Meet The BuyMax Team – Clare Perry

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your job?

Working with my team; we have built a strong and trusted group of people in Phoenix and other remote-working locations throughout the USA. We have a healthy mix of hard-working individuals, strong motivation, proven loyalty, and a happy banter-filled atmosphere. “Go Team” is the first and last words on every team call and it makes me immensely proud to be their leader.

What is the most challenging detail of your job?

In today’s world there are major supply chain issues affecting every industry. Unfortunately, our focus is on securing critical product for our customers and mitigating price increases.

Luckily, our team has developed solid relationships with vendors, and we are utilizing that strength along with brand leverage to provide what our customers need to be successful.

What past experiences have helped shape you to be successful?

I have lived, been educated and worked across the globe; having a multicultural background has been the key to how I act, in many ways.

I also have experienced the pain of failures and the joys of success - personally and professionally. I have taken those lessons along with my ambition, skillset, and motivation to get to where I am today. I love my life and my career is a significant part of that. I look forward to making a valid contribution and to being even more successful.

What makes you happy?

Being at home with my family, soaking up the sun in a pool with a cocktail (or three), listening to a wide range of very loud music (mostly the 70’s and 90’s)! When I get all of those, I am happiest as I get to enjoy our own special pool party.

What is a typical weekend like for you?

If I have been travelling for work, I like to chill out on a Saturday morning with Ivy, our 6-month-old baby girl, watch English football and then head to the nearby Farmers Market to eat all the giveaways we can! Afternoons are spent by the pool (as I live in the desert). Confirming a babysitter for Ivy then gives us a few hours to enjoy a nice dinner. There are so many trendy restaurants in Scottsdale it would be a shame not to take advantage! Anything goes on a Sunday.

How would you respond to a dissatisfied, irate customer?

By listening first then calmly and rationally answering with the facts. Sometimes it is necessary to also be sympathetic depending on the reason why the customer is dissatisfied.

What is your advice to a young graduate entering the workforce?

Be patient, you don’t have to change the world in a day! Be helpful, listen, be kind and always remain punctual. Ask questions and expose yourself to as many learning opportunities as possible. You have time on your side, use it wisely.

Is there anyone you admire professionally? If so – why?

I learnt my ‘trade’ in the UK from an exceptional man named David Griffiths. I worked for him for six years and it was the best and worst time of my career! Man, we worked hard, but we played hard too! We were a small procurement consultancy company who made our clients (and Board) a lot of money by taking a small percentage of everything we saved. We effectively worked for free and took commission off the savings we delivered.

This meant we had no choice but to work creatively and quickly in very high-pressure environments. My life then was the company and the people in it! David taught me may things, including what it takes to be a well-rounded negotiator, manager, and stakeholder.

I’ll be forever grateful to him for giving me the opportunity to manage the company in the USA as this led to me remaining here, getting married and having a family. He went on to marry my best friend, live in Hong Kong where he is successfully conquering the procurement world from the eastern hemisphere.

If you had a chance to be the President of the United States – what would be your first task?

To implement a simple rule; those who make the laws should follow the laws. Then I would fly Air Force One to the UK to meet the queen for afternoon tea!

How long do you think the “new normal” work routine will last?

Who knows! I’ve learnt that in the current world we should take each day as it comes and deal with it as best, we can. I try not to worry about things that I can’t influence.