Sam Pettitt, Area Sales Manager at Comline UK.

Q: What was your first ever job, and how did it shape your career? 

A: My first job was as a petrol pump attendant at a garage owned by my family. I grew up in a garage/workshop environment and even learned to MIG weld (metal inert gas welding)! 

Q: Can you share your career journey and what led you to your current role? 

A: At school, my favourite subject was art, which I continued to study in college. Once I completed my courses, I wasn’t sure which direction to take, so I decided to get a job in a call centre selling car insurance. I learned a lot about customer service and how important it is to really listen to what the customer needs. I enjoyed this role for a while, but after about three years, I needed a change from the office environment. I heard that EU Linco was looking for a delivery driver, and the idea of travelling around and meeting different people appealed to me. I had my interview and got the job! I absolutely loved it – built some great relationships with my customers and thrived on upselling. Three years later, I became Branch Manager for the Melton Mowbray branch, which is where I really started to grow as an employee and as a person. My confidence and knowledge expanded, and I stayed there for another 15 years. 

When I was approaching 40, I started to look at my life and felt I needed a new challenge. After thinking long and hard, I decided to leave and went to work for Aerodyne, selling aerodynamics for trucks and trailers. This was a huge change, and although I wanted a challenge, I wasn’t using any of my automotive knowledge and felt quite lost in the commercial world. In February this year, I was lucky enough to talk to Shaun and Andrew (Comline sales representatives) about the Sales role I’m in now. It’s a role I’ve wanted for years, and I feel very privileged to be accepted into the Comline family. 

Q: What inspired your interest in the automotive industry, and how did you become a part of our team? 

A: As I mentioned, my family had a garage. It was a Ford dealership with a busy workshop, large sales pitch, valeting bays, and a petrol station. Growing up in that environment and helping out as I got older, I became familiar with the industry and have carried that through my career. 

Q: Who has been the most significant mentor in your career, and what valuable lessons did you learn from them? 

A: I find people fascinating and take snippets from most people I meet. Everybody has different ways of doing things, and I pick the bits I’m inspired by and put them together to make “my way.” 

Q: Can you describe a time when you implemented a process improvement that significantly boosted productivity?  

A: I can’t think of a specific process, but when I was in management, having the right team made a huge impact on productivity. It only takes one person to bring the rest down. 

Q: How do you stay updated with the latest trends and innovations in the automotive industry? 

A: I’m always reading articles on social media. My partner works for a main dealer and is very passionate about new technology in the industry, so we chat about it quite a lot over the dinner table. 

Q: If you could trade jobs with any team member for a day, who would it be and why?  

A: I’d love a day in the warehouse to get stuck in! 

Q: What is the most memorable advice you’ve ever received in your career, and how has it influenced you? 

A: In a moment of self-doubt, I was told, “You’re stronger than you think you are,” and that has always stayed with me. 

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? 

A: I have two retired greyhounds! They’re my pride and joy, and I love nothing more than walking across the countryside, along the beach, or through the woods with them. I also enjoy watching live music—my partner is a drummer. 

Q: What superpower would you like to have and why? 

A: Mind-reading—I like to think I’m good at reading people, but I’d love to know for sure, haha. 

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our team members.