Soul Traders: Episode 2 - Matt Gibbs of Clearview Park Homes
Episode 2
Today, we speak to Matt Gibbs, Owner of Clearview Park Homes.
Tell us a bit about you?
I turned 40 in October 2023, a proud father of two boys of 11 and 6 years old. I was diagnosed with ADHD just before my 40th birthday which has made me so determined to succeed and prove that this diagnosis is just a blip.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I was inspired to set up Clear view park home surveyors which was originally called Driftwood leisure after being involved in a case with a customer of the park home manufacturer I was the Product support manager for. Where the lady had been mis-sold a park home advertised as brand new which was 6 years old and had been lived in by a number of people prior to moving in. This was the final straw after a number of cases similar to this along with carrying out dozens of inspections for the company where another park homes surveyor had been involved and feeling I could give a deeper insight into the park home took the decision to jump in with both feet
Was there a defining moment that made you decide to go solo?
I was asked to carry out an independent inspection for a client who was preparing to purchase a preloved park home and soon realised that I was really enjoying it and wanted to carry out the inspections independently and away from the manufacturer and be able to spread my wings.
What is your vision for the future of your business?
I would like nothing more than to support our clients past, present and future for years to come and create a trusted brand to turn to for peace of mind. We are currently working on a future plan for the current owners and future owners of park homes with a trusted member of the industry and industry bodies. Watch this space.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a sole trader or small business owner?
As with any small business currently, the cost-of-living crisis is causing challenges for many people. This has had an adverse effect on the day to day running. As a company the risk of non-payers is a worry. Within the first month of trading a small park home manufacturer went in to liquidation leaving us with the cost of all the materials and labour of carrying out the remedial works of around £7k which as the business owner I took the brunt of this personally to ensure that my staff did not suffer, this then happen in month 2 with a second company for a smaller amount but we had still not recovered from the first hurdle……but thanks to a fantastic member f the team at the time was completely understanding and we worked through it. Fast forward to 2023 and the downfall of a large manufacturer who left the industry with significant debt along with potential purchasers out of pocket, we were also a victim of their collapse, yet again we were left out of pocket. But one thing my late grandfather who was my inspiration for many things, told me “stand tall and dust your self off, go forward and push for success”, was in my head and we did…..we are still here.
Can you describe the products or services your business offers?
We offer: pre-purchase inspections for pre-loved park homes, inspections for manufacturers, park operators and general public, annual inspection to comply with insurance backed warranties and to keep peace of mind for park home owners, refurbishment and repairs of park homes, leisure homes and static caravans. Transport and siting. Pretty much anything to do with park and leisure homes and static caravans.
Can you walk us through a typical day in your life as a business owner?
My day starts on some days around 4am to get on the road to the destination of the inspections, I may stop for a cheeky coffee and bacon and cheese turnover if they are ready at that time of the day. Once I reach the destination, I make my introductions to the occupier if they are there. Then the gears click into place and I inspected every inch of the subject property for up to 3 hours depending on the condition compiling to findings on an onsite report form I created to ensure no areas are missed, I get my overalls on and crawl around underneath for around 45 minutes to check the chassis and many other areas. Then I get my surveyors ladder out and ascend on to the roof I check every tile is secured and in good condition. upon completion I travel to my office located at the end of my garden to construct the report of around 40 pages long with all the searches and due diligence until around 7:30pm which is when I like to tuck my children into bed and rest for around an hour, then back at it until 10:30pm.
How do you balance your work and personal life?
My moto is “ I work hard throughout the week to have my weekends with my family with no disturbances”. When I am not working I love to take our dog out for long walks with the family. I enjoy playing Call of Duty against my eldest son in two separate rooms (he normally beats me….well I let him win….honest). I enjoy taking our boys to their extra activities such as Scouts, Goalie and football training, swimming. Oh and of course when time permits NETFLIX and chill, but we have pretty much watched all the series on the on demand tv so if you have any great recommendations feel free to share.
Do you have another sole trader / small business owner you'd like us to chat to?
Jasmine you have already built cherry marketing into a brand so quickly. So I would love to hear about you (but you have done it I’m sure). Tracey Dallow of Dress pack solutions would be a great read, Kris Robinson of Kingston modular would be a great interview. He is such a great guy to be around and is known as happiest guy in the industry (I’m sure he has his moments like us all) but I have never seen him without a smile and a “how are you doing”.
Jasmine and Alex thank you and I wish you the biggest success for the future. You are both ambitious and have so much to give. I am sure Cherry Marketing will be at the forefront of the industry for years to come.
If you’d like to take part in an episode of Soul Traders, just email us on jas@cherry-marketing.co.uk!