Getting to know Paul Hollis

Overseeing the factory area where our lead rolls are cut to size, labelled and packaged, Midland Lead veteran Paul Hollis has been part of the Midland Lead team for 15 years now.

A boxing coach outside of work, Paul recently turned the big 5 0. We caught up with him to find out how he celebrated and discover more about his life beyond Midland Lead.

Why did you decide to join the team at Midland Lead?

“I originally joined Midland Lead as a stop gap, after my previous job working as a slaughterman came to an end due the food-and-mouth disease outbreak in 2001. It wasn’t indented to be long term, but 15 years later and I’m still here!”

What’s the best thing about working for Midland Lead?

“I work with a really great bunch of lads. We also have a very friendly management team, who I really admire for changes they’re making in the business, in particular towards being more energy efficient.”

What does your role involve?

“I work in the cutting shop and handle the day-to-day running of the factory and the guys working there.”

How would your colleagues describe you?

“Hopefully very friendly and a hard worker – who’s also a good laugh!”

You turned 50 this year – how did you celebrate?

“I turned 50 in July and celebrated with a big party with friends, family and Midland Lead colleagues. A week prior to that, my eldest son, 29, my daughter, 26 and my youngest son, 22, all took me on a week-long trip to Ibiza with all the grandchildren. It was a fantastic trip, we did everything and anything!”

What do you like doing out of work?

“I’m a boxing coach at South Derbyshire Boxing Academy and just got my Level 1 coaching at England Boxing. I coach four times a week, and train my youngest son; who’s the reason I got into coaching in the first place. We have 25-30 boxers train there, from 8-year-olds, right up to 30-year-olds.”

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

“Somewhere hot, probably the Caribbean and definitely with my wife. I love spending time with her – we work different schedules, so when we do have time together, it’s great.”

If you won £1m, what would you do with it?

“I’d take an early retirement, travel and pay off the house, but continue with the boxing coaching!”