Limerick Business Leader: Reward and recognition is in the gift of clever companies

TELL us a little about Gift Innovations:

Gift Innovations delivers recognition and innovative gift solutions to help organisations retain their employees and build customer loyalty.

We work with some of the largest multinationals in Ireland, semi state bodies as well as small indigenous companies. We are all about the sentiment and creating deeper moments of recognition that motivate, engage and build loyalty.

At present, we employ five people at Ashbourne Business Park, just off the Dock Road.

Tell us about the company’s latest expansion:

We have been tracking the growing influence of employer branding and how more and more organisations are using promotional products to promote themselves to customers and employees.

So we have expanded our business to meet that need. Offering branded/ promotional products compliments our existing range of recognition solutions and awards.

Tell us your new premises – and the new infrastructure you have:

We invested in new premises in Ashbourne Business Park in 2016. The renovated office space has helped accommodate our growing team and the large warehouse facilitates our increasing storage and fulfillment requirements.

Providing a personalised service is very important to us, that is why we have also opened our new showrooms to give clients the space to view our wide range of product samples.

What does your role entail?

As managing director of the company, my role is to have a strong vision and give direction. Employee engagement is very important so I try to identify and work with the natural strengths and talents of the team to achieve our goals.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Caherconlish. I call out there regularly to see my parents. I now live on O’Connell Avenue which is a very convenient for the city  and close to the business premises on the Dock Road.

What is your educational background?

I attended Laurel Hill secondary school and completed a diploma in marketing with French in Newman College in Dublin.  

How did you get to where you are today?

I lived in France and the USA before returning home in 1997. I worked in customer service and account management roles using my language skills. I worked for a multinational in Shannon before starting the business. While working there, I identified a need for a business to business gift service. I started the business at home and now supply gifts to multinationals and leading companies nationwide.

Why did you decide to go into business alone?

I was thinking of setting up a business for a while and attended an evening course on the topic. When the company I worked for offered a voluntary redundancy package in 2002, I jumped at the opportunity to start the business.

What are your goals for the next 12 months?

We completed a lean management programme this year which helped us to appreciate the scope of our service and our capabilities. We work well as a team so we will continue to improve how we operate the business and continue to develop new and creative solutions for our clients. Marketing our new promotional product range is another priority.

Who do you admire in business?

Vikki O’Toole, the chief executive of the Raheen-based packaging firm JJ O’Toole. I admire her ability to win major contracts and to her commitment to delivering creative solutions. She has embraced a family business and ensured its continued success.  

In business and life, are you guided by any particular motto?

Agree and stick to plans. It is important to involve the team in decision making; that helps us to stay focused and review our progress regularly. Success is a journey with plenty of ups and downs. We make a point of celebrating our achievements. As a company that specialises in employee recognition, we need to practice what we preach! 

Away from work, what are your pastimes and hobbies?

I enjoy the outdoors and getting out on the hills or out on the bike. I’m a member of Limerick Climbing Club and I go to the Galtees or on the Kerry mountains with them when I get a chance. It clears the head and I enjoy the scenery and good company.