CR Signs talk about their Career Choices

Name: Connor O’Doherty Age: 31 Job: Owner of CR Signs, Gortrush Industrial Estate, Omagh

What does your job involve?

Providing signage solutions tailored to suit new and existing businesses locally and nationally. I am also responsible for updating our facebook page and ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the business. In addition, I am working on a number of business development strategies to increase business in the future.

How did you get into this line of work?

After finishing in Omagh College at the age of 18, I had applied to work in the same industry and have been making signs for the last 13 years.

Do you have a typical working day?

In this line of work, our customers have different needs, which means that no two days are exactly the same. Our opening hours are from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday and Saturday 11am to 3pm. But when running your own business, the buck stops with you which in my case means that my dinner is cold most nights because I don’t get home too late!

What qualifications do you have?

GNVQ Computing, BTEC National Diploma in Information Technology, which were both obtained at Omagh College (South West College now).

What skills are essential for your job?

The willingness to help people the ability to under- stand each customer’s needs. Most importantly, the ability to see a finished product in place before it is put into production and fitted.

What’s the best thing about your job?

The wow factor from people talking about jobs that I have done.

And the worst?

Not being home straight after closing!

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.

I have 5 beautiful children and a supporting wife that is my driving force to succeed in life. Being made redundant just last year with the prospects of no work was very daunting. But with the sup- port from my family, I have started something that I hope I can pass onto my kids when I am older.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Don’t run before you can walk. Starting out in business is a lot of hard work. I am trading on my own just over one year and I keep dreaming of having the biggest and best but what is practical will always win at the end of the day.

How do you relax in your spare time?

I enjoy spending every spare minute with my kids, watching movies and going to football with the boys.

If you could swap jobs with someone for the day, who would it be and why?

One of the dragons in ‘Dragon’s Den’, as they have the power and the means to help to bring new and innovative ideas to the market in ways that are only gained through years of experience.

What advice would you offer to someone applying for a similar role?

Have the passion and the drive which makes you want to help people whoever they may be get the end product that they desire.

If you were given the chance to live your life all over again, do you think you would have chosen your current career?

Yes, the young boy in me always wanted to be an astronaut, but as there is no hope of that, I think I will stick to what I know best and that is providing my customers with good quality signs and very competitive prices!

Source: ulsterherald.com

Learn more about Application Assist.