Craig Boxley, Senior Project Manager
Introduction
Craig Boxley
Craig Boxley, Ottimo's senior project manager, is a problem solver. He sees every project in terms of finding the absolute optimum solution for his loyal clients. From his first beginnings as a graphic designer, Craig's career in the print industry has equipped him with an encyclopedic knowledge of print and production, which he brings to bear on all his work.
What's your role at Ottimo Digital?
I'm the senior project manager, and essentially I take projects from the first enquiry through to delivery, smoothing the path and sweeping all obstacles aside. With my background in graphic design and my career in all kinds of print, I've built up a fair bit of knowledge - and I use all of it to bring our clients' projects to fruition.,
What brought you to Ottimo, and what do you like about working here?
After graduating in graphic design, I went straight to work for a major global company in the sign room and then a little later I joined one of the largest event and exhibition print firms in the UK as an artworker. This is where I first met Gary Hawker, my colleague today at Ottimo. Before long I was creating artwork, running printers, managing production, and discovering that the print industry had a lot to offer in terms of career choices and variety.
Gary and I worked together on projects, on and off, for 14 years, and when I was made redundant, I joined Gary at a display graphics firm in Bristol and began to move away from production and towards account management, planning and installations. When Gary alerted me to an opening at Ottimo, I jumped at the chance.
What makes Ottimo Digital different?
Customer service. I know everyone says this, but good service isn't simply timely, budget-friendly, digital print delivered with a smile. It means really digging deep to grasp what every customer needs. from any given project and delivering it with imagination and insight. Some customers need a digital print partner they can simply hand work off to, whereas others need a guiding hand and lots of advice on choices and decisions. Every customer works differently, and we shape our service around them.
As an employer, Ottimo gives me the autonomy and freedom I need to look after my clients in the way I know best, and to manage their projects from start to finish. But Ottimo is also like a family, and it's a great feeling to know that everyone has your back. There's a sense of collective responsibility, so we all share in the successes - and the failures (although they are rare). If I ever get a question about print I can't answer, there is always someone else at Ottimo who can.
What gives you the greatest job satisfaction?
Being able to say 'yes' to every request. Over the last few years, we've expanded our capabilities, but we're still an agile mid-sized company - which means we can match the possibilities of the largest digital print outfits and offer exceptionally fast turnarounds. I relish being able to work on graphics one day and meet the client on-site the next to plan and visualise how they're going to look in situ. And then - days later, getting back on-site and supervising the installation.