Meet the HW Team: Terry Dixon
Since HW Facilities’ earliest days, we have steadily grown a fantastic office and management team. We are very lucky to have such a dedicated team of professionals.
A strong work ethic and deep respect link all members of the HW family, and we know that the company could not run without them.
This month, we asked Terry Dixon, one of our Area Managers, to tell us about his life, his work, and why he chooses to be part of the HW team.
Who are you, and what do you do?
My name is Terry Dixon. I am the Area Manager of London and have recently been given the opportunity to manage the Reading area too. I have worked for HW Facilities for the best part of 10 years now and I have loved every minute.
I am a hardworking and driven individual who isn’t afraid to face any challenges. I am very passionate about my work, and I know how to get the job done. I would describe myself as a very open and honest person. I am career focused and always go above and beyond to set myself high goals.
What did you do before you joined HW Facilities?
Previously before working for HW Facilities, I worked for a same day courier service. I decided to leave them and join HW Facilities because I wanted a change in career and a job that had potential development and progression within the company.
I looked for better potential and better development options and I felt HW facilities was the best match for me.
How did you get to where you are now?
I got to where I am today because of hard work and dedication. My first role within HW Facilities was a Supervisor/Mobile Carpet Cleaner, then I moved on to working overtime and completing specialist jobs. Any overtime that was available, I was always happy to say yes and gain the experience I needed.
I’ve attended specialist carpet cleaning courses amongst other specialist courses including PAT Testing course, BICSc training, and gained the BICSc qualification. I will soon be BICSc accredited so I can help others progress within the company too.
So, what does a typical working day look like for you?
Having a solid plan in place for the day makes the day run a lot smoother. Having dates and times to conduct Audits. Making sure you plan to meet the clients. Building that rapport with my cleaners and meeting them to help guide them if needed.
How would you describe the working culture at HW?
It’s a family orientated business, which is fair to all its individuals, and always makes you feel valued.
How do you deal with particularly stressful days?
Even through a stressful day I always think positively about the outcome. There is always a solution to a problem, but I try and prevent problems occurring. Also connecting with supportive colleagues to get the help I need (if and when necessary.)
Is there anything people don’t understand about your job that you wish they did?
Yes, the time keeping and problem solving that being an area manager involves; making sure all of my staff are happy, and that they understand their own job role.
What are your ambitions and aspirations at work?
To become the best I can be in the job role I am in now and help myself develop and progress into the next role in the near future.
If you could have anyone else’s job within HW, whose would you want?
Hopefully one day I can grow to a point in my career where I can have more of an insight around how the business works and bigger and better myself, so I would say Tom (Operations Director)’s job!
How has the business changed in the time you have been part of it?
The business has changed quite a bit since I very first started. It’s got a lot bigger with new managers and the number of new contracts being taken on.
What is your favourite part about your job and why?
Meeting face to face with clients and getting into details around not only the business I work for but also their business. Being able to support all my clients in any issues or concerns, having them come directly to me, and working with them for the best possible solutions.
What do you enjoy most about working with your colleagues?
Communication not only with my boss but with their boss too. Being able to ask for help and guidance whenever I need it, and knowing that they are always so happy to help.
What advice would you give to new HW team members?
Success always follows hard work. If you put the effort in to working within the business, then it always comes back and rewards you.
If you could change one thing about the company, what would you change?
As is stands there is nothing I would like to change about the company (maybe a different choice in cars – Lamborghini or Ferrari!) HW Facilities goes above and beyond for their colleagues and employees.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?
Give yourself permission to accept the help and resources available to you.
How do you achieve a balance between work and your personal life?
Setting myself boundaries – Setting clear working hours and not bringing my work home.
Delegating tasks – Learning to delegate responsibilities at work so I can focus on other things.
Taking time off – to not only recharge but also to spend some quality time with my family.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you travel to, and why?
Australia! My uncle moved there about 10 years ago and it’s always been my dream to go to Australia.
What does your perfect weekend look like?
My perfect weekend would be spending time with my family, taking the kids out on a nice day out and movie nights on the Sunday, with a roast dinner on the go.
Thank you Terry, we’re grateful to you for taking time out of your busy life to answer our questions!