Richard Clayton

Moulding business and managing expectations...

Richard Clayton has been with Larson-Juhl for over 15 years now and with that being an unusually long time for a sales job he reckons it must be a good place to work and the sign of a positive and rewarding culture!

His appetite for the job shows no signs of diminishing as his patch has become increasingly bigger – he basically covers all of the North, except Cumbria and Scotland, as well as parts of Wales and the Midlands – because it’s enabled him to forge strong, proper and established relationships with customers, which works well both ways. Richard (age 55) explains: “It’s a vibrant and fascinating industry and so are the eclectic mix of characters I get to deal with. It’s strong and resilient too, because whilst many owners stepped back and reassessed their business during the pandemic, none of my customers went under and that’s very encouraging. Many have admirably dealt with previous recessions as well and it just goes to show that a beautiful and emotive piece 26

of framed and mounted art still resonates as an affordable luxury worth aspiring to.” Before framing, Richard cut his field sales teeth at FMCG giant Cadbury, before spending most of the 90s working abroad – as part owner of a bar in the Greek Islands, but also roles in Thailand, Australia (in recruitment) and across the US. He feels this breadth of experience helps him to relate to any set of challenges or circumstances. Richard has two children, Annabelle and Joe, with his partner of 10 years Juliette and they live in the picturesque spa town of Ilkley. He’s a keen film/cinema buff; runs a few times a week to keep fit, likes to socialise with family and friends, and is also a keen follower of his local football team, Leeds United.

Richard (right) with BJ Fowler of The Art Works in Otley, West Yorkshire He adds: “I love what I do and the future’s bright. I’m also excited about our leading range of FSC and PEFC certified mouldings and mountboards, as sustainability is a topic that we are incredibly passionate about and it is becoming ever-more popular with consumers too. “Larson-Juhl will always lead the way in technological innovation and new trends for our industry, plus let’s not forget that as a species, humans have been decorating their walls with pictures since we were living in caves – and we’re unlikely to stop anytime soon!”