TBF Thompson MD Retires After Lifetime of Service

TBF THOMPSON MANAGING DIRECTOR RAYMOND CRILLY RETIRES AFTER A LIFETIME OF SERVICE

There are many things Managing Director of TBF Thompson, Raymond Crilly, will miss after his recent retirement following a lifetime in the industry – most of all perhaps his daily three hour 200 mile round trip to the office!

Raymond, who joined the company as part of a buy-out team in the role of Financial Director in 1999, took over as Managing Director and Dealer Principal together with fellow Directors, Alan Espie and Seamus Doherty in June 2016, succeeding the late Andy Magowan. “After more than 22 years with the company I reckon I have clocked up in excess of one million miles,” he says. “I will definitely miss my colleagues, but not the journey!” Highly regarded both a boss and a friend by many people over the years, he was given a great send-off when management and staff gathered recently at the company’s Garvagh headquarters to wish him well. Fellow Director Seamus Doherty, who is now serving as Joint Managing Director along with Alan Espie, said a few words at the get-together to thank father of four Raymond for his service over the years. “Raymond, you have been a great mentor and even greater friend. You have played an integral role in building the company to what it is today, and what we have learned from you will serve us for many years to come. On behalf of everyone here at TBF, we wish you many years of happiness, peace, and good health.” His career in the industry began after he qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1981 with the then Price Waterhouse (before the days of PWC). Later in 1981, he joined Isaac Agnew Group, initially in VW and Mercedes Lisburn Road and then in SMW Volvo in Ladas Drive. “In 1988, I moved to F A Wellworth & Co, the supermarket chain, and set up home in Enniskillen. Following the sale and closure of Wellworths, I met Andy Magowan through the Bank of Ireland and together we put together the initial buy-out of TBF which completed in late 1999.” He recalled many challenges along the way. “The 2008 recession was bad. We ended up closing our Dublin depot and reducing staff in the North by 25%. But, like everyone else, we had to keep going and the business eventually recovered. “2020 was also certainly challenging. Having had our best year trading ever in 2019, 2020 started off well but, then in March, the wheels came off. Nothing had ever prepared any of us for a pandemic and the challenges came thick and fast. Again, with the help of our amazing staff, we knuckled down and made the best of a very difficult situation. In spite of the difficulties, I am confident that the business is in a very strong position and will be successful for many years to come.” Of course, there have also been many highlights along the way. He adds: “The highlights of my career mainly relate to working with a great bunch of people including TBF staff and the many people representing the various franchises in the TBF portfolio. I was very proud to have had the honour of leading the company for the past five years with Alan and Seamus when we grew the business to be one of the most significant players in both the commercial vehicle and construction machinery sectors in the country.” So, how will he be spending his retirement? “I have a beautiful two year old granddaughter called Florie Mae Crilly, so I am really looking forward to spoiling her – and if the restrictions post Covid ever reduce, I look forward to travelling, eating and drinking.” In other words, enjoying his new found ‘freedom.’ And here at Export & Freight, we wish him all the very best in that.