Jewell in a Crown

SPRAY FOAM MAGAZINE – Show Issue 2021 – For many people, 2020 was riddled with uncertainty. However, Steve Jewell, founder of SWIS-Lapolla UK/EU, has learned to adapt his successes, great team, and growing business all while keeping his employees and family safe. Spray Foam Magazine caught up with this larger-than-life character to discuss the future of his company in these unparalleled times.

Spray Foam Magazine: What do you currently do at SWIS- LAPOLLA UK/EU?

Steve Jewell: As the founder of SWIS-Lapolla I oversee all aspects of the running and growth of the company. This can be as varied as attending financial and board meetings to attending a site and assisting with application queries. Whilst myself and my team have our specific roles within the company, I try to ensure that we are as flexible as possible, and no job is too big or too small for any one of us.  

SFM: When was SWIS-Lapolla established?

SJ: I founded the company in 2012, so officially nine years.  

SFM: What defines the way you do business?

SJ: Business for me is based on good relationships and good relationships last for a lifetime. Even though the SWIS-Lapolla network is becoming quite a large enterprise now and encompasses a lot of individuals, I always try to take the time to have a personal connection with all involved.  

SFM: Are you and your team currently working from home? How are you coping with the COVID-19 induced UK lockdowns?

SJ: We are following all of the current COVID-19 guidelines that the government has issued in the UK. The safety of my team is paramount so we have minimized the number attending the office and anybody that can work from home are doing so.

We are coping as well as possible in the height of an unprecedented pandemic and evaluating each move we make to ensure that we are making the right decisions throughout. My thoughts always turn to the elderly and vulnerable that are having to endure this too.  

SFM: How is COVID-19 Impacting business in the UK?

SJ: It is a very difficult period and the uncertainty around lockdown restrictions and timeframes has made it very tricky assessing levels of business moving forward. However, the Lapolla network has been exceptionally good at bouncing back after lockdown restrictions have been eased and we had an excellent sales period in December and January.

SFM: Would you agree with this statement and if so, why? - Successful transformation begins with collaboration, innovation and good data

SJ: Yes, throughout my professional career the key has always been collaboration and relationship building. If you can achieve this whilst discussing an innovative idea that is based on good data, then you are on to a winner.   

SFM: How is Brexit impacting your supply chain?

SJ: It has led to some difficult times and the need to reassess legislation and procedures that have changed. However, constant communication has been the key to understanding the trials and tribulations of the impacts and luckily, we have great partners at SWIS-Lapolla UK/EU and for this reason we have had minimal disruption. 

SFM: Are there any new and exciting things happening at SWIS-Lapolla that you can share with us?

SJ: There are always lots of exciting things happening behind the scenes at SWIS-Lapolla! Some of it is top secret, however what I can share with you is that we will have a brand-new shiny distribution hub in the heart of Cornwall located next to the local airport allowing businesses and colleagues from all over the globe to easily visit us. This will be completed in the summer of 2021, but we will be sharing the build progress on all of our social media sites so please do take a look.  

SFM: What has been your biggest challenge and how have you overcome it?

SJ: The biggest professional challenge that I have overcome was switching from a successful and widely recognized contracting company to solely focusing on distribution. I had to leave my comfort zone and stop doing something that I was incredibly proficient at and switch to something that I had no experience in. What I did learn is that if I do more and more of what I am not familiar with it no longer feels like a problem. Anybody can achieve anything if they work hard enough and focus their attention.  

SFM:What is your mission in life that helps drive your career?

SJ: There was a time that my main focus was business oriented but since my two sons were born providing them the best future possible and setting a good example to them is paramount. If anything, this had led to even more drive and tenacity in my approach.

SFM: Describe your reasoning before you make a big financial decision. What benchmarks do you use to decide which products or services to invest in?

SJ: I have always trusted my instincts and so far, it hasn’t let me down. If it feels and sounds right, then I am happy to explore it further. After several years of making business decisions, some good and some not so good, I am now a great believer in the processes that I have implemented and honed over the years.

SFM: What are you most looking forward to in 2021?

SJ: I am really excited to be getting in the new distribution hub and think that it is a real testament to the successes of the Lapolla network and the growth that has been achieved in recent years.

SFM: Is there a mantra or saying that you try to live by?

SJ: “If you want to go swimming, you gotta get in the pool.”