Staff Spotlight: Craig Upton, Bond Wolfe Marketing Director

Welcome back to Staff Spotlight, our blog series where we get to know the individuals behind Bond Wolfe. Each edition features a different team member, offering insight into their career, inspirations, and even a few fun quick-fire questions.

This week, we’re sitting down with Craig Upton, our Marketing Director. From his love of holidays (and hidden doggy paddle talent) to his biggest inspirations in business, look into Craig’s journey and what makes him tick.

What do you enjoy most about working at Bond Wolfe?

What I enjoy most about working at Bond Wolfe is the people and how each person brings something unique to the table while coming together to form such a cohesive team. Everyone here has their own personality, strengths, and way of working. It creates a dynamic environment where you’re constantly learning from others and seeing things from different perspectives.

If you weren’t in your current role, what career would you have pursued?

I was talking about this the other day, and apparently, I would have been a travel agent! I always have holidays booked well in advance of everyone else and am always on hand to give tips when the team is planning trips. My wife thinks it’s an unhealthy obsession, but what’s not to like about sitting by the pool with a cold beer?

What is your role at Bond Wolfe, and what does a typical day look like for you?

As Marketing Director, my days are always different, depending on where we are in the auction cycle.

For example, today started with a business networking event—a great way to introduce Bond Wolfe to the local business community, connect with suppliers, and generate new opportunities.

By 9 AM, I’m back in the office for a quick meeting with the marketing team to go over plans for the day. The rest of the morning is spent working on marketing campaigns for featured lots in the next auction.

After lunch, I met with our commercial agency team to discuss new features for our website, followed by approving press releases for our PR team.

Who has inspired you most in your business life?

I’ve had lots of inspiration over the years. My Grandad was probably the first—he ran a successful flooring business for decades and also invested in the stock market. I have memories of sitting at my grandparents’ house, watching Teletext with him to see how his shares were performing. It sounds boring, but I was fascinated by how he was making money while sitting in his chair.

In my adult life, I’ve worked with Paul for over a decade, seeing his hunger for success firsthand. That kind of drive is hard not to be inspired by. I’m also fortunate to be surrounded by great people at Bond Wolfe, where there’s always something new to learn.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?

Treat people with the respect you expect in return. I’d never ask anyone to do something I wouldn’t do (or haven’t done) myself, and I’ve always carried that mindset throughout my career.

And as the question says “so far”, I know there’s always more to learn!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Spending time with my family and taking my son to watch Birmingham City.

As mentioned earlier, I love going on holidays, and with a 6-year-old, I also apparently love going on waterslides—well, he seems to think so!

Do you have any hidden talents or surprising skills?

I’m the fastest doggy paddler I have ever seen—it’s a sight to behold!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

It’s not advice, but a timeless quote by Calvin Coolidge:

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”

What’s your favourite book, movie, or TV show and why?

• TV Show: Only Fools and Horses—it’s the only show I could watch anytime, anywhere.
• Movie: The Shawshank Redemption—I love a film with a twist.
• Book: Rich Dad, Poor Dad—I prefer audiobooks, and this is something everyone should listen to.

If you could meet any historical figure or celebrity, who would it be?

A bit of a left-field choice, but I’d go with Brian Clough. I’ve heard so many funny stories about him, and I’d love to have been a fly on the wall in his dressing room!

Rapid Fire Round

☕ Coffee or tea? Coffee
🏖️ Beach holiday or city break? Beach
🌅 Morning person or night owl? Morning person
🐶 Cats or dogs? Dogs
🍛 Favourite food? Indian food