Robin Hall, Managing Director, of Kymin financial planners, based in Bridge Street, Newport.
1. How did you get into your current job?
Kymin has been my financial advisers since 1996, and when the opportunity arose in 2005 to change career, I was offered a management role within Kymin. I became company secretary in 2006, operations director in 2010 and then managing director in October 2012 when I took over the mantle from Gerald Davies, who is now chairman of the group.
2. What’s the best bit?
Our industry is an ever evolving one and I love facing the challenges that come with it. Our job is about finding solutions for our clients and each of those clients has individual needs, so nearly every day brings something different with it.
3. What was your first Saturday job?
From a very early age I used to help out at the family car and van rental company in Newport.
4. Describe your ideal job?
I think I have it, but I have always wanted to own and run a hotel.
5. What motivates you?
Work and the rewards that it brings, making sure that that we provide a service that is second to none to our clients.
6. And what irritates you?
Negative people, in both business and in life and those who are afraid of change. Also people who love to criticise about things from afar but don’t help to work on a solution to the problem.
7. Who do you most admire in business and why?
People who come up with new ideas, whether it be a business one or a technological breakthrough, these are the people that make a difference.
8. What was the last book you read and what did you think?
The Stonehenge Legacy, by Sam Christer. A gripping read, full of suspense and intrigue.
9. What do you do to relax?
Reading definitely, going to the gym and listening to music. I love travelling too, but I don’t find the time to travel as often as I would like. That will be on my list of New Year’s resolutions for 2014…..
10. What dreams are you still fulfil?
I have already achieved many things that I had thought about at a young age, but travelling more, Las Vegas and a trip down the River Nile are certainly on this list.
11. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
Star Trek, into Darkness
12. Favourite food and place to eat it?
That’s a tough one, I’m not sure I have a favourite food as such, I do love Indian cuisine and the best in Newport has to be Poppadoms in High Street, but I also love a good quality steak.
13. What car do you drive?
Audi A4
14. What’s in your car’s CD player at the moment?
Kings of Leon, Mechanical Bull
15. What’s your favourite TV programme past or present?
It has to be Doctor Who, I used to watch it as a kid and am hooked again with the new series.
16. Do you tweet? If so, how can we follow you? If not, why?
As a firm we do greatly. @kymin and @kymindirect. We also use Linkedin and Facebook, but I’d say I am Twitter mad. It is a great way to interact with professional contacts as well as clients.
17. If you were an animal, what would you be?
A tiger, as it is both powerful and respected.
18. Proudest moment?
Becoming managing director of a successful and well established firm of financial planners.
19. And most embarrassing?
I couldn’t possibly say!!!
20. What advice would you give to someone wanting to be successful in your line of work?
Surround yourself with positive, motivated and like-minded people. Stay focused on your goals not allowing people to distract you from them.
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