The managing director of national trampoline, slide and play equipment supplier Plum Products has described how he loves nothing more than getting his hands dirty when it comes to making sure the business is a success.
Paul Schaffer said his job was to keep a keen eye on the family business, ensuring everything it sells is of the highest quality.
The £14.3 million turnover company, which is based in Ingham, Lincolnshire, recently secured a £4.2 million banking facility from Santander 海角视频 to help it on the road to international expansion.
READ MORE: {}
It was founded in 1988 by the MD’s parents Jonathan and Diane Schaffer.
Since then its trampolines in particular have become a huge hit with 海角视频 families, and its products are now sold through chains such as Tesco, Asda, Dunelm, Argos, John Lewis and Homebase.
Sales increased rapidly at during the first lockdown as mums and dads spent money to keep their kids entertained at home.
Mr Schaffer said: “People were stuck at home, they knew they had to keep their children active and our trampolines, climbing frames and tree houses were the perfect fit.
“We sold out so quickly and had a limited warehouse with the Covid guidelines, it slowed everything down and some customers were upset that some orders were slow getting out.
Most Read
“It was an emotionally draining time. One of the reasons I love Plum is that everyone jumps in to help, not just me. We have a great team mentality and will always look out for one another.”
The business trades in more than 40 countries and recently entered the US market.
Mr Schaffer said the company was on course to turn over more than £50 million in the next few years.
He said: “The most important thing is ensuring all of our products are of the highest safety and quality.
“If we keep our customers happy, they come back.”
Today the business sells everything from sandpits to treehouses and scooters.
Mr Schaffer learned the ropes as he grew up, watching his parents build it up, and helping them by picking screws, folding leaflets and packing boxes.
Don’t miss
He said it was inevitable he would follow their lead.
“Plum Play is my family, it’s very personal, every little screw, every little thing we do matters.
“When it is your business, work never really stops, it comes with you everywhere. I am always thinking on how to improve and innovate.
“You can lead, manage but ultimately it is what you and your staff have in them to succeed that matters.
“If you have pride it shows, you work hard and ultimately succeed, it can’t and won’t come by itself.”
After studying in Sydney, Australia Mr Schaffer landed a job at Ernst Young where he put his analytical, accountancy and numeracy skills to the test.
Despite that he always had ambitions to come back to Plum as long as the right opportunity was there.
In 2015 his returned as general manager, then moved to commercial director and finally took the helm as managing director in 2019.
He said he is always the first to roll up his sleeves to get things done.
He said: “I enjoy getting on the phones, packing boxes or building, it helps me see things that I can improve.
“I like to get involved, I know how everything is built, everything is done and wouldn’t have it any other way, I like to be involved from the ground floor to the boardroom.”