RB: What is your favourite holiday destination?
DS: Majorca - it is my second home and my dream is to have a holiday home there. I love cycling there and competed in my first-ever Ironman 70.3 event in Alcudia. The scenery and climbs are amazing.
RB: What car do you drive?
DS: A Mercedes-Benz Vito crew van - I’ve driven it for the past six years and it’s great for my lifestyle as I can put my bikes in the back. If you ever see me at a cycling time trial I will be warming up on my turbo trainer under the tailgate, having used the rear load compartment to get changed.
RB: What are your hobbies?
DS: Sport, particularly triathlon and cycling. I love to ballroom dance but I can’t find the time. I’ve decided to take it up when I stop competing in triathlons and cycling events.
RB: How did you get into the industry?
DS: In a fleet sales role at Mercedes-Benz, which I was in for five years. I love the industry and have never looked back. My new role [business development manager at Rygor] is a big step up. Previously I was dealing with customers on a regional basis, but I am now talking to operators and pursuing new business opportunities on a national level.
RB: How can we encourage more young people into the industry?
DS: Offer work experience and apprenticeships.
RB: What is the outlook for your sector of the market over the next 12 months?
More people will recognise the importance of whole-life cost as well as minimal downtime. Businesses will also become more focused on monitoring the performance and costs of their fleets.
