Gareth Parkin

Founder & CEO

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As the founder of GoPromotional, with over 25 years of expertise, Gareth has developed an enviable reputation in the promotional merchandise industry. Many see him as the leading, trusted authority when it comes to online marketing. His inspiring articles and content help clients when deciding on their next order of branded promotional products. With an entrepreneurial mind, Gareth has his finger on the pulse of our UK operations. Responsible for marketing and technical operations he continually inspires the team with his vision and enthusiasm to continually be the very best.

“I don’t know the word ‘quit.’ Either I never did, or I have abolished it”

What were you doing before you started at GoPromotional?
Upon leaving school at the tender age of 16, I embarked upon a 5 year graphic design and printing apprenticeship. Upon completion of my apprenticeship I progressed to a role within one of the UK's leading graphic design and communication agencies. I was exceptionally fortunate with the way technology was changing, the internet was born and I turned my focus to teaching myself how to program websites and then progressed into search engine optimisation - I had found my niche or vocation in life and become highly sucessful in the world of the internet.

Over a period of time I not only built and optimised websites for clients but also developed a range of websites for my employer including the first ever online UK print company and following that a suite of websites in the promotional merchandise vertical both across Europe and the USA. I honed my skills in both natural search optimisation but also became one of Europe's leading Adwords specialists with numerous visits to Google head quarters by invitation. I eventually decided to 'go it alone' and GoPromotional was born and for over a decade now I have been steering my own ship developing the online brand and growing the business which recently won two national awards.

What does the role of CEO entail?
I have been exceptionally fortunate with the key people I have working with me, so these days I have the luxury of been able to do what I enjoy best which is search engine marketing and website optimisation which is my passion. I keep a hand on the tiller of the business steering the direction of travel, but the truth be told the business on a day to day basis pretty much runs itself now.

What do you enjoy the most about your role?
I thrive on the challenges that come with search engine optimisation and love the thrill of the chase continually learning new techniques with the aim of remaining the number one brand in the UK for our sector. In addition, which is equally as rewarding is building a business which is based around solid ethics and morals where 'people matter'. I get great satisfaction and personal pride in seeing all members of the GoPromotional team growing and developing both in terms of their skills but just as importantly as individuals.

What’s one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned in your career?
There are many things I have learnt in my career but a few of the key lessons I would say are as follows:-

• The ability to 'learn to listen and listen to learn'
• Don't be afraid to surround yourself with people who are smarter than yourself in specific areas
• Never stop striving to improve and you will get out of it what you put into it
• Treat your colleagues as you would wish to be treated yourself - the business is only as good as its people
• Always remain teachable

What do you like about working at GoPromotional?
I don't class my role as 'working' or my position in the company as a job or as CEO! I am exceptionally fortunate to earn a living doing something I have a passion for and most of the time I can say I enjoy ever single minute of it! It goes without saying that I care about the people I work with and I am blessed to have such a wonderful team around me who create such a unique positive atmosphere day in day out. Genuinely I find it a privledge to part of the GoPromotional journey.

If you could pick up a new skill in an instant, what would it be?
That's a tough question as there are so many things in life I would like learn ... I guess it would have to be to become an accomplished racing driver but I think I am probably too old for that!

What do you get up to outside of the office?
When I am not working I enjoy what spare time I have with my family and dogs relaxing either at home or at our caravan which is situated right on the edge of the coast.