Get to know our Team. Introducing our Finance Director, Carl Medlin.
At Harbur Park and Leisure Homes, we don't just strive for excellence in our product; our team's genuine care and experience make our business special. When you meet any one of us, you will be sure to receive a friendly, professional greeting and an honest introduction - because at Harbur, the team are truly like family. We are all experts in our fields, and each member brings an array of experience, individual personality, and a fun sense of humour to the workplace that keeps us lighthearted no matter how stressful the day-to-day can be. That's why we invite you not only to experience our exceptional product but also to get to know our extraordinary team.
Get to know Carl our Finance Director…
Q. Could you tell us a bit about your career path prior to becoming Finance Director to Harbur Park and Leisure Homes? What brought you to your current position?
Carl. “It all began for me during my A-Levels. I'm passionate about mathematics and IT, and a family friend suggested I pursue a career as an accountant. I joined his company for some work experience as a bookkeeper. I found I had a natural talent for being accurate with my work (always important when you work in finance and accountancy!) From there, I was recommended to the park home industry, where I would be working under the wing of one of its titans, who guided me towards the route of becoming a management accountant. The rest, they say, is history.”
Q. How did you meet the other directors and when was it decided to venture into manufacturing?
Carl. “Dan was a childhood friend. I guess if you'd told the 17 year old versions of us that we'd be where we are today, we'd have found it very funny. I guess I do still chuckle to myself that all the long conversations we'd had before and after work about what we'd do instead have actually materialised into something a little more tangible. But this is all far more than the four of us directors. There's members all through our team who are personally important to me too. Our Design manager is the father of my Godchild, our interior designer is my fiancée. We are surrounded by many people who made me realise this was possible - and it was them as much as the other directors, that made our manufacturing project almost a certainty.”
Q. What motivates you about your Role?
Carl. “The 18 weeks holiday I've sneaked into my contract. No, in all honesty, knowing I'm just one cog in a well oiled, perfectly balanced machine keeps me motivated and has made this the most enjoyable role I've had in my short career. Nothing feels like hard work when you enjoy what you do.”
Q. What advice would you share with others going into manufacturing or the industry?
Carl. “This isn't all on you. You're only as good as the people you have around you. Surround yourself with people you think are brilliant and experienced you'll find it all becomes a lot easier to do. I've tried starting a business on my own, and I've tried it with a team of people I respect and admire, and I promise you it's easier shared.”
Q. What have your biggest challenges been so far?
Carl. “It’s no secret that starting a business isn't without its obstacles, and any business owner will be familiar with the saying 'if it were easy, everyone would be doing it.' We have faced our fair share of challenges - just like any new business. Luckily for us at Harbur, our fearless and experienced team of employees have made sure we have defied all odds, risen to every challenge and come out on top time and time again. Our collective spirit here makes us quite a force to be reckoned with.”
Q. How important is company culture to you and what measures will you take to maintain your desired culture?
Carl. “My most important lesson during my CIMA studies was on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). As I had the lucky position of being able to work and study, I could see how the things I learned in the classroom could be directly linked to action in the office. A successful company doesn't just benefit its owners. It provides a clean, green, sustainable, and happy place where a whole team of individuals can come and earn a good living. It provides somewhere that individuals can grow and expand and learn. Everyone connected to those individuals, their partners, and children, are affected by how happy each individual is at work. It is my unceasing mission to ensure that every single member of our team is looked after, by helping to promote a healthy and happy culture at work. And beyond that, through our careful selection of our supply chains and production methods, I hope that we can continue to look after the planet and be a more considerate and conscientious business. These are our core values.”
Q. Any last comments?
Carl. “I want to thank everyone who has been involved in making Harbur Park & Leisure Homes possible. Those who have stood with us and supported us have helped achieve something incredible, and they'll forever have my gratitude.”