Introducing Jon
3 October 2025
The Stats:
Nickname: There are lots, and they are far too rude for a professional setting. I would imagine some of the team have names for me, but I’d be glad if they keep them to themselves.
Superpower: As a designer-turned-business development manager with over two decades of experience, I have a comprehensive understanding of everything we do at Pad. I’ve got the creative and the commercial insight covered – I’d consider that a pretty killer combo for our clients.
Biggest work achievement: It’s hard to pinpoint one over 20 years. However, I would say that I genuinely get a kick out of anything we do that has a positive impact on our clients, from the smallest projects to the heavy-hitting campaigns.
The big questions
Like any marketing agency worth its salt, let’s kick things off with an elevator pitch – can you describe your role in Pad in 5 words?
Boosting clients’ brands through creativity.
I’m all about partnering with people to achieve their goals. My job is to help clients get to where they need to through creativity, collaboration and experienced, honest advice.
No hard sell. It’s always about the right solution, not just a solution.
Word on the grapevine is that you’ve been with Pad for over a decade. How has your role in the company changed over the years?
I have indeed been with Pad for over a decade, 20 years last January, to be correct, which means when I joined Pad, our designer Joe was only nine, and he was at primary school, which always makes me feel old! So, how has my role in the company changed over the years? Well, I joined as Pad’s first employee, fresh out of university as a designer. My working life started at a small desk behind a door. From this desk, I designed all the exhibition stands for IBM throughout Europe.
Fast forward 20 years, and I now co-own the company with Pete, taking care of client satisfaction and the creative direction side of the business. So, whilst I’ve still got my toe in the water of creativity, I now focus more on the actual running of the business.
As the business development guy, what do you love about your job?
I genuinely love people, and I genuinely love helping people to optimise what it is they’re looking to optimise, whether that is a business needing a new brand to target new clients, or a charity needing to create awareness and reach a new audience, it’s always about helping people.
Shh, we won’t tell anyone – what’s your secret weapon when pitching for a project?
When pitching for a project, ultimately, my secret weapon is making sure we are the right agency for what someone needs.
We never oversell, and we never try to sell ourselves if we are not the right fit. If we’re a good fit and we’re aligned, and I know that we can deliver the objectives that someone’s looking for, then it’s all about communicating a simple message – we are good people and we are good at what we do.
My motto – work hard and be nice to people.
I’ve heard that you’re known for clarity and cutting through the jargon?
There can be a lot of jargon out there, and as a straight shooter, I avoid overcomplicating things with industry speak. You won’t find ‘me pivoting on the narrative’ or ‘elevating the aesthetic.’ But we can certainly help you tell a story and get noticed.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a director, designer and business development maestro?
I would either be working as a gardener, because that’s something I enjoy doing. I think that would be a fun career path, not so much when it rains. Not necessarily a career-related thing, but if I wasn’t a designer or business development maestro, I’d be in the pub!
A little birdie tells us that charity plays a big part in your life – can you tell us more?
Charity does indeed play a big part in my life. I have a very close connection to a charity called PSPA that supports people living with a condition called progressive supranuclear palsy, which I sadly lost my Dad to.
I’m currently a trustee of the charity. I run a local support group, and for my sins, I also do lots of charity challenges, including the marathon, which was probably the worst thing I’ve ever done in my life.
I’ll soon be taking on the three peaks challenge, where I will be climbing the highest peak in England, Scotland and Wales in 24 hours, which is something I have absolutely zero interest in doing but my wife signed me up, so I’ve now got to do it.
Charity is a huge part of my life, and working with charities – helping them achieve their goals – is something I’ve always been very passionate about through my work here at Pad.
Can you share a project that you’ve been most proud of,?
A project I’ve been most proud of goes back many, many years. It was when I was allowed to design, before anyone forced me to hang up my pencils and put my crayons away.
I designed a logo for a company called Partners in Wine. They’re a wine-tasting business. What stands out in my memory about that project is that when we presented it to the clients, they both cried because they were so happy with it. I can remember taking myself off to the toilet in the business centre that we worked in at the time, and I just thought to myself, this is the peak of my career, nothing is going to be this good ever again. However, I am pleased to say that there have been lots of proud moments since then, but that feeling of really making a difference for someone is still what drives me.
Who would be your dream client?
Honestly, we’re not the type of agency that only chases famous brands or specific sectors. My dream client is simply someone who values collaboration and trusts the process. What makes a project rewarding isn’t the name on the invoice; it’s the relationship.
Collaboration is key in Pad. What do you think makes a client-agency relationship truly successful?
I think when we work with clients here at Pad, we get to know them. If we can have a bit of fun as part of the project, that is a massive bonus.
There’s always a big amount of respect in terms of us respecting what the client does, and we value the fact that clients put their trust in us.
I genuinely believe that what makes a client-agency relationship truly successful is respect and friendship.
I look forward to continue growing those friendships as Pad grows.