EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

50th Anniversary Employee Spotlight with John Ball

As 2023 marks our 50th anniversary we want to shine a spotlight on one of our longest serving employees, Table Build Operative, John Ball, who has been with the company for an impressive 19 years.

John is a fantastic employee who has seen the company grow from strength to strength experiencing first-hand how TCSJOHNHUXLEY has evolved over the years.

Read our Q&A feature with John who shares his experiences with the company over the last 19 years.

How did you your journey start with TCSJOHNHUXLEY?

Originally, I worked as a frame maker for a furniture manufacturer but was unfortunately made redundant in 2003. A short while after, I was offered temporary work for TCSJOHNHUXLEY to help out with a big order of tables. From there I was offered a permanent role with the company, and I’ve never looked back since. During my 30 year career I’ve worked for 3 companies but without doubt this is the best place I have ever worked, and the place I have put down my roots. I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else.

Tell me about your role?

As a Table Maker we make a wide range of products for the casino industry such as, Roulette, Blackjack and Poker tables. A lot of skill and craftsmanship goes into making our tables which are all built to individual customer requirements with many elements and hours involved. I work with a great team of people, we all have individual elements to work on such as sanding and laminating, but then we all come together to help one another. It’s all about team work and supporting one another.

Do you have a favourite table you’ve worked on during your time with us?

For me it has to be the Bertil Collection. This range is extremely high-end consisting of polished tables with intricate design elements that just look quality. It’s a pleasure to make these tables and put everything together to see the end result.

What would you say you enjoy most about your role?

I would say the people I work with - we are a fantastic team. Working together and seeing the finished product is so rewarding. It can be challenging sometimes but we all pull together to make fantastic products and we have a laugh too. I’m at work more than I’m home, so it’s important to have that atmosphere where you can have a joke with people and get on. Also, when I’ve been to sites and seen our tables in casinos or at trade shows it gives me a real buzz knowing that I had a hand in making these beautiful products. It really does make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.I’m passionate about my job, if I see something wrong or that can be done better, I will always take the extra time to do it and put it right.

So, what is it that makes a TCSJOHNHUXLEY Gaming Table world-renowned?

The skill, quality, and that every table is unique to each customer. Whatever the customer wants we provide and as a result, it’s great to get positive feedback. We will always make sure the customer is happy with the finished product. I’ve certainly learnt so many skills during my time here. We have an incredibly skilled workforce here and that just keeps developing.

How have you seen Gaming Tables develop over the years?

Tables were originally created on legs (either the H or X leg), there were no solid bases. As the industry evolved and more and more technology was introduced, the need to incorporate this became evident. As TCSJOHNHUXLEY were pioneers in innovating many key Electronic Gaming products such as Winning Number Displays, Chipping Machines, Blaze Gaming Tables, etc. we quickly realised the need to provide the seamless integration of these products into tables. It’s now standard practice to see these types of Gaming Tables and we are coming up with new ideas all the time. Our tables are constantly evolving, and I love how much innovation the company has.

What has made you stay working for TCSJOHNHUXLEY for all this time?

The foundation of TCSJOHNHUXLEY is the people. It’s like one big family. I enjoy my time here; we’ve had our ups and downs such as the pandemic, but we’ve always pulled through it together and stronger. I like that I can go anywhere in the company, and I know everybody and can say speak to anyone. Tristan and Michael have always made the effort to speak with me and when the owners come in and speak to you and know your name, that goes a long way for me. I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Michael, Tristan, and the Management team that I have known over the 19 years for giving me this opportunity. I’ve developed my skills and have been taken all over the world with memories I will never forget. I really appreciate everything what they’ve done for me. It’s a great company to work for and I wouldn’t have worked for anyone else.

Finally, how do you feel about the company reaching its 50th year?

It’s such a great achievement and I’m so proud to see how the company has evolved over the years. We’ve reached our 50th year and I’d like to think I’ve made an impact in the 19 years I have been here. I have a lot of respect for the company, and when I retire, I’d like to think that with the talent we have that we will go on for at least another 50 years. We have the skills and workforce to do that!