Get to know...Danni Thompson, Business Pilot Partnerships Manager

Windownews; Ireland; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job description

Get to know…Danni Thompson, Business Pilot partnerships manager

Q: So, Danni – you took on the role of partnerships manager at Business Pilot in December 2024. What does that role entail?

DT: The role is really about creating and strengthening relationships in the glazing industry supply chain, so that we can reach and support more installers.

Working with fabricators, manufacturers, certification bodies, systems houses and even IBG providers to bring the benefits of Business Pilot to their installer networks. Working closely with these Partners also means we can collaborate and share ideas on new ways of making life easier for installation companies – such as future system developments and integrations.

Q: And what attracted you to Business Pilot?

DT: Honestly, I’ve never met such a people‑led team. I’ve worked in both big corporate companies and really small family businesses, but I’ve never met a team that has its customers running through its veins in the same way as Business Pilot does.

Q: What was your background before Business Pilot?

DT: So, for a number of years I worked for a door hardware company, selling mechanical and smart locks, and working on various marketing projects. I then did a bit of a 360 and went into the cosmetics industry where I oversaw product development, import, and export.

But it’s true when people say that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. I’m very people‑orientated, and I missed those customer relationships, so I made the decision to return to the industry with Business Pilot.

I went to my first PIGS event recently and I saw a few old colleagues. A lot of them were like, “You’re back! You’ve been gone for seven years!”

Q: What are you most looking forward to about this new role?

DT: I’m excited to get back out into the industry. The glazing sector has really changed whilst I’ve been away and it’s great to see so many initiatives that are really focused on supporting installers to help them do well. I want to bring the additional benefits of Business Pilot to these initiatives to help them do even better!

And I’m really looking forward to the social element too. We have FIT Show in April, which I’m so excited to attend and I’ve got already a lot of meetings booked in with different customers! So, it’ll be really good to catch‑up with everyone – old and new.

Q: And why do you think Business Pilot is valued so highly by your customer base?

DT: The biggest piece of feedback I get is that it’s like having a digital employee! There’s the core benefit of having all of your business information available at your fingertips, 24/7; the way it makes time‑consuming tasks like sending emails and registering installations so much faster. Plus, it helps to ensure consistent customer service.

Then there’s the approachability of the team – it’s easy to get through to support or talk to a trainer, and we really encourage face‑to‑face meetings wherever we can. Matt goes out on the road visiting installers and the majority of our training takes place on site. I think that’s what sets us apart.

Q: What can customers expect from you? Tell me a bit about yourself and what you’ll bring to the team!

DT: Support! If installers do well, we all do well – they are the vital connection between our industry and the homeowner. So, we’re working with Partners to help their installer networks take advantage of the benefits of using our Business Management software to boost efficiency and save time so they can focus on growing profit.

And of course, they can expect a drink at the bar with me, as I’ll be at all the glazing social events!

Q: And finally, tell me what you hope to achieve in the next year at Business Pilot.

DT: Well, the big focus for us all this year is a successful FIT Show, so I’m really looking forward to that. And there’s lots of other things in the pipeline that I’m really excited about. All I can say is…keep your eyes peeled!