In this episode of The Finest Hour podcast, we had the privilege of sitting down with David Chappell, the managing director of Crompton Controls. With 29 years of experience at Cromptons, David shared his remarkable journey of leadership, resilience, and transformative success in the manufacturing industry.

David's career at Cromptons began at the young age of 19, fresh out of college, starting at the lowest rung of the ladder. Over the years, he worked his way up, seizing every opportunity for learning and growth. His early realisation that the success of a team directly impacts the success of the business became a guiding principle for him.

One of the key turning points in David's career was his decision to return to Cromptons after a brief hiatus, during which he explored different career paths. He left, feeling that the business needed change and that he needed to prove himself in a different environment. David's return marked the beginning of a significant transformation within the company.

During his time away, David and his colleagues built a successful sales team from scratch within just one year. It was a challenging but rewarding experience, emphasising the importance of hiring the right people for the right roles.

Returning to Crompton, David faced the difficult task of restructuring the company, leading to some emotional farewells with long-time colleagues. He emphasised the importance of being clear about your goals when making such a return and ensuring alignment with the company's strategic plan.

Crompton Controls prides itself on traditional core values, such as honesty, hard work, and a strong commitment to quality. David highlighted that these values have remained at the heart of the company's success, along with a relentless pursuit of innovation and a focus on customer satisfaction.

In terms of inspiration, David draws from his close family members and friends who have been successful in their own right. He also acknowledges the guidance and mentorship he received from John Bradley, a non-executive director and mentor who played a significant role in his career.

David's story is a testament to the power of loyalty, resilience, and the fusion of traditional values with innovative approaches to business. Crompton Controls continues to thrive as a family-oriented, professional, and forward-thinking organization, driven by a dedicated team that shares David's vision and commitment to excellence.

Thank you for joining us in this episode of The Finest Hour podcast. We hope you found David Chappell's journey as inspiring as we did. Please share this episode with your network, and stay tuned for more stories of passionate leaders and their transformative successes.

Watch David's episode here https://youtu.be/rzwSGp7hb7c?feature=shared