Dave Burgess joined Blue Sky in 2009 as our Operations Manager. He now holds a part-time role as Finance Manager with the Director Support Team. His role now is to assist Gary and his fellow Directors with coordinating and evaluating performance indicators to deliver consistent and exceptional service standards to our clients.
As Dave celebrates 15 years with Blue Sky, we asked him to share some insights and reflections on his time with the business.
The Very First Blue Sky Day
“My first day was very interesting having not been involved in the finance world at any point in my prior career – it’s fair to say I was a tad nervous. Fortunately, I knew a number of team members as I was already a client of Gary’s and Blue Sky. I understood the ethos and so felt a connection. On that first day, I remember everyone was very welcoming.”
Career Highlights
“Where do I begin? From Sub-Postmaster to my time with British Rail and now finally with Blue Sky. I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of Blue Sky’s evolution. Starting out in operations management and now being involved in financial management, I think my most memorable project was introducing the Management Information and Cashflow Reports for the Senior Management Team in the way we do it now. It was a big change, but it made an incredible difference in providing clarity and strengthening the business further.”
Team Dynamics
“I have seen an array of people come and go as part of the Blue Sky team. Some are more memorable than others! I have huge respect for the long-serving members of the team – particularly Pam who only retired earlier this year. In my years with the business, it’s been a joy to be part of the transition from an entrepreneurial financial planning firm to now an established EOT.
The team we now have is truly the best yet! Gary has greater confidence in the people around him and that has enabled him to step into the CEO role. One thing is for certain though, Gary himself hasn’t changed – he is still a cheeky chappy and as generous as ever. He’s the reason I’m still here 15 years on.”
Fun in the workplace
“Well, you just don’t know what you are going to get on a Blue Sky night out!!! Oh, there have been some memories made but they are probably stories not fit for a company blog page?
Gary does however always have people’s wellbeing at the forefront of his mind, whether it be his staff or clients. During one of the hottest summers in the last 15 years, Gary’s office became so hot it was rather uncomfortable as a meeting space. It was decided to purchase fans and a couple of drink cabinets too, one for the main office and one for Gary’s office to keep cold drinks in just in case clients became dry during their meeting. On arrival, the cabinets were brought up in the lift but when it came to taking one up to Gary’s office there was no way it would fit round the spiral staircase. The only way to get this upstairs was to hire a crane… so we had this huge crane booked to lift the cabinet on to the balcony for it to be manhandled into Gary’s office. Hilarious moments… and talk about dedication to people’s comfort. That’s the sort of business this is, and the sort of leader Gary is. Full of thought and care for others.”
Life Outside Work
“Golf is now a big part of my week, although only an average player I just enjoy the game and the craic that comes with it. My wife, Liz, and myself enjoy eating out – and walks along the beach to try and burn of the extra calories. We also have a pretty active family life with our two very successful children and three amazing grandchildren. Life is precious and spending time doing the things I love is a message that comes loud and clear from Gary every day.”
Favourite Holiday Destination
“Liz and I go to Spain, near to Marbella, every year which we love. A place I would love to visit next though is Vietnam and Cambodia – it just looks amazing.”
Fun Fact
“Before moving to Bournemouth, I was a keen rugby player – playing minor counties standard. I was mentioned in the local paper with our coach at the time labelling me ‘The Dinnington Flyer’ – oh the good old days.”
Final Words
“I can’t thank Gary enough for the opportunity he’s given me and his generosity during my time at Blue Sky. From my first contract (within which he inserted that we had to play golf every Wednesday afternoon) to allowing me to reduce my hours and be very flexible with family life and going part-time, it has been a pleasure to see the company grow. Gary really does deserve the rewards from all his hard work. The team has grown substantially from when I joined and it is down to his leadership and the incredibly skilled and passionate team he’s built. By taking Blue Sky into the EOT world it shows that Gary thinks of everyone in his decision – be it family, staff or clients. I know Blue Sky can keep going from strength to strength, long after I decide to finally hang up my computer as it were.”
Dave Burgess
