What I achieved before 30….

We talk to Richard Grogan about dream weddings, fast cars and seeing the world in style!

1. Thinking back to when you were 20, what did you plan to achieve before 30 (both personally and professionally)?

At 20 and still at University, I honestly didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do. I did know that I wanted a good job and a great lifestyle!  After graduation I worked in debt collection whilst running my own small translation business. It wasn’t enough for me though and I was keen for something more challenging. I had a friend who was working in recruitment at the time and had heard about the money you could earn and the opportunities that might come out of a career in this area. I joined Amoria Bond at age 24; I didn’t have any sales experience but the training and development opportunities meant that by working hard and really focusing on honing my skills, I could learn to sell successfully. By the end of my first year I had worked extremely hard, built credibility within my field and set some personal and professional goals.   

2. How close are you to having achieved what you want before 30 working at Amoria Bond?

I think I’m close, but there is always more that you can aim for; it’s important to push yourself.  Within 18 months of joining Amoria Bond I was able to put down a deposit for a house and I had managed to pay for a luxury trip to Paris to propose to my now wife with a ring from Tiffany & Co.  From there my work ethic and success has given me my ideal lifestyle and paid for incredible experiences along the way including our dream wedding and a fantastic honeymoon on a private island near the Dominican Republic. During my first 3 years at Amoria Bond I was given a company car, which I’ve upgraded a couple of times since and I now drive an executive car.  It’s the exact make and model I’ve always aimed for, but didn’t think I would achieve so soon in my career. One of my best experiences with Amoria Bond however was the opportunity to support The Amoria Bond Charitable Trust. I spent time in Peru and I raised over £2,000 for the charity Project Peru and helped to build houses for deprived families.  This has been one of my most significant life experiences and it’s great I was able to do this through working at Amoria Bond.

I’m just over 30 now and have achieved most of what I set out to at this point in my life. Within 5 years I had 4 promotions and I must have attended between 15-20 international conferences with the company in exciting locations; working at Amoria Bond basically introduced me to skiing!  My wife and I had a baby last year so it’s great that my progression within the company means that we have saved enough to put a deposit on a second house or move to one much bigger! I also wanted to be the top achiever for new business and the top biller across the company and have achieved both of these, so that’s a great feeling of satisfaction. It’s ultimately about having a certain lifestyle – great career, lovely home, fantastic experiences and the opportunity to enjoy them all fully whilst I’m still young.

3. What training, development and wider support has been crucial in helping you achieve these things?

At first, I struggled with the idea of performance coaching but without any solid recruitment experience, it really is the best way for me to learn quickly.  The goal setting training also helped me create a clear vision of where I wanted my life and career to go, supported with a clear roadmap to help me get there. Everything the company has offered in terms of training and development has been critical to my continued success; for example bringing in external trainers for support, as well as learning from those that have done really well, which is always inspiring.

4. How does your professional achievement impact on your overall lifestyle?

It’s definitely given me more options.  In my fourth year my wife and I were starting to plan for children but before taking the plunge we wanted to each have our dream holidays. We set some goals and planned our perfect holidays to America.  We took 2 trips – firstly stayed in a fantastic hotel overlooking Central Park and then we also drove Route 66 in a hired convertible. Without achieving at work, I wouldn’t have the financial stability to take a trip like that and plan for a family in close succession.

5. What are your goals for the next 5 years?

My next goal is to get promoted to Business Manager and focus my time and energy on building the most successful division in the business. Significantly, the biggest motivation for me (certainly beyond money and lifestyle) is recognition and being valued by the company Directors and management team. I really get that at Amoria Bond; as a company, we are great at celebrating success and really recognising the value people bring and that really drives me. Five years down the line I’d like to have achieved Directorship and have had a real impact on the expansion of Amoria Bond.  Setting up a new office outside of the UK and entering new markets would really appeal to me.  I have savings plans too in order to create long-term financial security for my wife and I. It’s great to be able to make choices, such as being able to retire before 65. On a personal level, I also want to learn to fly a plane; that’s next on my list!  

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