Lee did three years of business courses before deciding that he could not spend his life behind a desk as he wanted to do some ‘proper work’. His father was working at the tannery and Lee asked him if he could get him a job to tide him over. Although his father worked in the industry, Lee knew very little about leather or its manufacture. However, he was struck by the passion for leather shown by those who interviewed him for the job. That was 18 years ago and he is still there and has no plans to move.

In his role as sample administrator, he is responsible for providing customers with leather samples that meet their specification. He is also involved in research and development, developing new products, finishes and colours, as well as the seasonal colour sample cards of new lines used to sell new product lines to customers.

The work is physically and mentally engaging as he has to make sure that the best examples of the company’s products are sent to customers. He can also be under pressure from the conflicting demands of the sales director, to get a product ready now, and the technical director, to get it right. However, he enjoys the challenge and after 18 years, he is still not getting bored.

Lee is proud of his job and takes great pride in getting it right and providing the customer with the best product.