We’re delighted to announce that Chris McGlennon has joined Solus. Over many years, Chris has built a strong reputation as an authority on ceramics in Scotland. His knowledge of the sector, commitment to service, and boundless energy make him a welcome addition to our growing team. We asked him a few questions by way of introduction.
Tell us a bit about your background.
I’ve been in Architectural Sales for a long time. I started in ironmongery – locks and handles. I joined a small company in Scotland and set up an office in Belfast for them, then went down to London for two years. When I came back up the road in ’99, I set up Stratis, my own company.
How did you get into architectural sales?
My first job was in a bank. It was a slow burn career and was not going to do it for me. So, at 21, I joined an architectural ironmonger running the back office and got the bug to go out and do sales: trainee sales. My first year I probably did about 30,000 miles, handed out about £30,000 worth of marketing literature and did about £5000 in sales. Then, bang! The next year, away it went. I still get the same thrill from it now as I did then.
What inspires / motivates you?
Meeting architects and designers, listening to their ideas and supporting them in their goals by sharing all the knowledge and expertise I have been cumulating over the years. Getting a project, being involved in something that you can see being physically built, 30 years later that’s what still gives me satisfaction. I’ve also found great friendships in my network – realistically, it couldn’t be otherwise. Some of these people started their practices when I was starting my business. It’s a close association with a strong trust.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Work at something you really enjoy, and it is no longer work. I’m fortunate to still be doing something I love even after all this time.
What changes do you think the industry will see over the coming years?
Sustainability, even four or five years ago, was a buzzword, a box ticking exercise, no one was paying much attention to it. That has changed. It is a hugely important factor now and often the defining factor. Now it’s sustainability first, then what can you offer that matches those sustainability criteria. Before, people would say, “I want a grey one. I want a price for it, oh and it’s an advantage if it ticks the sustainability box.” That has flipped. All stakeholders, from the developers, architects, users of the building, all of them buy into the concept, which makes a huge difference.
The way Solus is approaching sustainability is different to other companies. Solus are driving the change because they want to do it and they see the benefits of doing it.
I’d also like to mention AI, which is going to have a huge impact on the industry. You see it already on building sites, the way they can render the building and do a fly-through.
What are you most excited about at Solus?
Joining a company that has a clear vision. It feels as though the company has ratcheted up a couple of gears; that they have a very strong vision of where they’re going, where they want to be and how they want to do it. Solus has really kicked on and that doesn’t only mean in terms of sales but in terms of innovation, leadership on sustainability, and people and culture. The passion and drive of the business is exciting.
Working side-by-side with Laura Birrell here in Scotland is a fantastic opportunity to build on what she has already created in Scotland. We’ve set goals for ourselves that we can only achieve together and I’m excited to be working with someone at the same level. What Laura and I can bring to the Scottish market from as a combined force, will be exceptional.
