thank you, learnpurple, for sharing in our vision and helping us achieve it.

11 November 2007