Team Member Focus August: Paul

In July we caught up with June, who told us all about her strange delivery stories and what her trip to the moon was like.

This month we’re catching up with Paul Wilkie, one of our skilled dispatch controllers in Edinburgh. Paul has worked with us for the last six years, in two different roles, and he tells us all about why he loves his job so much!

Paul gives us some insight into his impressive delivery story that got him in the Edinburgh Evening News and, most importantly, we find out what kind of animal he would really be!

Read on to discover what superpower Paul would have and exactly what he does at Eagle Couriers:

What do you do at Eagle Couriers?

I work as a dispatch controller in the Edinburgh circuit. I, basically, have to balance all the jobs taken in the ops room when they come up on screen. My main aim is to keep both our drivers and customers happy – it takes a lot of juggling!

How long have you been working at Eagle Couriers?

Six years. I was originally a driver and then my controller, at the time, told me about a position that had come up in Edinburgh as the number two controller, so I interviewed for the role and here I am!

Do you have any strange delivery stories/encounters from your time at Eagle couriers?

This isn’t particularly strange but I’ve couriered the Women’s Solheim Cup Trophy. The Solheim Golf Tournament has been going since 1990 and has been held in both the USA and Europe so is quite a big deal.

I picked the trophy up in Edinburgh and dropped it off all the way down south. It even made the Edinburgh Evening News!

What do you most enjoy about working at Eagle Couriers?

Well, when I was a driver I was out and about all the time which I loved. Every day was different and it’s much the same as a controller. Each day I have a different jigsaw puzzle with pieces that I have to somehow fit it all together.

The atmosphere in the office is also brilliant. There’s a lot of banter!

What’s something unexpected about you?

I’m a big softie at heart…but don’t tell my colleagues!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I’m a family man so I love spending time with my family. I go to see them every week.

What’s one food that you can’t stand?

I’m pretty open-minded about food. There’s not a lot that I don’t eat and I can handle pretty spicy food!

If you could live inside the world of any book/ TV / series or film which one would it be and why?

My favourite film is The Great Escape so I would have to say that. The movie always used to be played in the summer holidays when I was at school so it brings back memories. I also think Steve McQueen is really cool in it.

What kind of animal do you think you’d be?

I’d like to think I would be a tiger…but I reckon I’m more like dog. I’m very loyal to my friends and family.

If you could have dinner with any 5 people living or dead, who would it be and why?

Definitely Kenny Douglas because he was my idol when I was young. Noel Gallagher and Steve Mcqueen, of course. And I’m going to cheat and say all the original Top Gear presenters. I reckon they would all get on!

If you were stranded on a desert Island – and you could only bring three things with you – what would they be and why?

My family and friends, first and foremost. I also went on a training course where they said that if you ever find yourself stranded then you should have a mirror. I think it is so that you can attract attention to yourself, rather than checking how good you look!

If you could have any superpower what would it be and why?

Right now, it would be to teleport. My wife is in Thailand at the moment and with the time difference it’s difficult to talk so I would definitely teleport over there everyday after work.

If you could travel to any point in time, where would you go?

Probably back in time, but not too far. There are a few things that I would do differently and not make the same mistakes.

If you could teleport yourself anywhere in the world right now where would it be?

Japan. I’m really interested in the culture and I love Japanese food. My wife and I have plans to go there soon – I can’t wait!