CEO
From selling fireworks to school friends, to hustling on the snooker table, my passion for business and the thrill that success brings began at an early age.
Born and raised on a rural farm in Northern Ireland, before making the move to Liverpool over 20 years ago, my life has been dominated by always seeking the next deal and the next opportunity. And my hard work and determination has paid off, as I have over 30 successful businesses under my belt and employ a trusted team who share my values and drive.
I’ve travelled the world; I’ve seen the snow fall in Nepal and the crystal-clear waters of the Maldives. I’ve experienced extreme loss and rebuilt my empire. I’m lucky enough to have shared my life with people who have supported, shaped, and developed me, and because of that, giving something back makes up a big part of who I am.
From all that I’ve seen and all that I’ve learnt, one thing remains true: the joy is always in the journey.
I’m now ready to begin my next journey to really give back to the people and the city I call home, by launching a series of initiatives aimed at helping the next generation of entrepreneurs who can contribute to the growth and success of Liverpool.
“I can say, with confidence, that there isn’t a business out there that I can’t add value to.”
Favourite Song/Film? I prefer to watch a good documentary.
Favourite Podcast? I don’t have a singular favourite; I listen to the podcast that most appeals to my mood at any given time.
Fun Fact about yourself?
I was Irish Snooker Champion and No. 2 in the World Snooker Juniors.
What’s a surprising skill or talent you have that your coworkers might not know about?
Remember the Cadbury’s Dairy Milk eyebrow dance advert? I can do the same dance with my eyebrows! I can also wiggle my ears.
What’s your go-to productivity hack or habit?
I love reading and listening to audiobooks and podcasts. If I feel like I need to increase my productivity, I pick up a book or go to a podcast. It’s the easiest way, especially if I’m on the road! I find someone who I enjoy listening to and trust, pop in my headphones, and prepare to learn and take their teachings on board.
What’s one thing you wish people understood better about your job or department?
That success takes so much more grit, strength and determination than most people realise or are prepared to put in. It isn’t an easy path to follow; as the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” People on the outside may think I’m lucky to have nice holidays and own supercars, but the truth is, I do not stop working and striving for success, every day of my life. My default is the office; for others, it’s going home at 5pm on the dot.
Q&A
What is Adore Group all about, why was it initially created?
I created the Adore Group because I wanted to create an environment where people and businesses thrive. Each of the businesses within the group have been carefully selected by me, to ensure that there is a clear synergy of what we want to achieve.
What kind of things do you enjoy doing?
Business is what drives me, and I speak sincerely when I say that I truly enjoy my job – even the difficult days! I often remind myself that the joy is in the journey!
How did you come up with the name Adore?
When you adore something, you respect and admire it. I wanted to create an environment where the people who work here are genuinely valued and celebrated for their contributions, i.e. they are respected and admired, and where those on the outside hold us in adoration for what we stand for and accomplish.
How do you encourage a learning culture as a CEO within your team and organisation?
Education and self-development are a huge part of my life. You can never have enough knowledge, and you should always commit to learning new things. I am a big supporter of training and development and always encourage my team to learn. I learn from my team every day!
What stemmed your entrepreneurial journey?
When I was a child, I grew up on stories of poverty and loss. I knew from a very early age that I wanted to make money and make things easier for our family so that I didn’t ever have to experience what my ancestors did. My lightbulb moment came aged 11, when I got my hands on some fireworks and began to buy and sell, making more money that first month than my parents did going out to work.
If you could go back and change one decision or action in your career, what would it be and why?
I wouldn’t change a thing. Remember, the joy is in the journey, as long as you are open to take on the lessons that the journey will inevitably provide along the way.
How can the Adore Group help other companies to succeed?
We offer each of the businesses at the Adore Group a comprehensive range of support services tailored to their individual needs and designed to propel growth and success. No two businesses within the group are the same, and so the support they receive is very much bespoke.
If you could have dinner with any entrepreneur (living or dead), who would it be and why?
I have never built my ideals or business psychology around a singular figure. I admire and look up to a multitude of people. I am extremely blessed to have several highly successful people in my close circle – my Elders – whom I am lucky enough to have dinner with and learn from on a weekly basis. This privilege is not taken for granted by me, and I am eternally grateful to have these people in my life. Of course, there are also global figures that I can read about and admire, but they will always be secondary to my Elders and the lessons I can learn from them.
What motivates you to keep pushing forward when things get tough?
As I mature in business, I am learning to take things less personally. I don’t get hung up on or dwell on the negative. If I spend too much time dwelling on the negative, it’s going to hold me back. We’re all different, we’re all motivated by different variants, but essentially, we all just need to show up on the good days and the bad. Everything is temporary!
How do you stay creative and innovative in a competitive market?
I don’t really think I am creative or innovative; I keep things simple. I focus more on intention. I’m not here to constantly search out the next big deal, I like to look after what we have and really focus on growing.
What’s your ultimate vision for your business?
That each of the businesses that I partner with flourish and grow, and that each of the individuals within the businesses experience success and fulfillment. One day, we will all celebrate together, and I will happily share in the celebrations knowing that there is so much more to their success than me.
