Q&A with Owais Takolia

How long have you been working in the industry?

I have been in the M&E Industry for the past 12 years, starting in a technical support role before moving into direct sales a few years later.

What would you say your strengths are?

I am very adaptable to the businesses I work with and I would consider myself a people person.

What is your favourite part of your job?

I thrive on building long-term relationships with clients and then seeing them flourish into a successful account.

What made you work in this industry?

I was headhunted by a branch manager of a well-known national pipeline merchant whom I had some dealings with. At the time I worked in the oil and gas industry and was heavily involved with offshore and exploration valves. I  was offered a technical role supporting the BMS and controls-type customers. This was the start of things to come and was the stepping stone to working with some very successful companies. Here I am today at DMS and really enjoying it…so far.

If you were to create a slogan for DMS, what would it be and why?

Accuracy is our way

How do you manage your time?

I structure my week by having days set aside to complete various tasks. These include customer visit days, administrative tasks and catching up with colleagues. However, my working days are governed by the needs of my customers and the demands of the business.

What advice would you give to someone new in the industry?

Consider every day as a school day and embrace the demands of new technologies.

If you could invent something to assist installers, what would it be?

Meters that talk back to you and tell you when they have been installed incorrectly.

How do you enjoy spending your spare time?

Family means a lot to me and I spend most of time my time with my wife and 4 children. I am also a keen DIYer and currently undertaking a big project renovating our new home. I am involved in some community work mentoring young adults and also the chairman of the charity Amina Trust. Recently I have returned back to playing squash / Racket ball after a 20-year break.