A Special Metric Materials Interview – Lee joins the Special Metric Materials team | At Special Metric Materials, we believe our people are our strength. Every new team member brings their own expertise, ideas, and energy, all of which play a vital part in shaping our future.
This time, we caught up with Lee, our new Product Development Manager, to hear about his first impressions, his background, and what excites him most about being part of SMM.
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Welcome to SMM, Lee! How have your first couple of months been?
“Honestly, it’s been great! Everyone’s been super welcoming. It’s always a bit nerve-wracking starting somewhere new, but the team made it easy to settle in.”
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Tell us a bit about your background.
“I’ve got around 25 years’ experience in the plumbing and pipeline trade, working with distributors and manufacturers. Over the years, I’ve taken on management and business development roles, helping companies grow through solid relationships and great service. I like being hands-on and close to the product, which is exactly why SMM made so much sense for me.”
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What’s one thing that’s stood out to you about SMM so far?
“The people, for sure. You can tell everyone here really cares about what they do. There’s a real sense of pride and teamwork, and you don’t find that everywhere. I can also see how much potential there is in the team, how much they want to learn and make the business a success.”
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Why did you want to join the SMM team?
“I was really drawn to the company’s reputation. Their determination, passion, and rate of growth is already well known, but at the same time, they’re still forward-thinking. That balance of experience and innovation really appealed to me. I’ve known Mark Hartley for a while, and when this role came up, it seemed like a great fit for all of us.”
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What does your role involve?
“I’m here to help grow the business, and this means connecting with new clients and suppliers, building relationships, and showing them why Special Metric Materials is the place to go for quality and reliability. Basically, spreading the word and making things happen. I’m excited to get even more stuck in over the next few months — meet more clients, represent the brand, and be part of the next chapter here at SMM. I’ve got a lot of energy to bring, so let’s go!”
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What does a good day at work look like for you?
“Lots of conversations — with clients, suppliers, the team and beyond — and ideally some wins, whether that’s a new lead or helping solve a challenge. If I’ve added value somewhere, it’s a good day.”
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What does the future hold for SMM?
“I think the future’s really exciting. SMM already has a strong foundation and reputation; now it’s about building on that, reaching new markets, and showcasing our capabilities to more people. There’s real momentum here, and I’m looking forward to being part of that growth. There are plenty of opportunities ahead.”
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Finally, what’s your favourite thing about working for SMM?
“The people, 100%. There’s a real sense of pride and collaboration here — everyone wants to do their best and help each other out. Such a culture is hard to find. I’d also say it’s the mix of professionalism and personality. It’s a serious business — the products we supply are technical and important — but there’s also a good energy in the office. It’s a place where you can work hard and still enjoy your day.”
Lee’s passion for building relationships and his 25 years of industry expertise make him a fantastic addition to our growing team. At SMM, we’re proud to have a culture built on collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to delivering excellence for our clients.
As we look to the future, we’re excited about the opportunities ahead — from expanding into new markets to strengthening the partnerships that make us who we are. With people like Lee on board, we’re confident the next chapter for Special Metric Materials will be even more ambitious, innovative, and successful.
