Our people are important to us at UNTHA UK — after all, without their knowledge and expertise we would be unable to deliver the five-star customer service that we’re so famous for.

So each month we quiz a different colleague on 10 quickfire questions that offer a little more insight into why they play such an important and valued part of our growing team.

Next up, it’s sales consultant, Rich Wakeley over to you!

 

How did you first get into the world of shredding?

I was approached by a recruitment agency, asking if I would be interested in a change of scenery. At that time, I was ready for a new challenge and, considering my background was construction, I thought waste shredding would be just that!

Every day I am learning new things about the industry and meeting with companies that are breaking boundaries in the world of waste.

 

What’s the one skill or quality that helps you succeed in the UNTHA environment?

Interpersonal skills. Knowledge and experience is important, but I believe the ability to build a strong relationship with customers is often what makes the sale.  

 

Name one highlight from your UNTHA tenure so far.

Selling my first machine, the S25, was a real achievement. But aside from that, in just a few months, I’ve led trials and demos for customers, visited sites all over the North of England, and built up my knowledge of the entire UNTHA range.

 

How do you unwind at the end of a busy day at work?

I like to play the piano – a hobby I’ve kept up for years. I also go on long walks with the dog, spend time with the family, or lift weights.

 

What’s the best piece of work-related advice you’ve ever received?

People buy from people.

 

Which machine is your favourite from the UNTHA shredder range, and why?

The RS40. Four shaft technology, that pre-shreds and re-shreds in one single pass, and is by far UNTHA’s most versatile machine, whatever the application.

 

UNTHA has a number of divisions scattered all over the globe — Austria, Poland, Ibérica, and Türkiye, to name a few. If you weren’t a fixture at the UK branch, which business would be next on your work hit list?

UNTHA America. I’ve always wanted to live in the USA – somewhere in New England like Maine or New Hampshire. I don’t think I’d get bored of the wide open spaces and natural scenery. 

 

What do you think makes UNTHA’s service such a hit with our customers?

The build quality, robustness, and reputation in the industry. Plus, the support we give to customers after the initial purchase.

 

What’s your main hope for your role at UNTHA UK over the next year or so?

To establish relationships with existing and potential customers and increase my knowledge of the machinery and the sector.

 

And finally, what’s your main environmental hope for the UK as a whole?

Zero waste to landfill, more innovative ways to process plastics, and a greater number of commercial properties utilising biomass.

Want to hear more from our talented team? Catch our earlier Q&A with Alice Kelly, marketing and content manager at UNTHA UK.