A Chat with... Sam (Member)
Sam is the Head of Business Development at Hygge Bikes. He may have only been with the company for a few months, starting his role at pretty much the same time as the company moved into Link Spaces, but he has made a name for himself within the industry.
Sam works hard daily to promote his company and engage with every Link Space member he can (with the help of his trusty sidekick Eddie).
He has a passion for the outdoors and for getting people out and about, and that very much came across when we sat down and spoke to him!
Tell us a bit about your role.
I am responsible for business development, direct sales for the website, sales within major retailers, marketing, and figuring out the discounts for Link Space members. It’s a pretty varied role, one week I’ll be talking to Decathlon about doing videos for our products and the next I’m talking to influencers to promote our brand!
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve worked on lately?
Probably the ‘She’s Electric’ event. I got to sit on panels with inspiring women (becoming one myself) and do talks on sustainability as a whole and hear from many interesting people. It was one of those good days and not just a regular bike roadshow but a day to hear about the wider picture and other industries and aspects of sustainability.
What do you think sets your company apart from your competitors?
We are the very best electric bikes you can get for the money we charge. The market ranges from £800 for a cheap quality bike to £2,500 for something decent, but we believe you shouldn’t have to suffer if you can’t afford the expensive quality kit. For what you get with Hygge, you’re getting value. Unlike those cheap bikes you can buy online, ours are serviceable in the UK with many bike shops and bike repair places stocking many of the parts we use. I honestly believe you can’t buy better for the money, we’re like the middle ground for the price and I think we push the expectations of what you can afford.
How do you destress after work?
Running, strapping Eddie to me and going for a good run. He likes it too which is a perk. Going hiking too is often a big de-stresser but that’s not an everyday after work occasion. Honestly though, anything outside, the fresh air and complete change in scenery.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
Eddie. No, well, he is, he gets me out of bed everyday, but I would say probably Bruce Campbell. He’s an actor that instead of getting frustrated and upset about not essentially being famous and A-list, he embraces the fan base he had and ran with it taking great joy in what he achieved. He was someone who wanted to be the best version of himself.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“Live everyday like it’s your last.” But it doesn’t mean go out and party but tell your friends and family how much they mean to you because that’s what’s most important at the end of the day.
If you could have dinner with any three people (living or dead) who would they be and why?
Andre the Giant, Wade Boggs, and Oliver Reed. Don’t know if my liver would survive but it would be fun! These guys could drink back in the day, and I just think it would be a laugh. Hey, you didn’t say it had to be serious!
What has been your proudest achievement so far either in life or at work?
Running the Welsh 3,00. If you don’t know it’s around a 32 mile day, running a marathon and walking around miles to and from the start and finish. It’s basically an event that takes place across the 15 highest mountains in Wales. I was able to run it in 11.5 hours which wasn’t what I was aiming for, but I am still very proud of what I achieved. It was tough.
What is your favourite thing about working at Link Spaces?
The dog friendly aspect really helps, makes everything easier including building connections with the people in the space but also coming into work it’s just easier knowing I can bring in Eddie and not worry about leaving him home alone all day.
Do you have any advice for someone starting out in your industry?
Be prepared to be more flexible than a Cirque du Soleil contortionist. Everything is equally important and top priority. Be quick and be accurate.