Overall, mine is the role of leader and guardian. I set the tone for our Culture, and Vision and our commercial direction. I am the 4th generation of our family now running the ‘family business’.
Originally established in the early 1900’s by my great-grandfather, Samuel “Sammy” Jones.
During the early years of my direct employment by the business, which was mostly focused on road haulage and an ERF truck dealership, it went through a receivership. This was a shocking experience which forged in me an existential need to ensure the ongoing commercial safety of the business. It was also the biggest challenge of my life (before kids!) and taught me perseverance, fortitude and belief which have energised my desire and passion through thick and thin to rebuild the business over the last 20+ years and onwards.
I have been told, and largely agree, that I am not naturally a ‘people person’. However, having had the support and dedication of so many good people over the years who have been instrumental in the regrowth and ongoing success of our business, I have grown as well to be better able to focus on and appreciate people much more, which I do, and it feels good to do so.
From my parents and life I carry a need to give and receive fairness and respect. In a commercial sense this is to look after our various stakeholders; staff, customers, suppliers and shareholders, others, and to expect a reasonable return of the same. For customers, it is to always strive to give the best possible service, experience and outcome we can. For staff it is to be a good place to work and, for shareholders as well, ensure ongoing commercial success.
I am an environmentalist by instinct and try to do what I can on a personal level in that regard and encourage others to do the same. Whilst being generally upset by the ongoing news of environmental deterioration and destruction I do believe we should be striving to make a difference. To that end I have committed S Jones Containers Ltd to become carbon neutral by 2030, and am keeping an eye on new battery operated heavy lift trucks being developed as eventual replacements for our 16 tonne diesel-driven container handlers, amongst other initiatives going forwards.
I owe a debt of thanks to those who are helping me evolve as a business leader, to stay curious, hungry for knowledge, and to ‘believe in better’.
Occasionally I have a sense of humour.
