I designed a prototype robot that could climb stairs and put out house fires; it was part of my GCSE in Systems & Control. I took it right from blueprint to actual prototype build.
WHEN & WHY DID YOU JOIN TWISTED?
I joined Twisted in April 2018 when we grew to include an in-house coach-works division. I joined as part of a team all from a local body shop who specialised in the Land Rover. I had heard a lot about Twisted before joining, and I liked what they did, it was exciting to see a business keep the Defender alive.
WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CHANGES YOU HAVE SEEN AT TWISTED OVER THE YEARS?
I cannot quite believe just how much the business has grown, even in the time I have been here. It really is amazing to see now how strong it is, especially given, as we all know, Defender production ceased 4 years ago.
YOUR TWISTED HIGHLIGHT IS…
I have a couple which spring to mind, Open Day 2018 when the paint shop was newly launched, we invited guests to see it in action, I really enjoyed showing the public what we can do. The other is a recent build; the first Welsh Grey Stage One V8. So many of my hours went into this build, stripping it down to the bare bones to carry out the soft top conversion, test fitting the series doors, the panel alignment, to then strip it back down again to carry out a complete colour change to Welsh Grey. There was a real sense of pride to see it leave for its new home!
DRIVING A TWISTED ACROSS THE WORLD, WHICH COLLEAGUE DO YOU TAKE AND WHY?
It would have to be Paul, who works with me at coach-works. We worked together before Twisted. To say we spend every hour of the day together we get on really well and we would have such a good laugh travelling the world.
YOUR FAVOURITE TWISTED BUILD
We’re doing two identical custom 130 builds for Red Bull at the moment, I’m leading the paintwork on these; it’s really nice to do something as specialist as this. I suppose it’s fair to say that’s where my real passion lies. I have enjoyed doing the intricate work with the branding and using Raptor to coat the whole vehicle, which is often only a coating we use on
smaller areas or load spaces. I’m proud to get the opportunity to do the work, but the real buzz comes from seeing the excitement and receiving such positive feedback from the customers and colleagues alike.
TELL US ABOUT AN INTEREST OF YOURS
Motorcycling. I’m currently undergoing my test, and then hopefully my wife will do her test shortly after, so we can spend
holidays on the bikes. My plan is to travel Europe together. I was initially inspired by my parents who did exactly that, before I came along. I also really enjoy scuba diving, but I only get the chance when we’re abroad.
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM CAR AND WHY
Shelby Mustang GT500-Eleanor; obviously I first saw one in the film ‘Gone in 60 seconds’, but I have been a fan ever since; it’s just their raw power, and how rare they are.
THE BEST THING ABOUT LIVING IN YORKSHIRE IS….
Having adventure on your doorstep. The countryside, the scenery, I just love having the ability to just go straight into the countryside and build dens with my daughter in the summer. I can’t see us wanting to live anywhere else!
YOUR IDEAL PLAN FOR A SUNDAY…
Spending time with the family. I’d start by taking the dogs for a walk in the morning, an afternoon spent swimming with my daughter, then home to cook a Sunday dinner for the family. I’m the chef in our house, so I do really enjoy cooking a Sunday roast.
WHEN YOU RETIRE YOU WANT TO…
I’d love for us to have a holiday home in the South of France, and for us to have the ability to just disappear at the drop of a hat for long, warm holidays.