Meet Tom, our hard-working Director of Sales and Business Development. Tom has worked in sales for Páramo for 12 years, starting in our warehouse in 2012. He answered a few questions that Marketing put to him, which we hope will give you greater insight into his life and adventures at Páramo!
How did you come to work at Páramo?
My time at Páramo started shortly after leaving University in 2012. I was applying for jobs in the outdoor industry/outdoor education sector and discovered there was a position at Páramo working in their warehouse. What a good place to tide me over, I thought, – 12 years later and I’m still here. Since then, I’ve mainly been working in the Sales Team in various roles.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
Like a lot of young boys, I was obsessed with becoming a pilot, however this sadly never became a reality. I was also always into the outdoors and pretty much any outdoor activity I could get involved in (at an extremely amateur level), so I knew that I wanted to be involved in that world in some way. I really liked the idea of becoming a full time outdoors instructor, and started this route, then kind of fell into the outdoor industry instead.
What is your favourite moment/memory you have from working at Páramo?
There’s a lot to choose from! Over the years I’ve been heavily involved in working with professional teams and organisations which has enabled me to visit some interesting places. However, one of my favourite memories would be attending a water rescue course with Serve-On in North Wales. I visited the team at a training weekend and was (literally) thrown in the deep end of the River Dee and ended up fully taking part in the course. Being completely immersed in their training and capabilities made me wholly appreciative of the importance of their work.
In your spare time, what do you like to do outdoors?
I’m a keen hiker, and road and mountain biker, I try to get out as much as possible when time allows. I like to go exploring with my young family, especially now as our 5-year-old is really into cycling. We’ve recently bought a tag-along, tying my bike to his, which has enabled us to go on adventures even further afield!
What is your favourite Páramo garment and why?
Hands down must be my Velez Adventure Smock. Its just the best. It was the first Páramo garment I owned and after some initial scepticism its never failed me. I’ve taken it across the world and in some of the harshest environments I’ve ever been in. Its kept me comfortable, warm and dry without fail. Its just like wearing a hoodie with so many other benefits.