Wavin is a market leader in Ireland of solutions and systems for sewer, soil & waste, rainwater, stormwater management (SUDs) and indoor climate. The company has been a part of the fabric of Irish life since the 1950s, bringing a wealth of experience and technical knowledge to its customers along with ‘right first time’ philosophy.
Declan Conlon, Sales Director, Wavin Ireland, re-introduces the Wavin Technical Sales Team, who have decades of experience in working alongside the builders merchant and construction trade.
“We have a strong, experienced, solutions-driven team at Wavin. As you will see, they are passionate about their customers, the sector, and the quality products they provide to the market! Each team member has seen many changes during their time in the sector and has interesting insights on what lies ahead. I’m delighted to give you the opportunity to get to know the team a little bit better.”
Gordon McGowan gordon.mcgowan@orbia.com, +353 87 7559966. With Wavin since 2008, Gordon covers the North West and Border areas. His role, which he says is powered by coffee, includes calling on merchants and end-users providing quotations, checking deliveries and stock availability.
What trends do you see ahead for the industry?
Further growth in technology, automation and even AI across stock control and order generation.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
The people – both our team and our customers – and the strong relationships I have built with them over the years. Using the knowledge I have built up to find solutions for customers.
What is the best thing Wavin offers the customer?
Wavin has always stood for quality and is backed by knowledge and support from both a technical and solutions point of view.
Tell us something we might not know about you.
I am a dad to two amazing little girls. I enjoy going to the gym, I love history and I have a passion for cars. My favourite movie is the Shawshank Redemption.
Pat Corrigan patrick.corrigan@orbia.com, +353 87 7394634
Pat has worked for Wavin for four years, covering Leinster and Tipperary. He focuses on meeting his merchant customers and civil contractors as well as representing Wavin at trade shows and events.
What big changes have you have seen in the merchant sector in recent years?
The growth in online purchasing and merchant webshops. A focus on quality products that conform to required standards. We’re also seeing merchants encouraging manufacturers to interact with contractors to ensure specifications are met.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
Dealing with people face to face rather than being stuck behind a desk, and knowing I am selling a quality product.
What is the best thing Wavin offers the customer?
A ‘fit and forget’ range with peace of mind that the products meet all required standards. We offer great back up service and a knowledgeable sales and technical team.
Tell us something we might not know about you.
I enjoy playing golf, travelling, gardening and reading – my favourite author is John Grisham. I also follow sport and my favourite music is from the 1980s!
Ken Murphy ken.murphy@orbia.com, +353 87 7884667.
Ken celebrates 15 years with Wavin this year, covering the South of Ireland. His role is extremely varied and has changed greatly over the years. The majority of his time is spent with merchants, but he also deals with end-users, architects
What trends do you see ahead for the industry?
Changes to the building process as technology advances. Off-site manufacturing, BIM and other developments have changed the ways of working. A shortage of skilled labour and the housing shortage are driving the need for quicker, prefabricated off-site solutions.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
The variety – no two days are the same. My customer’s problem is my problem, and the strong relationships I have with our customers means a better chance of solving problems together.
What is the best thing Wavin offers the customer?
Peace of mind in buying a quality product they can trust to do the job they need done. Our longstanding presence in Ireland means we’re a trusted supplier to the builders merchant and construction company sectors.
Tell us something we might not know about you.
I am the junior co-ordinator of our local tennis club and enjoy a few games myself. My favourite book is Mud, Sweat and Tears by Bear Grylls which I find inspirational.
Paul Morris paul.morris@orbia.com, +353 87 9196562.
Technical Sales Representative for Dublin & Kildare, Paul has been with Wavin for 22 years. He spends time with his merchant customers, managing their daily requirements.
What big changes have you have seen in the merchant sector in recent years?
Product standards and certifications are now a given. Customers are much more professional; this includes online ordering and greatly enhanced software systems.
What trends do you see ahead for the industry?
A greater emphasis on online interaction and the growing importance of sustainability.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
Quite simply, I enjoy dealing with people.
What is the best thing Wavin offers the customer?
Peace of mind and confidence when dealing with Wavin products is one of the best things we offer. The next day site or branch delivery service is hugely beneficial to our merchants.
Tell us something we might not know about you.
I enjoy trying to keep fit. Scarface is my favourite movie and I like any kind of music other than Country & Western!
Alan Stevenson alan.stevenson@orbia.com, +44 7841926157.
Alan has been with Wavin for 19 years, covering Northern Ireland. His role is split between interacting with both merchants and contractors.
What big changes have you have seen in the merchant sector in recent years?
There is greater competition in the market than when I first started. I also see a shift towards working directly with the end user and back selling through our merchant base.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
Building relationships with new and existing customers. I like to involve myself with the end user to ensure all runs smoothly with their drainage requirements for that site. I enjoy selling the Wavin brand, which in my opinion is second to none.
What is the best thing Wavin offers the customer?
Wavin offers the customer a quality product and, in Northern Ireland, guaranteed service reliability.
Tell us something we might not know about you.
I help to coach my sons under 10`s football team and enjoy watching my three boys play football every Saturday. Jaws is my favourite movie.
John Finn john.finn@orbia.com, +353 87 2625752
John has worked with Wavin for 27 years and covers the West of Ireland. He meets with merchant staff, contractors and endusers face to face, but has seen a shift to a greater reliance on technology.
What big changes have you have seen in the merchant sector in recent years?
The enhancement of merchants’ systems, providing better service to the industry and customers ordering via Wavin webshop. A greater focus on sustainability, health and safety and employee well-being.
What trends do you see ahead for the industry?
Succession is very evident in some cases where family members are involved in the business, otherwise I see groups expanding and investing. An increased demand for modular homes and the technologies needed to cater for both this and the lack of skilled labour. I see more government investment in skilled labour.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
The people involved in the construction and hardware industry. The back-up and support from the Wavin team and our diverse range of products which keep the mind busy and well occupied.
What is the best thing Wavin offers the customer?
Quality product ranges that comply with building and Irish Water regulations. Continued product and system innovation. Logistics that provide next day deliveries to Dublin and surrounding areas and deliveries two and three times weekly elsewhere.
Tell us something we might not know about you.
My wife Berni and our three children are sports enthusiasts. My eldest daughter is on contract playing AFLW in Melbourne, Australia. Locally, I am involved in projects helping the long term unemployed and providing accommodation for people in need.
Rodney Keogh rodney.keogh@orbia.com, +353 87 1343945.
Rodney has been the Wavin Technical Sales Representative for the North East of the country, covering Louth, Meath, Westmeath and North County Dublin for seven years. He spends time with merchant customers both from a sales perspective and to deliver training to new merchant team members. He also offers technical expertise on site to end-users.
What trends do you see ahead for the industry?
As environmental awareness grows, sustainable & energy efficient products will become more in demand. AI-driven inventory management and online purchasing will continue to grow and will become a larger part of the day-to-day hardware business.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
No two days are the same – every day brings different challenges from a sales and technical point of view. I enjoy the interaction with the end-user and the satisfaction of helping someone make an informed decision on choosing the right Wavin product for their application.
What is the best thing that Wavin offers the customer?
Wavin is a trusted brand with a long history. Our customers can rely on our product quality, technical support, and delivery service.
Tell us something we might not know about you.
I play golf (a work in progress) and am a member of Laytown & Bettystown Golf Club. I am a member of Boyne Rugby Club in Drogheda and a Leinster Season Ticket Holder. I am not a big reader, but I love a technical instruction manual!
Wavin is part of the Orbia Group whose purpose is to advance life around the world by building healthy, sustainable environments. To find out more about Wavin see www.wavin.ie
