Today we would like to take the chance to officially welcome Claire and Dan to the Ciret team.
In mid-February, Claire joined us as the new Area Sales Manager of the North West of the country. Two weeks later, Dan took over the role of Area Sales Manager for the North East. Both bring a wealth of experience with them and have worked within the industry for many years.
To get to know our newbies a little bit better we’ve decided to ask them some questions and here are their answers ????
1. Tell us a bit about yourself. Have you got family? Where do you live?
Claire: I am Claire, also known to friends as cheeks (I can be cheeky at times ????) or Claire Bear. I have a 14-year-old daughter who I adore. Maddie is currently a digital leader at school as well as a member of the student school council. We’ve got a 15-year-old cat named Roxy and two miniature Schnauzers. Stanley will be 12 this year and Connie, who belongs to Maddie, is nearly two. Connie’s even got her own Instagram channel. I live very close to the Lancashire/Yorkshire boarder so when asked: “Are you a red rose or a white rose?” I say: “I am a pink rose.”
Dan: I live just outside of Sunderland with my wife Katy and our two boys Ryan (4) & Thomas (1)
2. Where did you work previously and for how long?
Claire: I previously worked in the wallcovering industry for nearly twenty years…..I know I don’t look old enough ???? Prior to this I worked for a hight street bank firstly as a teller and I then studied C-Map and became a personal banker and mortgage advisor.
Dan: For the past 5 years I have worked for Crown Paints as an Area Sales Manager, and I have been in the decorating industry for around 15 years.
3. How would you describe yourself?
Claire: I would describe myself as bubbly, clumsy and always up for having a laugh.
Dan: I’m very much a people person. I love meeting people and building personal relationships. I love to have a laugh, usually at my own expense!
4. What would we most likely find you doing on the weekend?
Claire: On a weekend (in normal times) you would find me with family and friends, shopping/socialising or supporting “The Clarets” also known as Burnley football club. I really enjoy walking especially in the Lake District.
Dan: Usually me and Katy will be tearing our hair out trying to occupy the boys! We enjoy taking them on walks and to parks. Post lockdown, I really look forward to getting back to the Stadium of Light with the lads!
5. Are you a dog person or a cat person (or neither)?
Claire: I like all animals, although I am not a big fan of snakes….lol
Dan: Strong dog person! As a family we would love to have a dog when the kids are a little older.
6. What are you passionate about?
Claire: I am very passionate about fashion! A lot of my friends say that my outfits remind them of Sarah-Jessica Parker from Sex and The City.
Dan: I’m a big football fan, although following Sunderland hasn’t been easy in recent years. I’m also a big fan of Italian football and follow Inter Milan, who play a lot better than Sunderland!
7. What’s the most interesting thing that has happened to you?
Claire: The most interesting thing that has happened to me… Definitely sharing a lift with part of “Take That” and receiving one of their platinum discs back in the early 1990’s.
Dan: I once lived next door to Ex-Chelsea and Spurs legend Gus Poyet when he was Sunderland manager.
8. How do you start your day?
Claire: I always start my day with music and a coffee.
Dan: Usually way earlier than planned due to the boys, but coffee and a shower is the best start.
9. What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?
Claire: This would have to be the Maldives
Dan: Both Katy and I would love to road trip across Europe and travel down to the Italian lakes.
10. Whom in the world would you most like to share a meal with?
Claire: Um that’s tough……The Queen.
Dan: I’d share a meal with Steve Coogan. I love his comedy style.
11. What was your first job?
Claire: My first job was doing a paper round and my first Saturday job was working in a shoe shop.
Dan: I was a pot-washer in my brothers’ restaurant. When I think about it, I must have been cheaper than buying a dishwasher ????
12. What’s your guilty pleasure?
Claire: My guilty pleasure… clothes, shoes and handbags.
Dan: I’m a massive Indie and Rock fan, but my guilty pleasure would probably be One Direction.
13. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Dan: This isn’t really a life lesson but add some chocolate the next time you make chilli. You will thank me!
14. Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Claire: When I was younger, I was a ballroom and disco dancer. I was really good and won lots of trophies that now fill up my parents’ loft space. I also played hockey for Pendle schools and Lancashire in my youth.
Dan: I’m a sucker for a dad-joke.
Thanks to Claire and Dan for answering our questions. We’re looking forward to the day when the whole Ciret team can get together again ????
