John Mellor, Senior Product Manager at Glidevale Protect explains his marketing journey so far along with the role’s demands as well as some inspirations and guilty pleasures away from the workplace.
Name: John Mellor
Job title: Senior Product Manager
How long have you worked for Glidevale Protect?
I joined as Product Manager in early 2017, so six years and counting.
What are the key aspects of your role?
I work within the Marketing team covering all aspects of product management and market analysis, as well as helping to drive marketing communication campaigns, launches, PR and NPD. I collaborate closely with a number of internal departments such as sales, technical and production and also manage our customer co-brand service for membranes. I am a lead on sustainability for the business, looking at ways we can reduce our environmental impact and driving forward regular monthly meetings with key stakeholders.
What do you most enjoy about the work that you do?
I’d have to say that the variety of the role is enjoyable and being able to help shape our offer to the market is appealing. I particularly enjoy interaction with people, whether internal colleagues or notably with external customers, listening to their feedback about our products and building relationships.
Key productivity hack?
In a fast-paced role, I try to be as flexible as I can with my ‘to do’ lists and periodically update it throughout the day based on changing priorities. I do try and implement the ‘do, ditch or delegate’ system where possible.
What music do you like listening to?
I like most genres of music ranging from soul, pop, rock and indie but my favourite is probably dance classics from the 90s and 2000s!
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
At the time, either a professional footballer or tennis player. Sadly, that dream did not pan out too well!
Who inspires you?
On a personal level, it would have to be my family, they inspire me to go to work every day and be the best that I can. Anyone in public life who fights injustice is also inspirational.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
It would have to be Euro pop band Roxette, the duo from Sweden who were big in the 80s and 90s. I like their style of music and still play all their songs on occasions.
Favourite TV show (or podcast or book)?
I love comedy so I’m drawn to a majority of TV shows, podcasts or books that are designed to amuse. I have a number of favourite comedians who I regularly follow. Would I Lie to You is one of my favourite shows and going back in time, I was a regular viewer of Phoenix Nights, Bottom and Max and Paddy. Other shows I like include Silent Witness, Happy Valley, Line of Duty and any Scandi Noir crime dramas on Netflix.
Favourite film?
There are many great films but if I had to pick one it would be Shawshank Redemption.
Ideal dinner party guests (dead or alive)?
It would have to be Rik Mayall (my comedy hero), Nelson Mandela and the double act of Andy Ritchie and Joe Royle (who could tell anecdotes about my beloved Oldham Athletic during the ‘pinch me’ years in the late 80s/early 90s).
And what would you have to eat / drink?
Being a true Lancastrian, I have a healthy appetite and wouldn’t say no to most types of food! A traditional large slice of cheese and onion pie would go down well followed by rhubarb crumble with custard! As for drink, it would either be a speciality ale or a can of Irn Bru!
I can’t get through the week without…
My fix of Netflix and access to my mobile. If I get chance, I also enjoy watching sport of some sort, whether it is going to the football at Boundary Park, the home of Oldham Athletic or alternatively watching football, snooker or tennis on TV.
Favourite way to spend the weekend (and who with)?
Either a nice meal out with my other half Lynsey and my two daughters or a trip out somewhere as a family. As a season ticket holder at Oldham Athletic FC, I also enjoy going to home games, sometimes with my youngest daughter.
Staycation or exotic holiday?
I like both but if I had to pick, I would say staycation. I’m not usually one for staying out in the hot weather and being from the North, I’m used to the rain! We’ve been used to holidays in the UK over recent years, what with restrictions during the pandemic. There is a lot to offer in this country when looking for a family holiday.
Morning person or night owl?
I’m definitely more of a night owl, just have to be careful I don’t burn the candle at both ends!
Three things or people you’d take on a desert island?
My family, a mobile phone with portable charger as well as a good comedy book or podcast so I could have a good chuckle whilst passing the time.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Just to believe in yourself and use any negative experiences as a learning opportunity for the future.
What would be your specialist subject on Mastermind?
It’d have to be questions about Oldham Athletic since their formation in 1895. Bizarrely, I’d also like questions about the origins of custard! A few questions thrown in about construction and roofing membranes would be fine too, although I do bow to the superior knowledge of our Product Technical Performance Manager, Jim Smith in this regard!
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