Meet the team!
It’s been a while since ‘Collins Bespoken’ has last spoken. And, we can only apologise. This shall not happen again, promise. There have been some exciting changes here within our showroom, office and workshop lately; it’s the perfect excuse to start typing again. I have blog ideas aplenty and I’m so looking forward to sharing them with you.
But, to begin, I thought this would be a great chance for our wonderful customers, the current and the ‘yet to be’, to get to know our fabulous team here at Collins Bespoke.
We know it’s important!
It’s also been super helpful for me, Crisi, because I’m new here. Hello!
Let’s start with these two, Nick and Gemma.
Nick – Director, Designer & Operations Manager
Nick has been designing kitchens and making bespoke cabinetry for over 20 years. Nick’s unique ability to visualise and design very beautiful spaces, complemented by thorough and unrivalled practical knowledge have positioned him as a respected and popular designer. He designs and oversees all of Collins Bespoke’s projects.
Things you should know about Nick:
Swim
Bike
Run
(That was nice and easy!)
Gemma – Co-Owner & Business Development Manager
Initially, Gemma worked supporting Nick and the Collins Bespoke team, administratively. However, her role grew along with the company and she now oversees the development of the business, its strategy and its marketing.
Things you should know about Gemma:
Parenting
Bike
Run
Of course!
Tom – Kitchen Designer
Tom has been working with Collins Bespoke for nearly four years. Having started out with a three year apprenticeship in bench joinery, Tom then moved on to furniture and cabinetry. You’ll now find him designing kitchens, whilst still getting involved with the action in the workshop.
Things you should know about Tom:
He enjoys clay pigeon shooting (and had to explain to me what that was!)
West Ham is his team!
Skiing & Ibiza, every year, is a must.
Adrian – Workshop Manager
Adrian has been making cabinets since the age of 16. He has been part of the Collins Bespoke team for four years now; he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Things you should know about Adrian:
Las Vegas is his favourite place, a yearly visit is always on the cards. (I made a joke!)
Adrian is a self-confessed workaholic.
He loves getting out and about, when he’s not at work.
Ryan - Cabinet Maker/Joiner
Ryan is our Cabinet Maker/Joiner here at Collins Bespoke and has been with the company for the past two and a half years. He came to us straight from school to complete an apprenticeship and liked it so much – he is still here.
Things you should know about Ryan:
Holidays abroad make him smile.
He is a car person, cars are his thing!
He likes eating out, but, also going to the gym – that’s fair.
Howard – Cabinet Maker/Joiner
After studying at the London College of Furniture, Howard went on to have a vast career in bench joinery, cabinet making and shed/out-building manufacturing. He joined the team here 8 months ago!
Things you should know about Howard:
His thing is target shooting (and I’ve heard he’s pretty good.)
Oh, and clay pigeon shooting too.
Howard is also a dab hand at scale modelling.
Andrew - Chief Sprayer
It’s been three and a half years since Andrew first started at Collins Bespoke and he loves his working environment here with us, (who wouldn’t!)
Things you should know about Andrew:
Andrew is currently building his own home, impressive right?
His family are the most important thing to him.
Visiting new places is good for his soul.
Bradley - Sprayer/Fitter
Bradley has been a member of the Collins Bespoke team for three and a half years. He loves his job, it’s just that simple.
Things you should know about Bradley:
He has been kickboxing for nine years – don’t mess with him.
Following football is a big deal.
Being out and about with his pals is a good place to be.
Dylan - Sprayer/Painter
Dylan began working with Collins Bespoke 4 months ago, following in big brother Bradley’s footsteps. (I’ve only just discovered they are brothers – see I’m learning too!)
Things you should know about Dylan:
You’ll often find him sitting by a lake, fishing.
Like his brother, Dylan is big into kickboxing.
He is the baby of our team, awh!
Alex - Bench Joinery Apprentice
Alex is our Bench Joinery Apprentice and has been working here for about a year and a half. He has always had a keen interest in joinery and is so pleased to be doing something he enjoys every day!
Things you should know about Alex:
Socialising is important. Fact.
He loves cycling.
The gym is Alex’s happy place.
George – Bench Joinery Apprentice
Like me, George is another newbie to team Collins Bespoke. Before starting about a month ago, George studied furniture making at college. He is now enjoying developing his skills and the ongoing learning with us.
Things you should know about George:
George is definitely the outdoorsy type.
He has been cliff diving (gasp, definitely the outdoorsy type!)
Swimming and mountain biking make a happy George.
And, finally.
Me…
Crisi – Brand Manager
My journey with Collins Bespoke has literally just begun and I am super excited. I’ve had quite a varied range of previous employment but can honestly say, I now feel like I’ve found my place, finally.
Things you should know about Crisi:
My family are the most important thing to me.
Since renovating our first home, I absolutely love anything to do with interior design.
I am about to become the proud owner of a Whippet puppy – I am ecstatic.
I hope that’s been helpful to those of you wanting to get to know our team a little better.
I must say, it truly is a lovely one.
Crisi x