Meet Our Team: Ted Gough

Next in our continuing series of brief interviews with the people of LEAP, we meet Project Manager/Client Contact Ted Gough.

Can you tell us about who you are and what you do? 

I look after the production of work for our clients. I speak regularly with clients, printers, publishers and media companies to make sure that we do everything to the best of our ability, and the advertisements meet deadlines for press insertion and publication. I like to keep up a friendly relationship with everyone involved.

How did you get into the advertising industry?

After leaving school, I went to the Army recruitment office to join up, but it was closed for lunch. While I was waiting for it to reopen, I went for an interview at an advertising agency as a post boy. At age 17, I couldn’t help but notice so many lovely ladies at the advertising agency, so they won out over the army boys.

For a year, I worked part-time in the post room and part-time in production. My production manager wanted me full-time, but when the agency said no, he contacted the repro house we worked with. After that, I never looked back and have been in this trade for 30 years.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

It’s different every day, and it’s always going at a hundred miles an hour, so it’s never boring. The people are so varied and different.

What are you most proud of?

When you meet a deadline and the clients are grateful and chuffed, it feels like you have achieved something.

What’s your favourite ad and why?

I would hate to choose because every client believes that they have created a Rembrandt AND IT WOULD BE WRONG to choose one above another.

What do you do in your free time?

I like to draw, read and I love films.

Who’s your inspiration?

John Virgo is one of the best managers I’ve worked under, and a few more people that I’ve enjoyed working with are Dave Carter, David Brogden, and Dave Bright (aka Shiner). I’ve met a lot of people who have made big impact on my life that I would name, but this is a short interview. This company is the best, so far, that I have worked for.

How do you stay motivated?

The work just has to be done. It has to happen. I can’t stand missing deadlines. It feels personal even though it is business.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in this field?

Don’t do it unless you are ready to get stuck in and deal with people from many walks of life and with very different personalities. Also, remember to only swear once you have checked the phone is down!

Find out more about the people of LEAP in other interviews with members of our team.

ted gough print project manager

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