Phil Turner - Sales Executive
Software Sales Executive Phil Turner enjoys a harmonious lifestyle. Phil, a former session musician, shares his life with wife Louise, a singer and actress, and their baby son James.
James was born seven months ago and Phil is thrilled to be a father.
"They say your first child is a life-changing experience and it is!" he says. "But it's definitely one for the best. I'm loving every moment of being a dad. James has just got to the age when he's become aware of his surroundings and interacting with us. He's fantastic."
Phil and Louise have literally built a home together. They spent many years renovating their cottage in Little Neston, South Wirral. It had been standing empty for five years when they bought it.
"We did a lot of the work ourselves, so we're very proud of it," says Phil. "It's had a new roof and a new floor, and it had to be rewired and have gas connected. But it's lovely now, it has a real homely feel about it, just right for bringing up a family. And it's worth about seven times what we paid for it!"
As a young man, Phil studied jazz and modern music at a performing arts college in Liverpool. He then became a session guitarist and for a time had a contract with premier guitar makers Gibson. He also had the good sense to take a business studies course after leaving college.
"When I got fed up with the uncertainty and lack of money, I decided to try my hand at sales," said Phil. "I'd been fascinated with computers since the age of 19, so this was an area I was keen to move into. I sold business intelligence systems, and after that software. I've been a salesman in this field now for 15 years."
Phil's wife Louise has a remarkably similar story to tell. She is a talented singer, actress and choreographer but has also worked in sales for many years. Unfortunately, Louise was forced to quit her performing a career after a bad fall while auditioning – on roller skates – for the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical "Starlight Express".
Phil and Louise both believe their experience in the performing arts has benefited their careers in sales.
Said Phil: "Performing on a stage gives you the courage to present to people and you learn the value of preparation. Playing jazz taught me to improvise, to think on my feet. As a musician, you have to be aware of what's going on around you, you have to listen to all the other parts in a group. Being a good listener is crucial in a selling role."
"Mind you," he added, "it's also a big help I've got such great services and products to sell! There's a tremendous skills level on offer at Samarind. The company provides a corporate service but doesn't charge corporate rates – that's why it's remained successful and independent for twenty years."
Most of Phil's time away from Samarind is taken up with little James. Soon, though, he hopes to pick up his guitar again. "I haven't played seriously for about 15 years," he says. "But I think that soon I'd like to join – or even form – a blues band."
With Phil as a member, it will play an unusually cheerful brand of blues!
Published Spring 2007