Business

HIGH FLYERS: Keeping things contained... and anything is possible for Eoin

<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; ">Eoin Crossan.</span>
Eoin Crossan. Eoin Crossan.

In the High Flyers spotlight this week is Eoin Crossan, managing director of Crossan Container Conversions, which offer a range of eco-friendly, up-cycled or brand new shipping containers for people to live or work in.

What was your first job?

My first job was as a farmhand (gate-opener) and this started as soon as I could walk - unpaid of course. My first real job was welder at MCM Engineering, where there was a workforce of 20 people manufacturing trailers for the agriculture industry.

What qualifications do you have?

I studied my A-levels and very quickly realised that heading on to university was not for me. Sitting in a classroom did not interest me and I needed to be challenged. However, I finished A-level exams and then went on to North West Regional College to complete my Level 3 in welding and fabrication.

What do you attribute your success to?

Being consistent across the board. This includes everything from communication to quality. Having the right mindset is also vitally important. I believe a person can only strive in all aspects of life if their mind is clear and focused. Changing my thoughts to 'this has to work', instead of 'this might work' has been a game-changer. Never taking, 'no' for an answer. There is always a different way.

How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?

First and foremost, a daddy and husband. These two things are extremely important as at the end of the day that is who it is all for. Secondly, driven – I firmly believe that anything is possible if you just put your mind to it.

Who do you look up to in business?

My old manager, Ryan Tierney, managing director of Seating Matters. His ability to interact, engage and ensure all his staff is on the same page is remarkable. For anyone interested in Lean Manufacturing I highly recommend visiting his factory. He has a genuine passion to see others succeed and do well in life.

How do you get the best out of people who work for you?

Communication. If there is a problem, communicate. If someone achieves positive results, communicate. Take the time out of your day to go and chat with staff and suppliers. Make sure they are happy and ask for their opinion and feedback. As managing director, I do not always assume I have the best solution and answer.

If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?

At the minute we are still seeing the knock-on effect of supply chain distributions. Some elements of our container conversions are hard to get but we have built good relationships with our suppliers and this has helped minimise the impact on production.

What website or app could you not do without?

It's an app called 'To-do' and it's brilliant for creating shared tasks with the team. I can keep track of what tasks are complete and outstanding and the satisfaction of getting jobs ticked off the list is great!

What was the last book you read?

Surrounded by Idiots, by Thomas Erikson. It's a great book for understanding the different personalities of people and applying that knowledge to managing them.

What car do you drive?

Volvo XC60

Tell us something interesting about yourself?

For the last four months I have been taking a cold shower every morning as soon as I get out of bed. The benefits to my mental and physical well-being have been unbelievable. It sounds terrible, but it actually gets really addictive.

What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?

Farming. It really is true when people say it is a way of life. It's great to see new life being born into the world and such a good escape when you have had a busy day of all things containers.