In the High Flyers spotlight this week is Tom Verner, group managing director, Momentum Group
What was your first job?
I worked at ESD Video on the Crumlin Road as a sales representative.
What qualifications do you have?
After many years in sales and consultancy, I achieved a 2:1 Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Business Administration through Sheffield University.
What do you attribute your success to?
Hard work, honesty, integrity and a drive for success – failure is not an option.Having consulted with many companies during my career, this has helped me develop a strong commercial awareness. My ability to set up my own business in 2009 came from taking a calculated risk with a strong plan and a drive to achieve my objectives.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
A likeable and affable character that gets things done. A person who builds trust and long-term relationships. I’m a big person with a strong personality! I’d say I’m a risk taker and fearless, but you have to be in business.
Who do you look up to in business?
Other entrepreneurs who are successful, and I also listen to everyone to see if I can pick up ideas. I have a strong professional team at Momentum Group, and they inspire and support me every day.
How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
I treat people how I like to be treated with empathy, support and encouragement. I encourage everyone to excel and reward well. I am firm, fair and flexible.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
To change the mindset of many business owners to think outside of the box and engage with expert companies like Momentum who strive daily to support innovation, deliver better value and enhanced tangible results for companies.
What website or app could you not do without?
I like to have a nosey around Facebook every day, and my banking apps.
What was the last book you read?
‘How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action’ by Simon Sinek.
What car do you drive?
BMW X5 - as a big guy I need something with plenty of room!
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I hold the school shot putt record and it’ll never be broken – the school was closed 20 years ago and demolished.
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
I support Liverpool and like all sports really. And I have a passion for sports cars but have yet to convince myself to purchase one. If I wasn’t doing what I was doing now, I’d like to be a professional golfer. My ideal day is spending the afternoon wandering around a beautiful golf course, preferably in Portugal with the sun on my back.
