Here at TensorGrip, we’re taking industry expertise to the next level. Whilst we’re working hard behind the scenes to drive a smarter future in adhesives engineering, we’re proud to host leading field experts across all sections of our business. In the first installment of our Meet the Expert series, we sit down with TensorGrip Joinery’s trusted advisor, Category Manager Gregg Rhodes.
It’s been a year of big changes for TensorGrip Joinery and the wider sales team at Quin Global. From exciting product launches to the development of our world-leading Experience Centre, our success has helped us enjoy positive vibes through some truly strange times. Much of this success can be attributed to our trusted advisors - including joinery adhesive expert Gregg Rhodes.
We took a break from the hustle & bustle to talk about TensorGrip, trust and challenges faced by joiners and fabricators alike. Take a seat and enjoy…
Let’s talk about you. What’s the story of Gregg Rhodes, and what role do you play at TensorGrip Joinery?
I’ve been working within the adhesives space going on ten years now. I started off working for a smaller adhesives company based in Nottinghamshire, where I was involved in the manufacturing of canisters and aerosols. This included mixing adhesives and loading them into canisters. I did this for around 3 years before making the exciting move towards a sales-based role. At this point I purchased a franchise and sold adhesives into the UK market - this continued for around 2 years, and there was a big focus on joinery adhesives during this period.
I then joined Quin Global as a Business Development Manager back in 2015, and I worked in this position for 2 years before branching out as Category Manager for Woodworking and Joinery, including TensorGrip’s range of ‘L’ products. This has involved promoting new products to distributors, growing our distribution community and contributing to project work - including a series of endorsements with the likes of DuPont - Corian and Sekisui - Kydex.
In October 2019 I was promoted to the middle-management team at Quin, focussing more of my efforts on managing a small team and improving the day-to-day running of the business.
So - what made you make the move to TensorGrip?
The more I promoted products within the market, the more I saw and engaged with the TensorGrip brand. From outside of the business, what I saw were regular product launches, constant updates and a steady stream of positive updates - not to mention excellent reviews from their large customer base. I started off my relationship with the company after making a tentative phone call to Carl Fowler.
Quin really went the extra mile, creating this role for me - and there were lots of reasons to join. From their great products and great team to their enthusiasm for growth, I realised I could do more with this company than I ever could alone.
Some say strength. Some say tenacity. What comes into your mind when you think of TensorGrip?
When I think of TensorGrip, I think the same as our customers are thinking: unbeatable canister adhesive products.
We’re the best at what we do and we’re recognised for that. Our products are Engineered to Outperform, and that shines through in what our users say about us.
In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing today’s joiners?
One of the biggest challenges currently facing the industry is misinformation. Chlorinated/non-chlorinated adhesives are a big talking point in the industry, with many people not realising that these have been in the market for 30+ years. Although data sheets suggest that chlorinated adhesives are harmful, there is little evidence or data to support that claim. So, whilst we do promote healthier solutions, these adhesives can still be used safely using a respirator and other protective equipment.
I think many users go for chlorinated adhesives, assuming that non-chlorinated adhesives simply aren’t up to scratch in terms of adhesive performance and flash-off time. That’s all changed, and we’ve got some super effective, non-chlorinated adhesives in our inventory.
In today’s age of information, it’s essential that joiners and fabricators have a trusted advisor they can rely on. Here at TensorGrip, we offer just that.
What is the adhesive industry currently lacking?
I’m going to be cheesy here and say that the industry is currently lacking more people like me, aiming to make a difference! There are a lot of people out there proclaiming to be experts, when really they’re just sales people. We don’t go out there to sell - we go out there to find solutions to problems. We’re going out there, looking at application processes, dispensing advice on processes, health and safety and more. The industry is missing people who can provide a plethora of solutions to a range of problems!
In your opinion, what separates TensorGrip from the rest?
There are lots of things that separate TensorGrip from the rest - however, in my opinion, the key differentiator is time served and knowledge. We boast approximately 150 years in terms of combined industry experience in different market sectors combined. We’ve been in the
Industry long enough to see it grow and take on different forms - from trowel, bucket and brush right through to the mass-spray, canister-based adhesives we’re lucky to have now.
We know the pros and cons of each one, and we support our customers through whichever journey they make.
You can choose one person from history to invite to a dinner party. Who do you invite?
That’s a good question! After some thought, I’d have to go with former Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. Why? It’s simple - I’d like to get some of the older heads and the old-age thinking to get their opinion on what the ideal world really looks like, and what they would do to change it.
I’d like to see how Churchill would handle modern life, and what he would do to deal with today’s problems!
As a trusted Tensor advisor, what’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to a joiner?
Always feel free to pick up the phone and call. If you’re unsure about anything; from adhesive selection and flash-off time to adhesive performance and application tips, call me and we’ll get back to you promptly. Call me on 07456972984 or get me via email on gregg.rhodes@quinglobal.com!
Reach Out to Our Trusted Advisor
When he isn’t promoting the world’s best joinery adhesives, Gregg Rhodes can be found ready and waiting to help with all questions, queries and product requests. See below for out trusted advisor’s contact details:
Telephone: 07456972984
Email: gregg.rhodes@quinglobal.com
LinkedIn: gregg-rhodes
