To celebrate Martin Vella’s 30th anniversary as a Director at Pexhurst, we asked some of our colleagues to recall their fondest memories with him from over the years…
Alan Bridge – Associate Director – 25 years at Pexhurst
One thing I have learned about Martin is that, if there is any new technology out there (from a flip phone, to a palm pilot), he is the first to test drive it. One fond memory I have is sitting in John’s car with Martin and Albert showing me the first sat nav then showing me how it worked by driving to his house and back.
Another standout moment was before the review meeting following my three-month probation when moving into a contracts manager role. With the nerves setting in, I went outside to have a quick cigarette. Martin joined me and we spent a good amount of time just talking to each other. I then said, “right, it’s meeting time” and Martin responded “no need to worry, we’ve just had it.”
Martin’s dedication and ambition to invest in technology and training and his ability to know all the staff and their family members as well as his knowledge of the industry has made the company what it is today. Congratulations on your 30 years!
Kevin O’Malley – Senior Estimator – 9 years at Pexhurst
On a site survey to a large industrial unit, we were told by an Italian security guard to not open any marked doors. The first thing Martin did was open a marked door and set the alarms off.
The security guard was very angry and came running over across the yard shouting and panicking about the alarm and police. Martin said something in Italian and the guard calmed down and walked off!
Charlie Hazeltine – Assistant Site Manager – 3 years at Pexhurst
Martin has always been willing to assist me with the early stages of my career in construction. Always being on the end of the phone when needed and offering the adequate resources and materials to ensure I get the most out of my career.
Maria Demetriou – Management Systems Administrator – 18 years at Pexhurst
One memory that sticks out with Martin that I have always been grateful for was not work related and probably around 10 years ago when I was house hunting and came across a house in Waltham Cross. I remember casually speaking to Martin about it as I needed a second opinion, he then offered to come with me for a second viewing. Think that was the very first time I sat in his car too!
Dan Flint – Site Manager – 15 years at Pexhurst
One thing I can remember is Martin’s response to me asking how he was one morning at the office a very long time ago. He replied: “I’m OK, thank you Dan. It’s everyone else.” This has stuck with me over the years and has become more relatable in trying to understand the response, it’s the daily battles!
Nick Tagliarini – Director – 20 years at Pexhurst
Having worked with Martin for over 20 years, one of the things he has always done is ensure people are given the tools to do their job to the best of their abilities. Whether it be training, a college course, shadowing a colleague, or anything else that is available. He is always trying to improve you, which in turn improves Pexhurst.
One of Martin’s biggest qualities over the years in leading Pexhurst is that he always tries to be fair towards you. You can always talk to him as well, Martin listens and will always find time to talk to you, even if he is struggling for time, he will make time, whether it be work, how the family is or how well the Spurs played at the weekend!
Michael Munroe – Senior Buyer – 14 years at Pexhurst
Martin has always been a practical joker…
Each year there is a Christmas tree in our office and it’s pretty tall in height and usually set up near my desk. One year I was on annual leave on the day that the tree was put in place and decorated. There was a strange atmosphere that year, everyone was overly happy and giddy as they walked past my desk and the tree. It took me four days to notice that Martin had a head shot of me printed – cut to size and glued onto the head of the angel that sat on top of the tree!
He also likes to refer to me as little Mikey – even though I am not short! He got me a cup printed to celebrate his observation, and apparently being a buyer is also akin to shopping – so I received a lovely coaster to mark that observation too!
Martin is a family man and understands the importance of family – that shines through, in the way he manages and works with his colleagues. He is a good chap and loves a bit of light-hearted fun and that in turn makes Pexhurst a great place to work.
Lee Stuart – Director – 16 years at Pexhurst
I remember when Martin turned 50 and we presented him with a Spurs birthday cake and the ‘Chirpy’ Spurs mascot. I think it was the first time I’ve seen Martin lost for words…!
Penny Dew – Director – 18 years at Pexhurst
I remember going to my first Pexhurst Christmas party and thinking I really must be on my best behaviour and no sooner had dinner finished I realised I could relax and enjoy my evening because there was Martin, straight up from the table hogging the karaoke with Alan Bridge and doing his best to encourage anyone close by to join them!
It has definitely made a difference over the years working with a Managing Director who you can talk to and feel at ease around, both at work and socially – although, to this day, he has never managed to get me anywhere near a karaoke machine! I think Martin being so approachable to all the team is a part of why he has been so successful in leading the company over the last 30 years.
Elaine Coffey – Administration Co-ordinator – 10 years at Pexhurst
A few years ago we all went off to Newmarket Races to watch the brilliant Madness.
Naturally, us ladies wanted to do the Madness walk around the course, but you have to wear the hat and shades to look the part!
I had the hat, but no sunglasses…so Martin gave me his to dance around in. I do hope I gave them back!
Dan Beadle – Assistant Contracts/Commercial Manager – 3 years at Pexhurst
A memory that sticks out for me was during one of our initial conversations. Martin very kindly provided me with some very valuable insights into the industry which turned out to be great advice! From this conversation a job opportunity arose and now 3 years down the line I am very grateful for it and haven’t looked back!
Stuart Byles – Director – 15 years at Pexhurst
Since joining Pexhurst over 15 years ago I have been fortunate to have been able to work under Martin and learn from him as a mentor and Director, he has overseen my career progression from Contracts Manager to Director and always has time for a catch up or to dispense some advice based on his own brand of wisdom.
Over the years my respect for Martin has increased and especially over the last 18 months. I have witnessed how he has navigated Pexhurst through some of the most turbulent times, always firm and focused but always with a kind word or gesture for everyone in the business.
Here’s to the next 30 years!
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