NIC BROWN Managing Director of KBL Technical Ltd.
What were your career ambitions growing up?
To be honest, I had no direction or idea what I wanted to do, I sort of got here by accident. I knew I didn’t want to be unemployed as my work ethic was too strong. I am a South Shields lad and I remember the miners strike very well and how that affected families, who were already struggling. I knew I didn’t want to be like that. I am very driven, and the very thought of that time was of immense worry and misery for many families, so I knew that I had to work hard to prevent being in that situation.
Tell us about your current role at KBL.
I am the managing director now, but I honestly don’t care much for titles. I’m very much a team player, but I am also a good leader and have no problem leading from the front. I go over and above to be a good employer to my staff, and I have the same morals and ethics with our clients too.
What is your proudest business achievement?
Probably creating the company name – KBL, as it is the initials of my three children; Karl, Bradley, and Logan. I am immensely proud of my kids, I probably don’t tell them often enough, but who does? I stay humble and try to avoid complacency, as that tends to lead to failure, which nobody wants. I am also extremely proud that KBL is a RATIONAL Service Partner, which in our industry is a privilege. A total of more than 1,200 certified RATIONAL Service Partners work tirelessly to serve their customers’ needs, around the world.
How has your industry changed in the last decade?
Well, our business commenced in 2008, so I was in maintenance then, but since Covid, it has changed everything. Equipment is much easier to operate now, and the last decade has seen significant improvements to connectivity and accessibility. You can even monitor your ovens, fridges etc., from a phone these days! It’s all a bit Big Brother – but technology stays still for no man!
What are you currently working on? W
e’re currently working with a wedding venue in Barnard Castle and five steakhouse restaurants based in the North East. The company is growing rapidly and because of this, we are no longer just North East based, but national. Operationally, it is still better for us to work in this region and there are still a lot of businesses here we can target. Tell us about the team you work with. Well, KBL is currently on 28 members of staff, made up mainly of engineers. This is growing and we’re currently recruiting. We have a good team of people here, which I am grateful for, however I always think that loyalty goes a lot further than expertise. You can train someone to do a job, you can’t train someone to be loyal, they either are or they’re not. Take Lisa, our office manager for example, I trust her implicitly and know that she’s always got my back. She knows that I always try and do the right thing – her dependability is unwavering.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Never react to a problem with passion. Take time to reflect first. Make decisions calmly, and, if you can, sleep on it. Every problem seems easier to handle in the morning! What has been your biggest challenge?
Probably that business doesn’t get easier as you grow, things just change and with change brings a new set of challenges. Business is a bit like having kids, there are different challenges at different stages. As any business grows, you get more zeros at the end of it!
Who are your heroes inside and outside of business?
Outside of business, my parents. My dad was literally an angel and before he passed, he would have done anything for anyone. As a family, we all went to him and my mam for advice, which they always readily gave and mam still does. I miss him, immensely. Inside of work, literally anyone who is loyal and supportive and who comes in, does the job they’re paid for without whinging! I admire hard-working people and anyone who is genuinely nice, basically.
How do you unwind outside of work?
I like to go to the cinema with my wife, Sam, our children, and our gorgeous grandkids; Hugo and Penelope. We love sunny holidays too, so go away as often as we can. I love just spending quality time with the family, eating out at some of the restaurants we service and just chilling.
What is your favourite book? S
AS Rogue Heroes by Ben Macintyre. Awesome book telling the story of their fight for adversity.
