Powerhouse Perspectives is our content series that shines a light on the incredible range of in-house expertise we have across the Group. Recently, we spoke to Gratte Brothers | Foodservice Solutions’ (aka GBCEL) Service & Maintenance Team Leader, Justin Ring, on his path into the industry, his journey since, and what his role delivers for clients and colleagues alike.
“As Team Leader, my role is to prioritise our customers’ needs, often coming up with optimal solutions for equipment repairs, maintenance, and installations.”
Career Path and Current Remit:
Justin’s remit covers a wide variety of tasks. From performing the duties of a senior engineer, to leading and mentoring regional groups of engineers, to conducting health & safety audits, providing technical support, coordinating key account contracts, and plenty more besides! With 11 years of industry experience and 3 years with Gratte Brothers, Justin has a wealth of experience gained from positions across the industry.
Justin readily acknowledges that his career in the catering equipment industry wasn’t exactly planned. Recovering from serious injury, he was initially searching for a plumbing apprenticeship and happened to come across an advert for a local Trainee Commercial Catering Engineer. 11 years later and he’s still going from strength to strength in the industry.
Starting with us as a Senior Catering Engineer in 2021, Justin soon progressed to his current Team Leader role which he’s now held for two years. Justin added that “I am fortunate to work for an employer who listens – Gratte Brothers has been instrumental in my career progression.”
Our Competitive Edge:
Justin believes that what gives us a competitive edge at GBCEL is our range of in-house capabilities and the level of expertise we can offer thanks to our retention of experienced staff, and the strategic hiring of skilled professionals. Plus, engrained within our culture is the treatment of our customers. We go above and beyond to make our clients happy, delivering on-time, on budget and recommending the most effective (and cost-effective) solutions to their briefs.
“A business’s greatest asset is the customer! Treat everyone as if they are the only one.”
Justin also plays a big part in Foodservice Solutions’ competitive edge, having been the first engineer to win the Rising Star award at the ceda Awards 2023. Justin embodies this award win by continuing to bring innovation to the team, an example of this being his creation of the first PCB refurbishment option within the company. In addition, Justin has developed a pathway for leading engineers/technicians to obtain accredited engineer titles. We now have three IET ENGTechs within our engineering team, with three more in progress. This accreditation enhances our value proposition to customers.
The Team Leader Role at Gratte Brothers:
“The Team Leader role at Gratte Brothers is highly valuable and innovative compared to similar positions in other commercial catering companies. The flexibility within the role and the clear, transparent management pathway create opportunities to develop forward-thinking ideas from our “boots on the ground” team members. For example, our Team Leaders participate in meetings with key accounts, post-PPM meetings, business development discussions, and maintain integral communication channels internally.”
Recent Achievements:
On his recent achievements, Justin commented that “For the second consecutive year, I had the opportunity to nominate our service department for a service and maintenance award, and we were shortlisted as finalists both times. I redeveloped, added and created technical support documents within OneDrive which further streamlined our internal processes for the team.
I introduced PCB (printed circuit board) refurbishment to reduce landfill waste and offer customers an alternative repair option. Additionally, I assisted in creating the industry’s first commercial catering service app to support technicians with after-sales service.”
It’s clear that Justin’s star is still rising, and his proactive approach to improving processes, environments, and training and delivery makes him an incredible asset to the company.
ceda Academy:
Gratte Brothers nominated Justin to join the ceda Academy; an entity that recognises emerging young talent in the Commercial Catering industry.The Academy provides a platform to showcase the exciting career opportunities within the sector.
Justin adds that “Through CEDA, I’ve been fortunate to experience incredible opportunities that have broadened my perspective on the industry’s potential. I’ve had the privilege of going on international trips, attending manufacturer tours and technical meetings, developing an app, and even participating in a podcast (Kitchen Curiosity, Episode 10, September 23rd).
Without giving too much away, ceda have created a leadership group within the academy to drive streamlined purpose to the wider group – I am proud to have been selected. The ceda Academy will continue to inspire with its innovative initiatives, and I’m excited for the future plans we have in store.”
Future:
Justin’s vision for the future is to work in unity across the Group, leveraging our range of in-house skills to offer clients a truly one-stop solution for all their needs. In addition, he sees Gratte Brothers | Foodservice Solutions’ “continued work alongside our key accounts and manufactures to broaden our brand and be the best foodservice solution across the UK. With recent promotions and bringing in the talent we have, we hold the keys to become the best.”
Bringing Young Talent into the Sector:
Alongside other industry leaders, Justin is a part of a CIC initiative which uses social media to promote the foodservice sector and maintain a directory of individuals seeking careers in the industry. “I’m proud to say we’ve already successfully placed five individuals into rewarding roles, and they are thriving”, Justin reports.
#FEASTFootball and Giving Back:
“I’m thrilled to have recently played in #FEASTFootball, an industry football event supporting the Milly-Rose Stirrup Foundation (a phenomenal charity).
It’s amazing to have had the support of my employer to take part in such an inspiring event. #FEASTFootball brings together a wide range of collaborations from suppliers to operators across the foodservice industry.”
To find out more about our service & maintenance offering at Gratte Brothers | Foodservice Solutions, get in touch via our Contact Us page.
