For November we would like to introduce Paul Cashmore MD of Staedler. 

SM: Paul, how long have you been with Staedtler and did you join the company as the Managing Director? 

Paul Cashmore: 25 Years.....Joined Staedtler in 1986 as Company Accountant , appointed Finance Director  in 2001 and M.D. in April 2010.

 

SM: Prior to Staedtler were you in the office supplies industry?  Could you give us a snapshot of your career so far? 

Paul Cashmore: Completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree immediately after finishing high school then a short stint in internal auditing with Hooker Corporation before spending 6 years at Ampol Petroluem in a  Management Accounting role then moving to Staedtler.

 

SM: What is the one thing you like about working for Staedtler?

Paul Cashmore:  Although Staedtler is a large international organisation , staff locally have always felt as though the company here in Australia operates as a "big family" company and to be honest our German parent company itself also has very strong employee ethics.  In addition working with a high profile brand with a reputation for quality I think enhances the "feelgood" side for employees.

 

SM: What is your vision for the company in the next 3 years? 

Paul Cashmore: Key issue is developing more brand awareness , hopefully via a higher profile in the media. Staedtler has an incredible history of manufacturing  quality writing products and we need to emphasise both this quality and history associated with the STAEDTLER name .

 

SM: What are the key changes you foresee within our industry? 

Paul Cashmore: 1. The Staples move into the local market will obviously have a  large  bearing on the development of the retail sector in the future. 

2. The rapid increase with which online purchasing is impacting on consumer buying patterns on a global basis requires the need for far greater emphasis on both  website design and maintenance at  all supply levels within the industry.

 

SM: How does a day in life of an MD look like? Is it completely different to that of a Finance Director? 

Paul Cashmore: Not completely different. The size and structure of our company in Australia dictated that my role as Finance Director at Staedtler was always a very "hands on" role with much involvement in all aspects of the company's operations not just the financial side. Having said that there is certainly a desire for  me to have a more detailed knowledge of our product range and customer base and essentially , on occasions , make the final decision on issues that other management may have differing views on.

 
SM: On a personal note, what activities do you enjoy outside of work? 

Paul Cashmore: I'm an outdoors person so windsurfing ,skiing and mountain bike riding are my passions. Elizabeth and I also like to travel when we can.


SM: Finally could you tell us a bit about your family?

Paul Cashmore:  Elizabeth and I have been married for 30 years , no children but both love dogs. Since our beagle died last year , the last 12 months has been the only time during our married life that we haven't had a dog.