BUSINESS PROFILE: HUGH DOWNEY, SHARP DESIGN
Donegaldaily.com: What is your career and what do you do?
Hugh Downey, MD, Sharp Design & PR, based in Letterkenny. Sharp Design are an award winning communications company, with over 20 years of experience specialising in Brand, Web, E-Marketing, Digital Media, Marketing, PR, Creative Advertising, Printing & Large Format Exhibition printing. Offering creative marketing solutions for start up and existing businesses we deliver creative advertising campaigns that work. Sharp Design have the unique advantage of not only having complete control inhouse of all their services from inception to completion, but every brand or creative campaign that is created for their clients is uniquely created with a difference for the individual customer. Hugh & Grace Ann along with their talented creative team, offer themselves to anyone who believes a makeover can help them with their business, no matter what the product or service. Hugh & Grace Ann sit down with their clients & love helping them realise and reach their full potential. Their business is all about moving things forward, onto a new level to ensure their customers succeed.
Donegaldaily.com: Tell us about your first job and how much were you paid?
I worked in a furniture store in Waterford, I got 80.00 punts a week.
Donegaldaily.com: What was your first success in business?
Getting past year 1, year 2 & now here we are getting past 20 years later!
Donegaldaily.com: Name the one local or international business person you look up to?
It has to be Sir Gerry Robinson! The best business ambassador for our Donegal & Ireland.
Donegaldaily.com: What has been your biggest mistake in business?
Made a lot of small ones, but thankfully no big ones yet!
Donegaldaily.com: What is the most valuable piece of advice you have ever been given?
Always be nice to your customers, suppliers & colleagues. It’s not hard to be nice!
Donegaldaily.com: What advice would you give to someone starting out in business today?
As my grandmother always advised me, there’s only two people in this world you should look after, the man above & the bank manager.
Donegaldaily.com: What one item would you take with you to a desert island and why?
My 2011 Wurth Calendar!
Donegaldaily.com: What item can you not do without?
My car & I- phone.
Donegaldaily.com: What item would you prefer to do without?
My i-phone.
Donegaldaily.com: What do you do in your spare time (if you have any)?
Enjoy family time & good French wine.
Donegaldaily.com: When will you retire?
After hearing the 2011 budget, probably never!
Donegaldaily.com: What’s your tip to surviving the recession?
Be happy!
Donegaldaily.com: What one thing would you do if you were Finance Minister to help business?
Give my lovely bank manager some money so he can give it to me!