Meet the Team: Rob Matthewman
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20th January 2025
As part of our ‘Meet the Team’ series, we continue to give you a closer look at the people driving our success. In this feature, we’re highlighting Rob Matthewman, our Operations Manager. Rob joined Resimac in March 2023, With a career built on operational excellence, Rob brings a wealth of experience and a passion for continuous improvement to the team.
Background and Journey with Resimac
Rob’s career in operational management spans over 20 years, beginning at E Wood Ltd in Northallerton. When the company was acquired by 3M in 2007, Rob transitioned to 3M, where he held various roles, including Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Project Management, and Value Stream Management. After leaving the corporation in February 2023, he joined Resimac in March, motivated by discussions with Matt, Resimac’s Managing Director, about the company’s vision for growth and development.
Q&A with Rob Matthewman
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I used to help manage my son’s junior football team when he was younger, which I loved. When that came to an end, I took up golf, which can be the most rewarding and the most frustrating sport you can play. I like to keep busy and will attempt most DIY tasks, and I enjoy watching films, football, golf, and boxing.
I’m also lucky to have a beautiful 8-year-old granddaughter and an adorable 4-year-old grandson. We see them regularly, which is wonderful, and just being with them and watching them learn new things and constantly ask questions is the best feeling. I heard a quote the other day from someone famous who said, “Having grandchildren almost made having kids worthwhile!”
What has been the most rewarding project you’ve worked on at Resimac?
Although there are a couple of investments we’ve seen through to fruition, an extension to our production facility and upgrades to our admin and office areas the most rewarding “project” has been witnessing the growth and development of the team throughout the last 18 months, with additional resources being brought in. The development of key individuals and the skills they will require to move Resimac to the next level will be exciting to be a part of.
How has your role evolved since you started with the company?
I guess one of the main areas that has evolved since I started has been the introduction of operational targets and metrics, which provide the team with leading and lagging metrics identified to keep the business on its continuous improvement journey. This has proved to be a bit of a shift for the business, but following a successful recent BSI audit, where this was commented on as a credible improvement, it shows that we are on the right path.
What’s your favourite part of working at Resimac?
The interaction with the whole team and seeing them develop and grow. Bringing in change or a new approach can be difficult, but the changes made so far have been embraced. Seeing the results or success of those changes has been great for team morale!
Can you share a memorable moment or achievement with your team?
The whole Resimac team played an instrumental part in the business delivering record results in 2023, something that we hope to surpass in 2024!
What personal or professional goals do you hope to achieve in the next year?
Personally, I’d like to lower my golf handicap! I’ve taken lessons, but that unfortunately hasn’t manifested itself in improved scores on the course just yet! Professionally, to continue to work with the team and help and support them with their ongoing ambitions and development.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I’ve received quite a number over the years, but the one that sticks with me the most is a simple one: to treat people with respect, from the VP of the corporation to the office cleaner. We all have our different parts to play in making a business a success.
If you could master a new skill instantly, what would it be and why?
To be able to speak a foreign language, maybe Spanish or Italian. Wherever I’ve been on holiday, the locals can always speak better English than I can speak their language! It’s on the list of things to do when I retire.
If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
That’s a great question.
I’d say Nelson Mandela, to understand how he managed to have the approach to life and the humility to others after being incarcerated for so long due to his beliefs.
I’d also invite John Lennon, a musical and lyrical genius and a very funny guy. Listening to how he became a songwriter in the 50s and 60s, which set the Beatles apart from every other rock and roll group, would be amazing.
And finally, David Attenborough, a national treasure. I love to watch nature programmes with the grandkids, and the way he explains things with the passion he still has for the planet is extraordinary. One of a kind, and he’ll never be replaced.
What’s something surprising about you that your colleagues might not know?
I play Domino’s and 5’s and 3’s with friends in a winter league. It’s very competitive and a few years ago we managed to win the ‘Champions League’ title ( that’s in Northallerton, not Europe )!!
If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?
It would be Elon Musk. Although I don’t accept or agree with some of his views, being the Leader of two of the biggest companies in the world ( Tesla and SpaceX ), must be a little stressful at times! Understanding how his mind works would be both interesting and exhausting!
If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be and why?
It would be Rome, my favourite holiday destination. The atmosphere, the people and the food are exceptional, and the history and architecture are breath taking.
Looking Ahead
Resimac is poised for continued success, offering a diverse and innovative range of products, aptly described by Rob as an “Aladdin’s cave of products.” With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, the company fosters a culture of accountability and collaboration. As Operations Manager, Rob is dedicated to supporting both the team and the business in achieving their full potential.
“The potential at Resimac is vast, and seeing the growth and development of the team is incredibly exciting. It’s rewarding to be part of a business that’s moving forward with such momentum.”
For those starting their careers in operational management, Rob shares this valuable advice:
“Embrace your mistakes and learn from them; this fosters the confidence and resilience essential in operational management. Surround yourself with talented individuals who exhibit the right attitude and behaviour. Leading or being part of a diverse, collaborative team working towards a common goal is immensely rewarding.”
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