Mike founded Goss Environmental Coatings back in 1988 and has been working in the field of specialist coatings and high-performance paints all his life.
From qualifying as a sign writer (for British Rail) in East London to running a division of British Paints in West Africa, where his first son (my brother) was born, to opening Goss Environmental Coatings (the premier UK hygienic coatings specialist) in the eighties. Paint has always been his profession and passion (alongside his wife, family, guitar, and tennis that is!).
Mike has been at the forefront of innovation and excellence in the coatings industry (specialising in utilising hygienic and high-performance coatings in aseptic environments). As the founder of Goss Environmental Coatings Limited, he has always been committed to a focus on quality, integrity reliability.
Mike’s story is not just about business success; he has always had many passions and interests and balanced those with a fantastic work ethic.
Here are a few words from Mike (a bit about work and a bit about life!) which also shed some light on the values that have guided him as a businessman, husband, father and all-round human being!
One comment I would make – Mike has always been a great person to work with, an excellent businessman and most importantly, an all-round brilliant Dad!
How did you first get into the world of hygienic coatings?
I solved a sensitive technical coatings problem for a main contractor and architect and thus saw the opening in the market.
Whose career inspired you?
No one in particular.
What would you describe as your success habits?
Getting up in the morning.
What is it like building a family-run business and working with family?
Great if you have a great family – I do.
What was the most significant challenge you faced and how did you overcome it?
Getting paid properly in the contracting industry. Fortunately, that aspect in the industry has improved.
What piece of advice would you give to anyone starting their own business?
Listen to everyone, read up, then form your own opinions/conclusions and act on them.
If you could go back, is there anything you would do differently?
Work harder on the work life balance – as they do today.
What would you say are some of your biggest strengths and weaknesses?
Being aware but not always acting on the observations.
What life-changing lessons have you pick up on the way?
Keep going and hand over when appropriate. In my earlier life not appreciating life-style balancing.
What has been your most memorable moment?
Meeting my wife.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Ah!! I’d plead the fifth amendment.
Where is the best place you have visited and why?
This world – its infinite variety.
What was the last good book you read?
The making of the modern Middle East, Jeremy Bowen.
What is your favourite restaurant?
Colbert Sloane Square.
What can’t you let go of?
Staying busy and interested.
What’s your favourite hobby or pastime?
Family, playing tennis and learning to play guitar.
What constitutes as a perfect day for you?
Waking up in the morning.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?
Can’t think of anyone just for a day.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Travelling by train, bush taxi, river, independently, from Dakar (Senagal) via Timbuctu (Mali) Niami (Niger) and to Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, to Lagos Nigeria with my son George.
What makes you smile?
Wind!
Thanks Mike
Mike’s, our, company has been built on a foundation of hard work, innovation, and deep commitment.
I hope this quick-fire interview offers some insight into his approach to business and the personal determination required to succeed – and the importance of keeping a sense of perspective and humour whilst on that journey!
Mike’s transition into retirement and the passing of the torch to me and the rest of the team
Is not the end of an era. Mike is (nearly) always available for a chat, some advice and technical input (when not playing tennis, dancing Tango, on holiday, playing his guitar or building up his repertoire of (questionable) jokes! He has set excellent foundations for the next chapters of the company and the book will continue to be written!
