Face To Face

IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU...

Where were you born and live, currently?

I was born, and still live, in Norwich, Norfolk.

Your education and the subject or activity in which you excelled?

I have always been creative with Art being my favourite subject at school, closely followed by Physical Education which was something I also excelled at. I left college with a GNVQ Advanced Qualification in Art & Design which positioned me well to pursue a career in a creative sector.

Your favourite sports or interests?

I have always been a keen sports person and football fan, but enjoy watching it rather than playing these days. I know my way around the tennis court and have done a bit of running in the past, taking part in the Great North Run a few years back and raising money for my chosen charity, which is probably my best physical achievement to date. I have a passion for graphic design and being creative. To me, in business, image is everything. Other than that, I am a family man with a love for animals and I spend a lot of my spare time walking our Manchester Terriers Woody and Mischa.

Someone or something that inspires you?

Inspiration is all around us. For me it’s all about having an open mind and letting inspiration find you. Going for a walk is a great way to clear your mind. Nature is beautiful and can be incredibly inspiring. Some time out, to walk amongst the trees and flowers, walk through a field or along a coastline, that is where I find my happy place.

The temptation you can’t resist?

That’s an easy one, I love a glass of red wine. Although I wouldn’t call myself a connoisseur by any stretch of the imagination!

YOUR CAREER...

When and how did you join this industry?

In 2007, following a 10-year career in business support and assisting a network of 80 + franchisees of a national sign franchise, I was head hunted to join a local home improvement company as their Business Manager. I spent the next 12+ years managing the growth and development of all business support and operational functions, which included integrating AdminBase across the business. They are now one off the largest installers of home improvement products in the UK, First Home Improvements. Due to the emergence of the global pandemic and subsequently being furloughed back in March last year, it was time to part ways and look for my next challenge. Having known Rhonda and her team at Ab Initio since 2009, being offered the Training and Implementation role seemed like the perfect fit. Bringing with me a wealth of industry and AdminBase experience, I joined the company in November 2020 and have never looked back.

THIS MONTH: Stewart Grand, AdminBase Training & Implementation, Ab Initio

Glass News talks to Ab Initio’s Stewart Grand about his love of art and design, dreams to build his own eco-home, and how he is settling into his new role working with AdminBase customers.

The job you do in 25 words?

My role is to provide AdminBase users with training and ongoing support whilst implementing the software into their business, enabling them to maximise their company’s efficiencies.

Your greatest achievement?

Becoming a Dad in August 2017.

The mistake you would like to correct?

I have no regrets, always looking forward and never looking back. You cannot change the past but can carve out a better future and I am sure there will be many more mistakes along the way.

AND YOUR FUTURE...

The talent you would like to enhance?

I would love to become more of wine connoisseur.

What you would like to do if you weren’t in the industry?

Become an international jet setter and see more of the world, assuming everyone would be able to travel freely again.

A particular ambition?

One of my favourite TV programmes is Grand Designs and I have a lifelong ambition to build my very own eco-friendly home.

The way you want to be remembered?

Hard working and always dedicated and committed to the cause.