Paul Graham, with over three decades of experience in the compressed air industry, has brought his expertise from the UK to Europe, the United Arab Emirates, and now to New Zealand. His impressive career has included roles with Ingersoll Rand, Boge, and Ash Air before joining Atlas Copco in March 2021. "Working for a manufacturer offers so many more advantages, especially as you're always at the forefront of technology," Paul says of his current role.
A Different Day, Every Day
"Every week is different for me, which is exactly what I love," Paul shares. Based in Christchurch, he travels throughout the South Island, with occasional trips to the North Island. "I enjoy meeting new colleagues and customers, building relationships, and exchanging ideas. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn from each other."
When emergencies arise, Paul values the teamwork that makes it all possible. "We all help each other out and manage workloads together," he explains. "This job would definitely be more challenging without the support from the other engineers and the back-office staff."
Life on Two Wheels
For Paul, downtime means hitting the road. "When I have some downtime, my favourite way to recharge is by travelling. And if I can combine that with my passion for bikes, it's even better," he says. Living in the UK, UAE, and now New Zealand with his wife has opened doors to exploring many different countries and experiencing diverse cultures.
His mechanical expertise comes in handy both on and off the job. "When working on bikes, there are times when I have to get creative and improvise, especially when I don't have the right part on hand," he explains. "In those moments, particularly during breakdowns in small-town NZ with no shops around, I've had to think outside the box to get things back up and running. People often laugh at me, but my van is packed with all sorts of parts because you never know when that unusual piece will come in handy. It's definitely saved me more than a few times."
Finding the Right Balance
Paul's energy for both work and racing comes from a deep understanding of what matters. "I thrive on staying busy, and even when I'm exhausted, I find it hard to unwind," he admits. "There was a time in my life when my health wasn't great, and it taught me how crucial it is to keep both my body and mind active. And as my wife always reminds me, I really need to eat right too—haha."
The demands of a 24-hour business require careful management of work and personal time. "Right now, my colleague James and I are on a week-about on-call schedule, and it's hard to truly switch off when you're on call, always waiting for the phone to ring," he shares.
Looking back on his career, Paul reflects on the importance of balance: "As I've gotten older, I've come to realise the importance of taking time to rest and step away from work. That's why, when you do get some downtime, it's essential to make the most of it."
Between the dynamic nature of his role at Atlas Copco and his passion for travel and motorcycles, it’s safe to say that Paul has found his own recipe for balancing a rewarding career with a fulfilling life outside of work.
As I've gotten older, I've come to realise the importance of taking time to rest and step away from work. That's why, when you do get some downtime, it's essential to make the most of it.
