Author: Gregory Kelly

Background: Most of my work experience has come from working in the family business, where from a young age I worked in the stores of our window and door hardware distribution business AMK Hardware Ltd.  Initially working in the stores I progressed through the sales side of the business, eventually taking over as Managing Director in 2012.  Having a keen passion for the sector we worked in I was instrumental in establishing a composite door preeping side of our business which then extended into full doorsets, eventually morphing into its own company Entrance CDS Ltd.  The journey has taken the business form boxes in, boxes out, to establishing a production facility where our aim is to have as much control over the product as possible and achieve the highest levels of quality that we can.  Building and retaining the correct team in both of the businesses has been key to our success.

Personal Life, Likes, and Hobbies: Along with enjoying family holidays (including our increasing extended family, where almost 20 of us travel to Florida together every few years) I have always had a keen interest in cars and motorsport, especially F1.  Much to my delight my son, Carter,  has the same interests and from the age of 10 has been competitively karting.  This has now taken over most of my spare time as I take up the role of coach, mechanic, sponsor, and when things don’t go so well, councillor!  The competitive nature of the sport greatly combines with the comradery around the paddock where both Carter and I have made many very good friend which tends to mean when were not at the track we are still socialising with these people.  I also help organise some karting events by working with the North of Ireland Karting Association as a committee delegate.   Like anyone who is passionate about their  business I also get great enjoyment in working on projects within our business and seeing them fulfilled with the help of our exceptional team.

Education: Following on from GCSE’s I completed an advanced level GNVQ in business studies.  I then attended The University of Ulster (Coleraine) where I completed a BSC (hons) in Retail and Distribution Management