What made you choose Arbtech?
I was previously working with my partner, who runs two care homes, as her bookkeeper. Things had started to become tough in the homes due to the recent pandemic, and with newfound uncertainty, we decided that it may be best for me to look for an alternative job.
At least that way, if the worst was to happen, we wouldn’t both be without a job.
I started looking speculatively and applying for jobs of interest, but it wasn’t until I was contacted for an interview that I became aware of Arbtech.
I did my research, as you do, and became more intrigued about the company. I had my Interview with Jules and Scott, and my intrigue only increased, as I loved what they were telling me about the whole culture of the company.
I was excited after the interview, hoping that I had done enough to get the job. Then, once the phone call came to say that I had been offered the role, I was ecstatic.
All in all, I didn’t apply to Arbtech, but I feel so lucky to have stumbled upon them, and in the end, something good actually came from the COVID pandemic.
What do you love most about the company?
I think I’ve said many times before that, for me, it’s the whole family feel.
Everyone – no matter how much you interact with them on a daily basis – is willing to do anything for you and lend an ear if you’re not feeling great.
I feel comfortable picking up the phone to anyone, even If I hadn’t seen or spoken to them for a year.
Team HQ is such an amazing place to work, and we genuinely do all love each other.
This is the first time I’ve been in a job where I can honestly say that I look forward to going to work every day, just to see everyone. I even look forward to coming back from holiday.
Rob has built an amazing culture, and if you’re willing to work hard, then the rewards are there to have.
What do you do when you are not at Arbtech?
I punish myself by going to watch Everton try and play football.
Unfortunately, I’m a massive fan and no matter how rubbish we are, I always seem to be there the following week. Football is a massive part of my life, much to my other half’s annoyance. She gets particularly annoyed when I tell her that Everton was part of my life long before we met.
If I’m not watching Everton, then I’m playing football. I’m part of a league called Man v Fat, which is a bit like Weight Watchers but with football. It promotes a healthy lifestyle and supports mental health; we play every Friday.
When I’m not watching or playing football, I love to cook and socialise with friends. I enjoy nothing more than having friends around and cooking up something nice.
Cruise holidays are another passion of mine – me and my wife normally go on at least two a year, and I am hoping to cram in more now that Rob has upped the holiday allowance!
What is your biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
– Don’t take life – or yourself – too seriously.
– Life is there to be enjoyed; don’t spend your life filming and photographing everything you do for other people’s benefit.
– Take time to enjoy those moments with the people who actually care about you.
– It doesn’t matter what other people think of you; just be you.
– What you see on social media of perfect families and couples is rarely true.
– You don’t need to go around trying to gain approval from other people. Of course, you have to work hard, but always take time for yourself; something that Arbtech is very good at and aware of is the importance of work-life balance.
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
In terms of company socials, I’ve only ever really been to the work Christmas parties but have enjoyed those immensely.
One thing Arbtech knows how to do is throw a party!
I definitely intend to attend more this year.
Where do you want to travel to next?
I love to travel, and I’m very lucky to have visited so many amazing places.
I have done a lot of the East Coast of America and would love to travel over to the West Coast and explore much more of the USA.
One of the reasons I love cruising is that you can visit four or five new places in one holiday, all without repacking!
China and India are on my bucket list. I’d also like to see more of Malaysia, as it is one of the most beautiful parts of the world I’ve been to.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
Probably watching Oldham on a cold Tuesday night!
Seriously though, hopefully still with Arbtech.
I don’t see myself working anywhere else. The company is growing and there are exciting times ahead – more than anything, I want to be a part of that.
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
My ultimate goal is to retire early.
I don’t want to be working into my 60s. I want to enjoy life while I’m still able to.
I may even move abroad. I’ve always said that if I didn’t have children, I would have gone years ago. Due to my children, one of my goals is to ensure that they are okay and settled, but I expect that will always be an ongoing concern.
Going back to cruising, I’d love to do a world cruise. But for the immediate future, my goal is ultimately to keep my head down work hard, help Arbtech become even bigger and more successful than it already is, and most of all, enjoy life.
If I can do that, then the rest will follow.
Chris joined Arbtech in October 2021.
