In the High Flyers spotlight this week is Gerard Galvin, managing director of ETRUX, which is part of the Jans Group.
What was your first job?
For my first job, I used to pick potatoes on a Saturday. I was 13 years old and although it was very hard graft, it very quickly taught me about the value of money and the realisation that if you wanted to make money in this life you had to be prepared to work hard; an understanding that I have applied to every role that I have undertaken in my working career.
What qualifications do you have?
I have a BA Degree from Queen’s University and a Diploma in Export Sales and Marketing from the Marketing Institute of Ireland.
What do you attribute your success to?
Lots of hard work and having parents who are great role models.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
I would say I’m an approachable and friendly person who leads by example.
Who do you look up to in business?
All those local business owners who have made a success of their respective companies.
How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
I think it’s very important to lead by example. I also like to remind my team that what they do, matters.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
For such a small island, we have so much to offer the world and we could achieve so much more if we worked closer together.
What website or app could you not do without?
Whatsapp.
What was the last book you read?
The Guinness World Book of Records 2021.
What car do you drive?
I currently drive a 2021 4x4 Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDI GT DCT Auto but my next vehicle will be either an electric Kia EV6 or an Electric Kia Niro.
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I engage quite actively in my local community. Outside of work I volunteer as a GAA football coach and source grants as their development officer. I am also the chair of the board of governors for a local Irish medium school and head up the project management team for their new school build. In recent years, I helped set up both Na Fianna running and cycling clubs and have hosted numerous fundraising pub quizzes for various charities.
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
I’m very passionate about volunteering and giving back to the community that moulded the person I am today. I believe that every single one of us has valuable experience that can be used to help others and the power to make a difference, particularly for those less fortunate than ourselves.