It’s that time of the month when we share a little information about a member of our ever-growing team. If you’ve kept up to date with our blogs over the past few months, you’ll have seen interviews with crewmen, crew chiefs, business development managers and plenty of others. Today, we’re introducing Tyrell Blackwood, who works in Sales Administration.
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I started working for Gallowglass in May 2016, on an event crew job at the Sadler’s Wells – Before I arrived I had no idea what to expect. All my friends told me different stories on what working for Gallowglass was like. Some had worked on the Olympic Site in 2012; others had been involved in smaller jobs including music videos and being on standby for major film productions. Their stories gave me the impression that no day was the same in the crewing business.
Tell us how you came to work for Gallowglass:
I’d wanted a job where every day was different; learning new skills, meeting people from all walks of life, so crewing was a great option. I’d heard about Gallowglass through a few friends and decided to give it a go.
I made progress within the company as crew and In June 2017 I became a Duty Manager. I was recommended by others in the company and one day Ed Chalmers in our Operations department called me into the office to discuss the potential role. I continued working as crew until my training was booked in.
To begin with, I sat with our Operations team for two weeks, learning their procedures and gaining a thorough understanding on how shifts are assigned. The following ’two weeks’ were with Sales. In fact, those two weeks kept being extended as I continued to provide third person cover in the office. I was made to feel quite comfortable in this department (I took this as a sign that I was possibly here to stay!). Eventually a full-time sales position became available (a fixed contract for the summer), and I applied. I lost out to a longer-serving colleague, so my official start date was delayed until February 2018.
Describe a typical day in your role:
Entering new jobs for clients
Amending existing jobs
Chasing payment
Liaising with operations team regarding availability
Updating company database daily
What’s the best thing about working for Gallowglass?
I have worked both on-site and in the office, so I have a broad understanding of how the company operates from a non-management perspective. I’ve discovered that there are plenty of opportunities to learn in each role: as a crewman I’ve picked up skills; I’ve gained admin experience in the office and as Duty Manager I’ve progressed my career. I also enjoy the overseas jobs, maintaining formal communication with clients, the structured days and annual leave.
How would you describe the working environment at Gallowglass?
The pace is fast during the peak season – we’re working against the clock every day.
Do you have any funny/memorable stories from your time working at Gallowglass?
I drove to Monaco with another crewman and felt very privileged considering most of our crew at the time had never had the chance to visit the country!
What kind of qualities are required to be successful in your role?
Patience – particularly when waiting for responses to emails/requests; attention to detail; a good use of initiative – asking the right questions in order to relay this information to our Operations team – and the will to learn more and teach others when in a position to do so.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
I’ll have gained far more knowledge in this position and will be able to teach others from my experience. I’ll be ready to take on a new challenge or a more challenging role. Hopefully, an opportunity will present itself from the hard work I have put in.
Is there anything else you’d like to know about the team at Gallowglass? Feel free to send your questions over via our social media channels or get in touch with us to find out more about the jobs and services we offer!
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Meet the Team: Jon Scales, Regional Manager for the North
