Meet Ray – People Not Products
11 September 2025
Our next person on the People Not Products series is one of our Account Manager teammates, Ray Paul.
Can you tell us a bit about your career journey and what led you to Aspen Solutions?
I started my sales career in 2011, fresh out of university, doing door‑to‑door sales for wall cavity and loft insulation. After spending my days trudging through four feet of snow and rain (classic Scottish weather!), I decided it was time to move indoors. That led me to the business team of one of Europe’s largest electrical retailers, where I became the account manager for Aspen. After 11 years there, I moved into business development for a company helping organisations in Kenya source products worldwide. Then I spotted a job post from Aspen’s Managing Director, Paul Harkins, on LinkedIn and thought, “Why not?” With a degree in Business Technology, it felt like the perfect fit.
What does a typical day in your role look like, and what do you enjoy most about it?
Every day is different, which keeps things exciting. I spend my time understanding client needs, finding the right solutions, and making sure everything runs smoothly. The best part? Building strong, lasting relationships.
What’s been your most memorable moment or achievement at Aspen Solutions so far?
Joining Aspen was a real learning curve. Coming from a background of box‑shifting tech, I had to quickly get up to speed on what an MSP truly does – licensing, cloud, telecoms, managed print – and broaden my knowledge across multiple technologies.
What skills or qualities do you think are essential for success in your role?
A willingness to learn – because in tech, nobody knows it all. Add drive, ambition, tenacity, and strong communication skills to build trust and relationships. It can be high‑pressure, but that’s what makes the wins so rewarding.
How would you describe the culture at Aspen Solutions, and what makes it a great place to work?
The people make Aspen what it is. After years in a large multi‑national, the autonomy here is refreshing – we’re trusted to get things done without unnecessary hoops.
What advice would you give to someone looking to build a career in your field?
Go for it! You don’t need to know everything about tech to start – curiosity and a willingness to learn will take you far. Start with a junior account manager or sales support role and build from there.
When you’re not at work, how do you like to unwind and relax?
I’m a huge music fan, so you’ll often find me playing guitar or at local hard‑rock and metal gigs (strictly in the crowd!). I’m also into gaming – exploring planets in Starfield or roaming the wastelands of Fallout.