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EXPRESS GLASS: ABOUT OUR PEOPLE

KEITH GROCOTT AND AN EXPRESS HISTORY

Keith Grocott began his working life as an accountant. His work for a number of glazing firms led to a wealth of industry knowledge, enabling him to launch his own company, Express Glass, in 1984.

The business grew quickly, from early beginnings as a suburban company serving the Sydney metropolitan area, to an organisation which serves clients throughout the length and breadth of Australia.The development of the Express Glass national network was in response to clients' needs and consistent with the original business goal of providing a competitive alternative to the then national market leader.The initial national network featured Express Glass branches throughout the nation.This structure has been revised and refined to establish our current, more efficient and comprehensive model, incorporating our Sydney-based factory which is supported by a network of contracted glazing companies in all corners of our vast land. In sheer numbers and location, this network is unrivalled, enabling us to meet clients needs on demand.Other efficiencies generated from this structure have enabled us to offer extremely effective pricing for national emergency glazing services.

As the founder and Managing Director, Keith still takes an active role in the strategic direction of the company. And despite the size and reach of Express Glass’ national network, Keith and his senior management team ensure Express retains the qualities of a smaller company, by enabling clients have a direct line to senior management, should they wish to discuss any element of the service.

Through focus and commitment to business, personnel and industry developments, Keith grew Express Glass to the position of the leading emergency glazing supplier to the corporate sector. Through the acquisition of his son's firm, Eastern Suburbs Glass [now the Major Projects division of Express Glass], and the introduction of young and highly qualified members to the management team, Keith has ensured the future direction of the company, providing stability for our workforce and our clients.

JOHN COLEMAN - GENERAL MANAGER

John Coleman began with Express Glass in 1988, working in many administrative areas of the company before becoming General Manager in 1998. John's focus is ensuring that the company is operating smoothly from both the workforce and the clients' perspectives.

In addition to controlling all day-to-day management issues, John works closely with Keith and Managing Director, Adrian Grocott, to plan the strategic direction and general operational policies of Express Glass. As with Keith, John ensures he is available to clients seeking information on any aspect of the company's service.

John Coleman began his working life as a teacher and brings the social values of 20 years in the teaching profession to the community involvement side of the company. Working with Keith, other staff and Express Glass clients, John identifies organisations and individuals that the company can assist. Through these activities, Express Glass extends its role as a business leader to that of a socially responsible and involved company.

ADRIAN GROCOTT - MANAGING DIRECTOR

Adrian Grocott began as a glazier prior to acquiring Eastern Suburbs Glass [ESG] in 1994.

Adrian's hands-on experience and qualifications in accounting and business management were key components in ESG's success, as was his identification of the emerging market for frameless glazing.

As it grew, the company developed a strong reputation as specialists for complex and innovative frameless glazing installations for architectural and commercial projects. ESG experienced annual growth of 35 per cent between 1995-1999 and employed a team of nine specialist glaziers and production/project managers.

Adrian's vision was to strengthen the company through constant research into international glazing trends and technology, investment in the latest machinery and processing equipment, and through the employment of leading industry professionals.

In 2002, ESG merged with Express Glass to become its Major Projects Division. As the driving force behind ESG, Adrian Grocott had seen the company develop into an industry leader. It is this vision and management style that Adrian brings to Express Glass, initially as Major Projects Manager and now as Managing Director.

Email Adrian: adrian@expressglass.com.au

MARK JENNINGS - MARKETING MANAGER

Mark Jennings joined Express Glass in 2004, to lead the company's marketing. In this role, Mark's primary focus is establishing and maintaining our strong client relationships, developing our service to national clients and overseeing the day-to-day promotion of our company and its services.

Mark works closely with our management team to develop our role as a leader in the glazing industry, generating partnerships with key industry bodies and planning our involvement in major industry forums and conferences.

Express Glass prides itself on community involvement and achievement over and above its business success. Mark is instrumental in planning and directing our support for organisations that provide much needed services. Mark's commitment to our community program ensures that our company is involved - financially and in hands-on or volunteer roles - to highly valued organisations and projects.

Previously Mark worked for five years with a leading construction company, culminating with his role as Marketing Manager.

As a business graduate and an experienced industry professional, Mark is a vital member of our management team, bringing ideas, energy and vision to help us grow and continually improve our service and communication.

Email Mark: mark@expressglass.com.au

PAUL FARRUGIA - CONTRACTS MANAGER

With more than 25 years in diverse management roles in the installation, manufacturing and development of glass and glass fittings, Paul Farrugia is one of Australia's most experienced glazing industry professionals.

From the late '80s onwards, Paul has worked in development and management roles for the production of toughened glass and hardware, the two main components in frameless glass installations.

Beginning as an apprentice, Paul worked in all facets of the industry. With rapid progression and ever increasing responsibility, Paul moved from general glazing to estimation, production development, process development and factory manager roles for key industry players, including manufacturer Pilkington Glass and leading fittings manufacturer CDS.

With his wide-ranging experience in both the installation and manufacturing sides of the industry, Paul has built-up an extensive body of knowledge, covering management of glazing teams in the field and all factory processes, from the shop floor to administration.

Paul's experience and knowledge is a major asset for the Major Projects division. As Contracts Manager he is the principal estimator for all manner of commercial and architectural projects.

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