As part of Careers Week, we’re continuing to highlight the people behind CU Phosco and the journeys that brought them into the lighting industry.
Today, we meet Kevin Ridge, Area Sales Manager for South Wales and the Southwest. Kevin has been with CU Phosco since 2007 and brings decades of experience in the street lighting sector, having first entered the industry in the mid-1990s. Over the years, he has held a variety of roles, including Procurement Manager for a major street lighting distributor, giving him a strong understanding of the industry from multiple perspectives.
HI KEVIN! CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE AT CU PHOSCO?
I’m the Area Sales Manager covering South Wales and the Southwest. My role involves looking after a number of major key accounts, working on specifications with end users, and, most importantly, maintaining those relationships, which are essential to success in my position.
WHEN DID AND HOW DID YOU JOIN CU PHOSCO?
I joined the business on 12 April 2007 as a Sales Engineer, and I haven’t really looked back since. Matt Murray, who I’d known from previously selling to me in an earlier role, “rescued” me from the electrical wholesale market. I think I accepted the job within five seconds of being offered it - one of my better life decisions, and one I’d happily make again.
WHO DO YOU WORK WITH?
I’m part of a very successful team within CU Phosco. I’ve always believed you’re only as strong as your weakest link (some might argue that’s me, and I won’t disagree!) But our success really does come from that strong team ethic. I see myself as working with people across the business, not for them, which is another key to success. I’ve also seen some close friends leave the business recently for various reasons, which has been difficult, but it shows how strong those relationships become over time.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO LIGHTING?
I actually stumbled into lighting many moons ago while working at the Job Centre, when a role came up at BEI Lighting. I thought it would just be a six-month stopgap, but like many temporary roles, it turned into many happy years. I worked my way up through the business and even had the opportunity to take on the General Manager role for a period - a steep learning curve, but one that taught me a huge amount about how successful businesses operate and, importantly, how to work with people.
WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE JOINING THE LIGHTING INDUSTRY?
I’ve had a variety of roles, working in different departments within the Employment Service (the Social Fund department really opened my eyes to real life), and even selling carpets… not particularly well, I might add - all before I started shaving!
WHAT DO YOU MOST LIKE ABOUT LIGHTING?
Simply put, the people. Customers, colleagues, and even competitors - the street lighting industry is a genuinely friendly one. I once spent 12 months away from street lighting as a Sales Manager in the electrical wholesale sector, and it felt a million miles away. That experience really made me appreciate how supportive and personable this industry is. You can walk into an event and be on friendly terms with even your toughest competitors and still grab a coffee together. I’ve also had the pleasure of growing up alongside many friends in this industry, some now in the late autumn of their careers. Time really does fly when you’re having fun.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WISHING TO ENTER LIGHTING?
Be yourself - not someone you aren’t. Appreciate every day, whether good or bad, because 19 years will pass you by before you know it. And most importantly, make it fun whenever you can. I certainly try to… though some might say that’s open for debate!
Thanks Kevin!
For more information about roles in lighting, read our Careers in Lighting blog.