Say hello to one of our Directors
In the latest of our series of Meet the Team profiles, we catch up with QBD Director Dan Bullock to find out a bit more about his role and the work he does supporting our team and clients.
How long have you been with QBD, and what are your main roles?
I’ve been with QBD since we started in 2010, and worked for its predecessor for the 2½ years before that.
I started as a junior programmer, then marketing manager and developed my understanding and knowledge as business development manager, becoming more engaged and involved with our clients and the delivery of their projects.
My main roles today are working alongside my business partner, Paul, to look after the operations side of the business, including our team, to make sure things run smoothly. I also liaise with clients and oversee the delivery of their projects and ongoing services to help them achieve their objectives.
What did you do prior to joining?
I came straight into the role from university, where I studied graphic design and then new media design. It was great for understanding the theory behind design, as well as learning the practical skills with the software and applications I’d need in the workplace.
I was always interested in the research and development side of design and the bigger picture, in terms of how creative and technical teams fit together to bring ideas to life, which is what we try to do with every project here at QBD.
What’s your skillset?
My biggest strength is being able to bridge the gap between the technical and creative worlds and look at how that can be applied to business to help clients solve their challenges.
I have spent most of my career in client-facing roles, so I’m very empathetic of their situation and what they need to do to get them to where they want to be, and working out how we can help them achieve it. I enjoy painting the picture of where we can get clients to, and then bringing them along with us on the journey.
What do you enjoy most about working at QBD?
I think the internal culture here is what I enjoy most. Our team, their personalities and their skills and expertise really gel together well and that’s a big comfort to me. It’s great to be able to facilitate the personal development of my colleagues, and to watch them develop and thrive.
I also enjoy the variety of clients we work with, understanding their challenges and collaborating to help them achieve their goals.
Where do you live? Do you have family or pets?
I live in Derby with my wife and three children. We have no pets, but do have a pond full of fish that we inherited when we moved in.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I most enjoy spending time with the family, getting outdoors and travel. I participate in exercise and sports wherever possible from a lifestyle and wellbeing point of view, as it keeps me happy and healthy.
I was a keen badminton player when I was younger and also enjoy football – I’m a lifelong Chelsea fan – and cycling. And I like capturing people, places and memories by video and photography. It’s a great way to mix my passion for creativity with my lifestyle.
Tea or coffee?
Tea. Rooibos (or redbush) tea brings back a lot of happy memories spent travelling in South Africa.
Sweet or savoury?
Sweet, definitely. I like toffee ice cream and puddings, but could demolish a bag of Haribo in seconds.
Favourite film?
Top Gun or Cool Runnings.
Favourite music?
I like a bit of everything, but my go-to choice is usually chilled out, ambient background music or acoustic covers.
Favourite food?
Authentic meat pizzas – I have a stone base, wood-fired pizza oven at home.
Ideal dinner party guests and why?
I think it would be my best friends, to just enjoy, reminisce and have a good laugh.
If you could have any super-power, what would it be?
I wish I could fly. Superman has always been my go-to super-hero and being able to fly to places instead of drive or walk would be so convenient.
Quirky fact about yourself
When I was 12, I met David Beckham when he was at Man United. I had my Chelsea shirt on, of course… and I have the photo to prove it!