To welcome Sarah Franklin to the John Pipe team, we wanted to share her In The Spotlight answers!
Before working at John Pipe, what was your most interesting or unusual job?
For a while, I was the only female Sales Engineer in the UK selling service plans for industrial compressors! The role took me the length and breadth of the country and into Europe and opened my eyes to many different industries including huge manufacturing and engineering companies. It made me realise the scale of some production plants and the enormous size of the compressors required to run these plants!
What was the reason that you wanted to work for John Pipe International?
From initial contact to the current day, the company ethos and culture really impressed me. It was obvious the team at JPI were masters at their craft and a kind and friendly bunch too. I was made to feel valued, trusted and respected from the first moment which gave me a lot of confidence and a warm, fuzzy feeling I have not experienced with a company for quite some time.
What would you say is your favourite part of the job?
I love every aspect right now. I really enjoy visiting customers old and new and the challenge of growing our business. I’m really enjoying getting to know the JPI team and working with them in different capacities.
How would you describe John Pipe International in 3 words?
Traditional, Supportive, Inspiring.
What’s a movie quote that you really like?
‘There’s no place like home’ from The Wizard of Oz which is my all-time favourite film. I know every word of this film and all the songs! It reminds me of my childhood. I don’t know how many times I must have watched it! It’s happy, sad, innocent, and dark in places!
What’s your favourite holiday that you’ve been on?
I am very well-travelled and am lucky enough to have visited all the places I ever wanted to go to. It would be almost impossible to pick a favourite. Highlights are safari in Kenya, California, Vegas, Dubai, Hong Kong, Estonia, Thailand……I could carry on all day! As a result, I have some amazing friendships with people all over the world. Travel has been a massive passion of mine over the years, but I am much more homely these days. However, I am writing a second list for the future!
What do you like to do for fun outside of work?
My main hobbies are singing in a choir and playing tennis. Despite many years of playing tennis, I don’t think I have ever improved but I do enjoy it!
In 2019, I was lucky enough to sing at Carnegie Hall in New York where we had our own concert, and the Carnegie Hall orchestra supported us. It all came about from a cover we did of a Foo Fighters song called ‘Come Alive’ which went viral. Dave Grohl himself got in touch and it all went from there! It was all for charity and the response was incredible. It was an experience I will never forget.
If you could go on a road trip with any famous person, who would it be?
I’d like to go with Prince William and find out his plans for our country for the future!