At Presence & Co., our Maintenance Team is the beating heart of what we do – they’re the ones making sure everything runs like clockwork. Over the coming months, we want you to get to know them better because, let’s face it, they’re at the centre of everything. You’ve already met Richard Davies, our Head of Maintenance, and Tony Curtis, who keeps things in check, up north as our Maintenance Supervisor. Now, we’re excited to kick off a series of blogs where you’ll meet the rest of our talented team, one by one. And where better to start than with Rob Laming?
Rob only joined the team a few months ago, but he’s already left a lasting impression. Originally brought on board as a painter and decorator, it didn’t take long for Richard to recognise Rob’s knack for leadership and his eye for detail. Before you could say ‘fresh coat of paint,’ Rob was promoted to Supervisor, and his role has blossomed ever since.
What makes Rob stand out is the variety in his day-to-day. He’s got one foot in the field, working closely with our technicians, and the other in the office, coordinating with clients and the team on everything from quotes to project planning. To get a deeper understanding of what drives him, we sat down with Rob for a chat about his journey, his passion, and what he’s bringing to Presence & Co.
From Painting to Supervisor: Rob’s Journey
How has your background in painting and decorating shaped your approach as a supervisor?
“I’ve been in the repairs and maintenance industry for over 22 years, working on everything from residential refurbs to hands-on decorating jobs. That experience has given me a broad understanding of all trades, which helps me see the bigger picture when I’m overseeing work now.”
What do you enjoy most about your new role?
“It’s the freedom that comes with working in such a well-structured organisation. I’m able to report to Richard or chat with the senior management team, and there’s a real sense of trust across the board. Everyone is on the same page, and I feel confident and supported in what I do.”
Balancing Hands-On Work with Leadership
How do you manage the team while still staying close to the hands-on work?
“I’m constantly in contact with the guys on-site. They know they can always reach me, whether it’s to discuss an issue or just to get some advice. I love being part of the process and ensuring we maintain the high standards as our clients expect.”
What’s your approach when you’re assessing jobs or overseeing maintenance work?
“The first thing I look at is whether the job is cost-effective and if we’ve got the right skillset on hand. But just as important is diagnosing the root cause of any issues – often, repairs are needed because of long-standing problems that haven’t been fixed properly. Getting to the bottom of those is what ensures our customers get real value for money.”
A Passion Born in the Family
How did you get started in this line of work?
“My Dad and Uncle were both tradesmen, and from a young age, I’d go to work with them. I loved seeing how things were made from scratch. For me, decorating became a real passion – there’s something amazing about how much a space can transform just through colours and finishes.”
A Day in the Life
What’s a typical day like for you at Presence & Co.?
“No two days are the same, which keeps it exciting. I start early, checking emails and making my to-do list for the day. After catching up with Richard, we plan out the tasks ahead. Then, it’s a mix of site visits, quoting, and making sure the team has what they need to get the job done.”
What’s your favourite part about working here?
“The people. Honestly, from day one, everyone has been so welcoming. There’s a real team spirit, and I actually look forward to coming to work each morning – it makes all the difference.”
Changes in the Trade
How have you seen the trade evolve over the years?
“There have been some exciting developments, especially with paint spraying and decorative finishes. The traditional ways of painting will always be central, but new techniques have definitely sped up how quickly we can complete a project – and the results are fantastic.”
What’s the most challenging job you’ve worked on?
“I worked on a house where every room had a different feature wall and coordinating woodwork. It was a challenge, but seeing it all come together in the end was really satisfying.”
Any funny on-site stories?
“One that sticks out was when I got locked inside a new build by accident. The site agent didn’t realise I was still working upstairs with the radio on and locked up both the front and back doors. It took me four hours to finally get out – definitely brought a new meaning to working late!”
Life Outside of Work
What do you like to do in your free time?
“I’m kept busy with my three kids – my eldest boxes, my middle one plays football, and my youngest is into gymnastics, so it’s a bit of a juggling act. I also run my son’s football team, which plays in the Kent Youth League. Coaching the team has been watching the boys as they grow up and develop their skills is extremely rewarding.”
Rob’s passion for his craft, his experience across multiple trades, and his love of problem-solving make him an invaluable part of the team here at Presence & Co.
Keep an eye out as we continue introducing you to the rest of our maintenance team – these are the people who make everything we do possible!
