SAM is a family run business and as such, we like to think of our customers and those who we are in touch with day-to-day as part of the family too. Over the years, our team have got to know the familiar voices from various different merchants, and often we spend a good part of each phone call catching up or getting to know them more. As more businesses go online, and face-to-face meetings reduce, we want to make sure that you know exactly who you are speaking with at SAM and how they can help you (we also thought, why not take this opportunity to let you get to know their quirks and lovely unique personalities too!)
EXTERNAL SALES TEAM
Sales Director – Gerard Wilson
Gerard has worked his way up the ranks in SAM, starting back 27 years ago in sales. A huge football fan, Gerard also enjoys a spot of golf and can be known to play some rounds with customers here and afar. When not at SAM or on the road, Gerard will be enjoying a good pint of Guinness with a delicious steak.
➡️ You can find Gerard on LinkedIn here.
Regional Sales Manager (Scotland and North England) – Craig Buchanan
This may be a familiar face if you are situated in Scotland or North England. Craig is our spirited Scotsman on the road, travelling between different branches to assist you with your MDF requirements. What you may not know about Craig is that he can make his ears move up and down without even touching them, and he shares his birthday with his Mum. One of Craig’s many great achievements is scoring a last-minute penalty for Ayr United, which won him his football coupon.
➡️ You can find Craig on LinkedIn here.
Regional Sales Manager (Ireland and Europe) – Joe McAllister
A frequent face in and out of the office, Joe loves a good chat and some story telling. He is a father of four wonderful kids, with his favourite food being his daughter Annie’s famous chilli. Joe is quite the traveller, making his way around Ireland, North and South, as well as venturing to the Netherlands and Belgium to visit SAM customers.
➡️ You can find Joe on LinkedIn here.
Regional Sales Manager (Yorkshire, Midlands and North Wales) – Jason Dacres
There is a small chance you may hear Jason before seeing him, as his laugh is nothing short of iconic, something that he admits can get him into trouble. Jason has years of sales experience at SAM and the energy of a pinball. He describes himself as a die-hard Liverpool FC fan, and (news to us) he used to ballroom dance when he was younger!
➡️ You can find Jason on LinkedIn here.
Regional Sales Manager (South East and London) – Graham Parker
Our expert in the London region, Graham is on the road spreading the SAM MDF word with ease and precision. A golfing fan, Graham also enjoys a bit of fishing when he isn’t at work. A lesser-known fact about Graham is that he once installed a lift in 10 Downing Street.
➡️ You can find Graham on LinkedIn here.
Regional Sales Manager (South West and South Wales) – Lee Taylor
Prepare yourself with a seat and a brew when meeting Lee, as he loves a good chat! Lee is our passionate Welshman who, if he could live anywhere apart from wonderful Wales, would choose New Zealand. When he’s not travelling the road promoting MDF, Lee is travelling elsewhere – he has visited all main 50 states in the USA, including Hawaii and Alaska. With years of sales experience, Lee once even applied for the Apprentice along with some friends and ended up getting further in the interview process than they did!
➡️ You can find Lee on LinkedIn here.
INTERNAL SALES OFFICE TEAM
Sales Office Manager – Lisa Lynch
Many may be familiar with the bold, contagious character that is Lisa Lynch. With over 10 years working at SAM, it’s safe to say she knows exactly what she is talking about when it comes to MDF mouldings. Lisa is a self-proclaimed professional shopper, gin aficionado and is happiest when she is spending time with her husband and three girls.
➡️ You can find Lisa on LinkedIn here.
Sales Office Supervisor – Angela Lynch
Angela, better known as Angie, is our second fiery redhead who is lead when it comes to managing the SAM customer service team. With years of customer facing experience, you are sure to be charmed by her warm, fun manner along with a sponge-like brain that holds a heap of knowledge on the SAM product range. Angie loves car rallying, so much so that it has become a yearly family occasion. She likens herself to Garfield the cat – both big fans of lasagne, chocolate and napping. Angie also takes great pride in her momentous victory against her boyfriend in go-karting.
Sales Coordinator – Lynne Strange
Our lovely Lynne has been with SAM 25 years and in this time has learned a thing or two about MDF mouldings. You may be most familiar with Lynne if you are based in Ireland, but she is ready to lend a hand (and some great chat) to everyone. Lynne is a hockey fan, playing for Randalstown Ladies Hockey Club for over 30 years, and representing Ulster. She is obsessed with Disney World and would visit every year if funds would allow it. When not at SAM, Lynne may be found reading books, American crime novels being some of her favourites.
Lynne works closely with our regional sales manager, Joe McAllister, so if you are based in Northern Ireland or Republic of Ireland, Lynne is happy to help.
Sales Coordinator – Carol Carmichael
If you have had the opportunity to speak with Carol, you will know her wonderful laugh a mile off. An expert herself in the construction industry with a self-build in progress, Carol can advise with ease and delight. When not at SAM, Carol can be found camping with family and friends which she adores. She is also an identical twin, and has a pet Golden eagle called Conan.
Carol's sales buddy is our regional sales manager, Craig, and helps cover the Scotland and North England region.
Sales Coordinator – Joe Fowler
Joe joined the team in 2021 and is undeniably a quick learner. He is well equipped with previous experience in sales support and working within a sales team. Before moving to Northern Ireland, Joe lived in Canada for over a year. He admits that snowboarding is one of his favourite things to do on earth and has watched Back to the Future at least 50 times.
Joe works alongside our regional sales managers, Lee and Graham, covering South East, South West, South Wales and London.
Sales Office Administrator – Jessica McDonnell
Jess is an MDF mouldings pro who is happy to help with any order requests and processing. When she’s not doing her magic in the office, she’s bingeing it all day every day in the form of Harry Potter. Jess has a brown belt in kick boxing, and even had the opportunity to spar Tyson Fury!
Jess and our regional sales manager, Jason, make the dream team, happy to help with enquiries from Yorkshire, Midlands and North Wales.
Sales Coordinator – Cara McQuillan
Cara is the newest member to join our wonderful internal sales team. Cara has developed her expertise from previously working in several customer service roles within busy environments. No wonder she enjoys a good chit chat, admitting that she’ll talk to just about anyone who is willing to talk back. A beach during the colder months is one of her favourite places to be, with her two boys even enjoying a dip in the sea whatever the weather. A fun fact about Cara – she once broke her index finger when her doll’s pram collapsed after she decided to sit in it as a child!
All enquiries can be sent through to sales@samonline.co.uk and/or your regional sales manager and the team will be happy to help.