In the 40 years since, Tony has grown his career within the business, taking on various responsibilities and roles, and eventually becoming Assistant Branch Manager at Glasgow, Keyline’s largest branch in Scotland. In that time he also started a family with his wife Carol; they have two sons, Chris and Ross.

To celebrate the huge achievement of reaching 40 years with Keyline, we asked Tony about his experiences over the last four decades.

40 years with Keyline is an incredible feat! Can you tell us a bit about your career?

When I was just starting out after leaving school at 16, I worked in the timber trade, but soon got an apprenticeship at John Highgate Sawmills  – this would later be acquired by Keyline Civils Specialist. I’ve worked at the company ever since in different roles.

I knew straight away what career I wanted and what I might enjoy doing – working in the construction industry was the right path for me.

I went from working in the yard to taking on administrative duties, moving into sales and then becoming assistant manager at the Scotstoun branch. I worked at the branch for many years, but we knew the plan was to eventually merge the two Glasgow branches. I was asked to become assistant manager at the branch, and have worked there for the last few years. 

How has the industry changed since 1984?

Everything’s changed! It’s so different now. Health and safety is a massive one – there’s so much more care taken now to make sure everyone is safe. We did as much as possible before of course, but now there’s much more in place to prevent risk. People come first.

The switch to digital is another one. I’ve always got on well and welcomed new technology, but for some, it took some getting used to! Nowadays, it’s the other way around – if there’s ever an issue where we have to go back to manual methods, the younger staff come to me for help.

What’s the secret to your longevity with Keyline?

The people. I’ve worked with such brilliant, supportive people in my career – it makes all the difference.

The company has been incredibly supportive when I’ve needed it most. My wife was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016 and I took time off to support her. My previous manager, Gary Miller, immediately offered to provide whatever support I needed, and the Regional Director at the time, Gary Anthony, called me to say not to even think about work until my wife was better. It’s like a family at Keyline, everyone’s down-to-earth and supportive.

People are put first – there are opportunities to progress if you want to take them, and lots of things in place to support wellbeing. Some things even extend to family, like the app for medical care.

Have you had any mentors that you’d like to mention?

My dad is the first one. I was one of seven kids, and after my mum passed away, he had to raise us by himself. He’s been the most important role model in my life, no question.

As for Keyline, there are a few people I’d like to mention! David Grandison, the second Branch Manager I worked with, Frazer MacBean, Gary Miller, Andy Stevenson and Chris Thompson. The management I’ve worked with have been great, and I learned a lot from them over the course of my career.

What advice would you give to new starters?

Enjoy it. Go at your own pace. And listen to people when they give you advice. Especially from people that know what they’re talking about!

What’s something people might not know about you?

That I have a Duke of Edinburgh award that I completed as a teen, and I was part of the RAF cadets for several years – I’m proud of what I achieved then!