Careers in Hardware: Home Project Centre (HPC) Group

In the May/June issue of The Hardware Journal we spoke to TJ O’Mahony’s Ballymount branch manager, Brendan O’Reilly, about his career development to date, and what he sees in a good employee. Please see interview with Brendan below:

What were the main ‘career decision’ milestones in your life so far?

I was always ambitious in my approach to each role I’ve had throughout my career in J O’Mahony (TJOM) – from being in the yard progressing through to the sales side of things, helping colleagues to develop too is one of the most rewarding sides of my job.

The most rewarding achievement for me has to be moving through the ranks in TJOM from the bottom through different departments of the company.

I completed a Bachelors Degree in Business Management in IT Tallaght at night between 2008-2011. I always believed in my ability to go into management hence why I chose this course – this was really important for my career and gave me the tools to step up when needed.

Who are the people who most influenced your career decision?

My father would have laid the groundwork for the person I have become, teaching me that hard work does pay off and to work to your strengths and eventually you will be rewarded. I have been very fortunate to work for such a great company in TJOM where they always look to promote from within before they search externally – I think this is an important aspect to have and to be able to offer any future candidates who are looking for new challenges that we are a company that can help achieve this through progression within.

Describe a typical working day.

A typical day for myself would be in the office before 7am, go through figures and targets that we have set. I have set up a group of reports that come through daily, weekly and monthlyso the first couple of hours is to go through these and analyse where we are in terms of results and what we need to do to achieve these. I find I work best under pressure and love the challenges that managing Ballymount gives me.

What are your main tasks and responsibilities?

My main role is to make sure all aspects of the company are working in the tandem and all pulling in the same direction. We have a trade and retail counter, an external sales team complete with back sales offi ce and a very busy yard which I have to ensure are all working well together.

What are the main challenges?

I find the biggest challenges to overcome other than managing rosters is sourcing product at the minute – the effects the Coronavirus is having on all industries, not just ours, making it tougher and more stressful to complete orders and keep customers happy. I have regular meetings with my main suppliers and get a good feedback of how everyone else is finding things out in the marketplace.

What advice would you have for someone considering this job?

We are very open minded when recruiting and try to make it a relaxed environment for all interviewees. We look for people that fit the company more so than the role in particular. Having a bubbly personality helps. A basic product knowledge is an advantage but not always essential. We then set out a career path for all new employees through our newly established Academy.

For more information or to start advertising your vacancies  with Hardware Jobs contact Aoife at aoife@hardwareassociation.ie.