By Agency Works 
Next up in our Meet the Team series it’s Delivery Director, indie music lover and dad of two daughters, Rich Dawson…
Tell us about your role at Agency Works...
"I'm the Delivery Director, and I primarily manage and support our onboarding team to ensure we provide the best possible experience for our new clients. Behind the scenes, I’ve got my fingers in all parts of the business, from sales, to long-term client management.
"I’ve grown with the Agency Works, and I’m now enjoying my 14th year here!"
Tell us about your early career... How did you end up here?
"When I was young I wanted to drive a lorry, one of those massive car transporters. I still do.
"I’ve always learnt best from being hands-on. So, after gaining my A-levels in graphic design and business studies, I’d had enough of textbooks and theory, and I had an urge to start earning money. I worked as an office junior at a local business, earning just £75 a week!
"Three years on, I’d gained the real-world experience I craved (and increased my wage!) I produced the monthly accounts, ran the payroll, completed tax returns, negotiated deals with suppliers, managed foreign trade and customs, and so much more! I’d learnt the fundamentals of running a business, and that set me on my way. I’ll be forever grateful for that opportunity and all it taught me.
"I moved to an accountancy practice, completed my AAT studies and began consulting and training businesses on how to manage and understand their accounts, payroll and CRM systems in-house. I naturally grew into a consultant role, then 4 years later, I was snapped up by the Agency Works!"
What do you most enjoy about your role at Agency Works?
"Variety. Both in terms of our clients and the challenges we help them resolve. That's what we do - We solve problems and make things better than they were before. I really enjoy getting stuck in, understanding the root cause of their issues, and then working to help them succeed and achieve their goals.
"I've worked with well over 300 agencies, maybe nearer 400 (I’ve lost count!) but I’ve never felt bored because every week there’s a new challenge, or a new client needing our help.
"I work with a great bunch of people who value, respect and learn from each other. Culture is a massive part of our overall success, so the people I work with, are right up there in my favourite things!"
What do you like about agency life?
"It's very cool, quirky, and there are a lot of interesting characters knocking about. You’ll visit a client and there’ll be a massive polar bear sculpture sitting in the corner of the reception or an astro-turfed meeting room for no reason other than “why not?”. Very unique, never dull.
"Because I've got that natural creative streak in me, I've always appreciated art, design and innovation, and so being indirectly involved in the creative sector satisfies a need for me, even though my own skills are focused on the business and operational side of things.
"It's a fun industry to be in, and if you’re not having fun doing your thing, what’s the point?!"
What value do clients get working with you?
"Honesty, knowledge and experience.
"I’ve worked with hundreds of agencies ranging from 10-man start-ups with a niche focus, to 500-man full service powerhouses, and everything in between! Onboarding new systems, improving or establishing operational processes and sometimes just helping to see the wood from the trees, that’s what I do.
I’m a thinker. I love that Einstein quote “If I had an hour to solve a problem, I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about the solution.” That’s me.
What would you be doing if you weren't in this job?
"Chef. I never used to be a foodie but as I've got older, that's become one of my things. I got the bug from eating out, a lot! It inspired me to think “actually, I can do some of this at home”. I make it up as I go along, but my meals always turn out really well, so I feel like I've got some hidden talent! If I had my own restaurant, it would be a barbecue steak house or something like that for sure."
Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions?
"Travel, really is the main thing. As far as life ambitions go, there are two places I’d really love to visit – Japan and South America. I really want to go to some of the slightly darker, grittier countries, off the beaten track in Colombia or Peru.
"Experiencing other ways of life and cultures. That's always been an interest."
What do you like doing when you're not at work?
"I've got two young daughters, so I'm mostly just tired all the time at the minute!
"I live in Derbyshire, on the edge of the Peak District, so that's kind of like our back garden really. We'll often be out having muddy boot adventures. It's getting the wellies on, feeding the ducks, splashing in puddles, climbing a mountain, whatever we can find to do that's fun and adventurous!
"Aside from that, I’m into my music and like going to gigs and festivals. Indie rock and roll music, that's my jam. Oasis are my favourite band of all time and I was lucky enough to see them a couple of times the first time round, but anyone with a good front man and/or a guitar is up my street!
"Football is a big thing in my life too, and it greatly affects my mood at the weekend! I’m a Derby County fan, so I go and watch them whenever I can and support them from afar when I can’t. The less said about this, the better!"
And finally, any interesting talents or claims to fame?
"I seem to have the ability to speak to cows. I think my moos are just at the right frequency for a cow to understand. If we’re out on a walk and there's a bunch of cows, I do my moo and they’ll look up and start mooing back. I'm not sure what I’m saying to them, but they definitely communicate back to me!"
