Service Manager for EMEA & Asia
This year has been a little different because of the COVID and with no traveling, but we have adapted and found ways to support our OEM’s, Dealers and customers alike through Microsoft Teams and WhatsApp videos. There are many tasks, but a few examples include:
- Assisting Dealers or technicians with trouble shooting
- Interviewing potential new Dealers
- Working with OEM’s on location on access requirements for new builds along with our Applications team
- Collaborating on technical bulletins and troubleshooting guides
- Inventory control across the regions
- Approving/reducing costs for service work or sphere replacements
- Supporting the EMEA & Asia team on their ongoing and ever-increasing Seakeeper knowledge
I left the Royal Navy in 1996 after 14 years where I finished as a Chief Petty Officer working on nuclear submarines as a reactor operator. After leaving the Navy, I moved on to having a Marine Electrical Installation company, and that’s when I got involved with Seakeeper.
I started in 2013 officially as an employee, but I had been a dealer previously.
When I started, there were two products and three technicians, including myself, who would travel the world. There were only had a few buildings scattered around the PA campus, and we used to get excited after selling the 300th and 400th unit after so many years, rather than months, as we do now. I think that tells the story of our growth and development as a company, which is incredible.
Definitely Galatica Star, a 65m Hessen, was the most challenging. In 2014 we removed 5x M21000 and replaced with 5x Seakeeper 35’s. Every unit had to be stripped down entirely, including the gimbal shafts and cooling caps, etc. The preparation had to be done outside in freezing temperatures in a tent where it snowed for the first time in Barcelona for a very long time.
Having the EMEA team set up as it is now, they all work very well together and give great support our customers and dealers.
The ever-changing product line along with the advances in the engineering side makes it a very exciting company to work for. On the service side, you sometimes think you have seen it all, but there’s always one curve ball out there that keeps you on your toes. The other thing is the team across the globe.
Operating over many time zones along with the demands from different countries because of their diversity and cultures, not to mention the language barrier. (I’m Scottish, so not the easiest accent to understand straight away!)
Be prepared for hard work and immerse yourself in the product and you will find it a very fulfilling and rewarding job.
That would have to be Alex Patricio, who has always supported me and helped me learn my role. But Kevin Zervas also for his attention to detail.
I was in the Falklands War in 1982 where my ship was bombed in San Carlos Bay.
