Get to know Johnpaul Pearson, Business Support Director at Anabas, as he goes under the spotlight…

What was your first job?

I was a waiter at a well-known hotel chain whilst sitting my GCSE exams. Due to me spilling more than I served, I soon realised it wasn’t the career for me…

How long have you been working in FM?

It’s coming up to 20 years.

Why did you choose a career in FM?

Being really honest, my Dad told me this looked like a good industry to be in.

What notable changes have you seen in the FM industry since you have been a part of it?

Technology. I started working in FM when mobile phones had just come out, and seeing how quick they changed our outlook was amazing. Then PDAs and CAFM systems arrived, followed by WIFi and 3G, then Smart phones and APPs were launched… and it continues.

What challenges do you foresee for the industry in the coming year?

Again Technology in the workspace – gone are the days of a simple mechanics.

What is your proudest moment?

Becoming a father is at the top of the list! However, work related would probably be the day I was promoted to manager, early on in my career. Putting in all those hours really paid off for me. The feeling going home to tell my family was so rewarding.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

As an apprentice, we always had this scenario drilled into us…  Two engineers carryout the same service on an appliance – one engineer does an amazing service and makes the appliance more efficient and in doing such a good service, the client will probably get another 10 years out of the appliance. The engineer, however, forgets to clean the appliance and the work area at the end. The other engineer is just lazy and does literally nothing, but before leaving, they clean the appliance and leave the work area extremely clean. Which engineer does the client call back next time??