Continuing with our “Meet the Team” series, it’s time to introduce the creative and talented Tom Friswell, one of our exceptional general technicians. With over 25 years of experience under his belt, Tom brings a wealth of knowledge, skill, and passion to every project he tackles. His dedication to his craft and his drive to keep learning and evolving make him an invaluable part of the Presence & Co. family.
Tom’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and finding his true calling. Here’s what he shared about his journey so far, his goals, and what inspires him day-to-day.
How did you start in your trade, and what inspired you to pursue this career?
“To be honest, I wasn’t very academic at school. The only things I enjoyed were PE and hands-on activities. I bounced between a few dead-end jobs and even studied public services for a while, but I just didn’t feel any real progression. Eventually, I went back to college and decided to explore a trade. I initially looked into electrics and plumbing, but then I discovered decorating through a City & Guilds course—and I absolutely fell in love with it. I was top of the class! I’ve always loved building and architecture, and decorating gave me the chance to repair and restore things to their former glory. There’s so much pride in that.”
When did you join Presence & Co., and how has your experience been so far?
“I joined Presence & Co. in early October, and I was absolutely thrilled to get the job. Coming from a solo tradesman background into a structured property management company has been a whirlwind of learning, but in the best way. It’s been a fantastic experience working with other engineers, collaborating with the office team, and learning how to navigate a company that feels like a family. The social side of it has been a big highlight for me too.”
What do you enjoy most about the variety of tasks you handle day-to-day?
“Over the years, I’ve picked up many skills beyond decorating. I’ve always loved being able to take on full house refurbishments or transforming entire rooms. There’s something deeply satisfying about bringing a space back to life and seeing that immediate, visible difference.”
What’s your favourite project you’ve worked on?
“One of my all-time favourites was a full house refurbishment in Spain. It was an amazing experience, flying out from the UK to work for my clients. Because of the heat, I’d start work very early in the morning, take a siesta in the afternoon, and then work again in the evening. At the end of the project, my family flew out to join me, and we turned it into a lovely holiday. It was such a rewarding experience, both personally and professionally.”
Is there a specific skill or area you’re looking to develop over the next year?
“Absolutely. I think it’s so important to keep learning and improving. Over the next year, I want to develop my management skills and become as competent a plumber as I am a decorator. Bathroom fittings, in particular, are something I’d love to master. Cross-training and shadowing my colleagues will be key to achieving that.”
How do you work with the rest of the team to make sure everything runs smoothly?
“I’m always thinking ahead and preparing for the next step. Supporting my colleagues is a big part of what I do, whether it’s helping out on jobs, cross-training, or just keeping spirits high. Communication is so important—talking things through and working together always leads to better results. It’s not just about the work itself; it’s about creating a positive environment where we can all thrive.”
What do you like to do in your free time? Any hobbies or interests?
“I spend most of my free time with my kids and my girlfriend. I love circuit training to stay fit, and for a while, I used to play five-a-side football, I’ve since hung up my boots. These days, I enjoy playing computer games with my kids—it’s a great way to unwind and bond with them.”
Tom’s passion for his craft, commitment to learning, and team-oriented mindset make him a standout at Presence & Co. His dedication to restoring and revitalising spaces is evident in every project he works on, and his drive to continually improve himself inspires those around him.
Next week, our Meet the Team series will continue with Alex Marchant, our brilliant Maintenance Supervisor. As a key leader in the Presence & Co. family, Alex oversees projects with precision, ensuring everything runs smoothly and that our high standards are always met. His expertise, approachable nature, and dedication to his team make him an integral part of what we do.
In the weeks following, we’ll dive deeper into Alex’s team and introduce you to the skilled individuals who work alongside him every day.
Stay tuned to learn more about Alex’s story, his role at Presence & Co., and the fantastic team he supports!
