Huge burdens of responsibility and loss should not be a 16 year old's lot but when Steve O'Brien, Managing Director of Pure Data Solutions, lost his parents at such a young age having to find the rent instilled a survival instinct and sense of responsibility that is perhaps stronger-felt today than ever. Here's his story...
Having suffered the devastating loss of his parents at the tender age of 16 it is poignant that O'Brien's mission has been to nurture 'a sense of family' within the business he established in 2007. "My main reason for starting this venture was to embrace an opportunity to be at the forefront of building a winning team," he said. "Having experienced many years in senior management I wanted to test my own ability to take responsibility for my beliefs and create a winning culture within a collaborative coaching environment, a place where people can shine and enjoy their work. Fun is one of our main company values. Our culture is one of warmth and honest communication. We work hard on our collaborative coaching culture to ensure that each and everyone in the team is encouraged and supported to produce their best. We have a strong team approach to find solutions which benefit everyone."
O'Brien's deep sense of responsibility for his team and the high value he places on creating a family feel is augmented by his experience gained working with a number of influential people and leaders over the past 25 years in business. "The last six years have been an exceptional journey and an enjoyable experience," he said. "We have achieved big goals in a short space of time, developed an infrastructure and brought together an enthusiastic and passionate team of people which fills me with tremendous pride every day."
Under O'Brien's leadership Pure Data Solutions has enjoyed significant growth from a first year turnover of £1.2 million to an impressive £12 million, up from £8 million the previous year. "Our target for this year is £15.8 million," he stated. "Our original team of five people has now expanded to 38 across all areas of the business. Our next milestone is £20 million by 2015. This will be achieved by continued organic success while acquisitions are also on the agenda this year."
The company addresses the IT needs of SMBs, corporates and the public sector where it provides general and specialised IT hardware, software and professional services. According to O'Brien his proposition is simple, based on the notion that the professional buyer is looking for a professional, reliable and friendly supplier. "We may win or lose orders on price, but with constant investment for the long-term we will retain our customers' loyalty with honesty, quality of supply and service," added O'Brien. "We are passionate about the work we do, resulting in an efficient, prompt and honest service. Our goal is to create a culture that is open, supportive and warm while maintaining our reputation for having fun. Our mission is to share the Pure Data Solutions experience with as many customers as possible."
While O'Brien nurtures and develops a company ethos that he hopes will stand the test of time he is also mindful of the fast moving comms sector, and keeping pace with industry changes is also a priority. "Our evolving sector means we have to regularly change our priorities at the drop of a hat, necessitating a high level of flexibility in our approach," he added. "We are swift in our decision making but as the company quickly expands our management skills need to evolve at the same rate, bringing real challenges with high levels of intensity."
Also exercising O'Brien's mind is the quest to add value wherever possible in an environment where, as a middle man in the supply chain, margins are constantly being squeezed. "We only flourish if we can truly add value, leverage margins in areas such as professional services, innovate and diversify," he said. "Our attitude is, and has to be, 'get on and do it', rather than be regimented and process orientated."
Pure Data Solutions works closely with a number of key vendors including HP, IBM, VMware, Barracuda and Microsoft. "A key strategic objective this year is to bolster our professional services team," added O'Brien. "This is the main focus of our attentions in relation to our acquisition goals. We see this as the main contributor to our profitable and sustainable growth for the longer-term. Our strategies are sound and the best years for our business lie ahead."
Sound strategies extend to staff relationships and team building, also key to the success of the business. "Every year we set the whole team a profit related target," noted O'Brien. "When we hit, everyone from the cleaner to the FD receives a bonus for their contribution. But it's not just about the financial rewards. We work hard at supporting every member of our team with their lives outside of the office. Our future aspirations will only be realised through our determination to achieve them. A realistic goal is to be a £25 million player in our market within five years. The challenge is keeping hold of our great culture."•