Ross Thompson is the founder of Brand Activations Ireland (brandactivations.ie) a multi-brand agency with specific concentration of Active Lifestyle, Outdoor Sports and sustainably driven products for the Irish market- Ross has been a keen outdoor enthusiast all his life and counts himself lucky to have made it his career.
Q 1- How does your normal day begin?
Each day starts at 6.20 AM, mobilise the troops( teenagers) for the train to school, then it’s out the door with the dog for a 30 min run on the beach, a quick dip in the sea at 8am, coffee /catch up then friends and in the office for 8.45 AM-
Q 2- What are your biggest daily challenges?
Working with multiple brands & planning 6 /9 months in advance especially when cut off times for the production are getting tighter and tighter due to Covid- That, and trying not to get distracted by Email, one really has to be quite strict with time.
Q3- What do you love most about your job?
Definitely the industry and the people it attracts. From my retail partners and friends who you know got into the business from their passion of Outdoors Sports or an active lifestyle, they tend to be super positive people. Working with brands from all over the world from Canada, Sweden, Germany, Austria, Italy, USA & South Korea is super interesting.
Q 4- What do you do to relax?
Cooking for my family and friends, nothing makes me happier than to sit around the dinner table after a relaxing meal let the conversations flow- Trail running across the Wicklow hills is also a great way to relax. Did I mention Netflix?
Q 5-Favourite staycation destination in Ireland and why?
Anywhere on the west coast of Ireland that has a good swell for consistent surf, nothing beats the cold water of the Atlantic when the wind conditions are right, and the waves are plenty. County Clare, Achill Island or way down Finian’s Bay, Co Kerry. Most of my 4 kids now surf with me.
Q 6-Favourite holiday destination worldwide?
Lake Tahoe, California- Amazing Trail Running, Mountain Biking and Hiking in the summer. And freshen up with a dip or paddleboarding on crystal blue waters of the lake.
Q 7-Favourite Business motto?
Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm- (Never Give up)
Q 8. Advice for young business entrepreneurs
48% of Sales People never follow up with a prospect- 25% make a second contact and stop-80% of sales are made after the 5th to 12th contact. It’s an Ultramarathon not a sprint, be patent but be ready, It’s ok to be a 10-year overnight success
