| |
Above, Esme Mason with son, Gordon and an ex army truck in 1961.
|
|
From humble roots, Masons Moving Group has grown into a highly respected inter - national company trans porting customers’ most treasured belongings around the globe. We asked Gordon Mason, Masons Managing Director to give us an insight into the company’s formula for success.
MOVING STORY
When was Masons established?
Sidney Mason, my great grandfather, set up shop on Main Street in Cadoxton. The company originally dealt in secondhand furniture and all the deliveries were made with a horse and cart. Sidney’s business developed by moving furniture and eventually he passed on the business to his son Eric (one of nine children!). Sidney and his wife Alice lived above the shop and Eric worked with his dad until the age of eighteen. World War II broke out and Eric trained as a fighter pilot and was stationed in Burma until 1947. When he returned, he married Esme after wooing her in the first Mason removal van, an old army van bought in 1948.
The business grew under Eric until, in 1955, there were three shops in Barry – Main Street, High Street and one on the corner of Thompson Street and Merthyr Street. Esme worked alongside Eric until his death in 1982 and after over fifty years, she still takes an interest in the business which is now run by my brothers Brett, Richard and myself.
The company has had its ups and downs since then but we’re hard workers and believe you don’t get something for nothing in this life. We’ve changed beyond all recognition since those humble beginnings. We’re an international company now with a reputation for excellence and reliability and I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved as a family.
Masons head office at Thompson Street in 1955. Opposite, Jim Mason and a shop assistant outside Main Street shop in Cadoxton, 1920.
What was your first job at Masons?
I joined the company when I left school at fifteen. My first job was a driver’s mate and van boy. There were no concessions for the bosses’ son. My dad made us start at the bottom and work our way up.
How has the business changed over the years?
You can’t stand still in business. Over the decades we’ve expanded as opportunities have arisen. Overseas removals is a good example… corporate relocations and people searching for of a better quality lifestyle by buying second homes abroad has created a good market for us.
Besides the actual moving of property, we provide containerized storage and warehousing. This is a growing part of our business and the storage side of thing alone has expanded to over 100,000 sq ft and it’s all watched over by state of the art cctv systems, so don’t get any ideas.
What do you like about the business?
The challenges that come with every day. The diversity of group operations means we might have a complicated house move one day and be planning a conference the next.
Who inspires you and why?
My late father because of his strong work ethic.
What do the other members of the family do in the business?
Richard and Brett are Director’s, Esme still takes an interest and my son James is training to be a manager at our new venture, The Business Centre.
You’re called Masons. Are any of you actually Masons?
Yes, I am a Freemason, but that doesn’t mean that everything I do is free!
Has the recent downturn in the economy affected your business?
Although the housing market has affected the removal business, alternative contracts have been secured in the distribution field to maintain our turnover. Additionally, our new venture The Business Centre has experienced an increase in enquiries as businesses do not want to commit to a long term traditional lease preferring to take advantage of the flexibility of ‘easy in, easy out’ tenancy agreements with no capital expenditure or legal fees.
What are your plans for the future?
To maintain our high standards across the group and to expand The Business Centre model in the South Wales area.
Eating out, where do you suggest?
Casa Paco, good food, reasonable prices. What is your favourite meal? Tomato soup, steak and chips and jam rolly polly with custard.
Photographs courtesty of Masons Moving Group, Barry. Reproduced by kind permission of Gordon Mason.
Eating out, where do you suggest?
Casa Paco, good food, reasonable prices.
What is your favourite meal?
Tomato soup, steak and chips and jam rolly polly with custard.
Favourite drink?
Chablis and Carling Premier.
What do you do to relax?
Read Dean Koontz or Stephen King.
Do you have a pet hate?
Litter…grrrrr.
Favourite music and why?
Pink Floyd, Metallica and Rush.
Do you have a claim to fame?
Becoming a Worshipful Master of my lodge…
Any unfulfilled ambition?
No regrets but I’m always looking for new opportunities.
The most memorable thing that has happened to me was…
The birth of my children.Family means everything to me.
I wish more people would take more notice of…
The difficulties that are sometimes experienced by employers.
A phrase I use far too often…
Not another holiday!!!
I’m very good at…
Getting the most out of people.
I’m very bad at…
Giving compliments.
My ideal night out would be…
A good meal with a nice bottle of chilled white wine does the trick.
What drives you?
My children.
In moments of weakness I…
Open a can of Carling Premier.
The best age to be is…
50 and I’m looking forward to it.
In a nutshell my philosophy is…
Life is something that happens to you when you’re making other plans so you might as well enjoy it.
Gordon Mason’s top business tips
■ Take the right business when presented and always look for new opportunities
■ Value your staff and make sure they know it
■ Maintain a sense of humour
■ Know your competitors and understand why they’re your competitors
■ Always follow your gut instinct |
|
|
