This issue IBTG chats to Matt Phillips, Head of UK Operations, Rotpunkt about his early start in the KBB industry, and what it looks like today.
1. What does your career journey look like?
At the age of 17 years old, I was very lucky to be given an opportunity to start my journey in the KBB industry. Having grown up in and around the KBB industry because of my father, I already knew I had a passion for design from a young age. For me, it is the power of possibilities our industry has to offer, as for many households, the bathroom continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing daily life and a means for self-expression.
Even with working in the industry for over three decades, I still have the same level of enthusiasm now as I did when I was just 17 and like most passions, they are the foundation of a strong business.
2. What do you enjoy most about your role?
I have been very lucky to travel a lot throughout my career, visiting many amazing places around the world, both for work and pleasure. However, my most recent visit to the Rotpunkt head office in Bunde, Germany wins out, as to be able to see the tremendous level of progress on our multi-million factory and showroom extension first-hand, is something I continue to find most interesting!
I get a massive buzz out of growing our brand and supporting our dealers with everything from sales training and web development through to POS and logistics.
What’s been one of your proudest achievements?
My proudest achievement to date is simply growing the brand in the UK and being acknowledged as one of the leading premium German furniture brands in the KBB industry which serves the whole-home: kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and added-value living spaces. By continually widening the prospect pool, I am pleased to say that our network of premium retailers continues to motivate me to accomplish more.
5. How do you think the industry has changed since you first began your career?
Never switching off! No matter how hard I try, my reality is that I am always trying to find new ways to keep the business ahead of the game. Whether that’s via socials, on email, or market research, today’s always-on culture is very much driven by a need to remain connected 24/7 and this continues to impact on our industry with most customers now expecting rapid response times, higher brand engagement, and on-demand product resources as a baseline.
6. What continues to motivate and inspire you in your work?
I have been very fortunate to meet some incredible people throughout my time in the KBB industry, as well as outside the industry too. Every individual at some point in my career has helped and guided me through the last 27 years, and this support continues to inspire me to keep driving and pushing forward, and even pivot and adapt to the ever-changing market conditions. By becoming almost like a sounding board to help me with realising new design concepts, ideas and plans that regularly appear in my mind.
Current and emerging trends continue to define what a room should be but as needs change and boundaries continue to blur, I love that the latest furniture options are no longer room specific but instead lifestyle specific.
7. What career advice would you give to your younger self? Thankfully I was lucky enough to receive some very old school and sage advice from my dad saying ‘always have a notepad and pen, and always have clean shoes. Attention to detail is key, clean shoes indicate that you are not cutting corners’. It might not be for everyone, but to this day when I meet a client, visit a dealer showroom or attend an exhibition, I always have shoe polish readily available! I must say my dad’s advice continues to stand me in good stead because I know that if I always come prepared, it will increase my chances of success.