Meet the Team… Brian Doughty

Today we are joined by Brian Doughty to talk about his role with Glendale and how he got started in the arboriculture industry.  Brian is a service delivery manager for the company’s contract with Western Power Distribution in the Midlands.

What are your main responsibilities in your current role with Glendale?

I was brought in to manage the North Lincolnshire area of the WPD contract on 5th January.  I have been involved in mobilising the contract and delivering it on time and to budget.  I report to the client on a monthly basis, recruit direct staff and subcontract field teams.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy the day-to-day challenge and the team spirit.  I like the feeling that we are all working together and that what we are building is a profitable and successful business. This is my chance to make a positive difference with Glendale colleagues around to support me.

How many years have you been working in the arboriculture industry and how did you get started?

I have been working in the arb industry for 24 years and in utilities for 18.  I started out in forestry because I wanted to do horse logging but there wasn’t much work so I got my chainsaw certificates and got into tree cutting.  Then, as I think most people find, your friends start asking you to work on their trees and you realise that there is a lot more money in that than in forestry!

I got the additional certificates I needed and set up my own business that I ran for 18 years until a personal injury forced me to stop.  I got back into work as a contract manager with a local tree contractor responsible for a team of 21.  I then worked as a self-employed surveyor for a variety of organisations before joining one of Glendale’s main competitors as a project manager for a year. I came to Glendale in 2015 and hopefully, I’ll be here for the next 15 years.  That’s my intention at least.

A unique or unusual fact about yourself?

I spent five years, when I was 20 to 25, travelling the UK in a horse-drawn gipsy Bow Top Wagon; I was intrigued by the freedom of the lifestyle. I earned a living building the Wagons and was taught by an experienced craftsman.  I built four by hand during that time.