Meet Connor Stirling: Central Scotland Sales Engineer

Scot JCB is delighted to welcome our new Sales Engineer Connor Stirling, who now covers Central Scotland including Lanarkshire, Stirling, Falkirk, Glasgow, and Biggar.

Connor is a familiar face to many, having been with the business since 2017 in Scot JCB’s parts department, and aiding with sales at Stewart Plant Sales from 2020. Now entering his new role, we sat down with Connor to find out more about how he is enjoying his new challenge.  

First role and Development. 

Connor’s first opportunity at Scot JCB came when he joined the business in 2017 in the Glasgow parts department, which he spoke very highly of, “I really enjoyed my time working there, it was a great place to start.” Having spent over three years working in parts sales, an opportunity came up to further his career. “When the role at Stewart Plant [Sales] came up, I thought it would be a fantastic opportunity to develop my career. I was really interested in the sales aspect of the role.” 

Connor’s role at Stewart Plant Sales involved helping to coordinate sales, however his time at SPS was halted unexpectedly, “I was just starting at SPS, but it was the week before the first lockdown. I didn’t really get into my role until late July or August time. It was a strange experience to come back to.” 

He had to step up his sales responsibility and involvement following the retirement of Billy Thomas from SPS; however, Connor embraced the opportunity that was presented to him. “There was a lot of change happening when I first started, but because Billy Thomas was retiring, I got more involved in the sales side.” 

Having been approached by the business to take on his new role, Connor told us he enjoys “developing his career” and the conversation simply started about how he would feel about entering this new role. With his business and now sales experience, this was the perfect opportunity for him. 

Building Relationships 

Connor said that when building relationships with his customers he commits to being someone they can count on. “It’s about being there when things aren’t so great, someone they can rely on all the time,” he says. “You really need to understand what their goals are, what they do, and what they want to achieve. This means you can help them in the best possible way.” 

However, his operation in sales hasn’t been without challenge. With the start of his time being marked by Covid, the increasing prices of fuel, inflation, and challenging market conditions over the last few years. Connor said that one of the biggest challenges affecting the industry just now is the costs business are having to endure from inflation and fuel.  

An Exciting Opportunity 

One aspect Connor looks forward to most in his new role is the change of pace that comes with the role, “You are granted freedom and autonomy with the role, and the onus is on you to deliver.”  He looks forward to meeting existing and new customers, and further improving the already strong reputation Scot JCB has in Central Scotland. “It’s a family run business here, like many of our customers. They can see how much we want to help them succeed.” When asked what advice he would give someone who was starting out their career in sales, Connor said, “try to be positive, get yourself out there, and be confident.” Skills which Connor looks to continue in his new role. 

Away from work 

Outside of work, Connor is a keen golfer and footballer, playing golf most weekends and football during the week. Apart from this, Connor enjoys relaxing at home and has recently returned from a holiday in Crete, which he highly recommends. 

All of Scot JCB Group are delighted to see Connor further progress his career and wish him the absolute best in his new role. Joint Managing Director Iain Bryant said “Connor has been a fantastic asset to the business since his first position in parts. He is an example for the progression possible at Scot JCB Group. I look forward to seeing him continue his development in his new role.” 

Connor can be contacted via mobile at 07736928108 or via email at connor.stirling@scot-jcb.co.uk