'I'm not a micromanager. I trust people to be able to do what they're supposed to do'
Eppione CEO David Kindlon talks Glengarry Glen Ross and walking his dog.
EVERY WEEK, FORA gets inside the heads of some of Ireland’s top entrepreneurs to gain insights into what got them to the top of their trade. This week we speak to David Kindlon, CEO and co-founder of Eppione.
DAVID KINDLON IS pretty confident in his business. The chief executive and co-founder of Eppione, a HR and employee benefits tech platform, told Fora that the company wants to take over the world – and he has no issue going to events and spreading the word.
Eppione was founded by Kindlon, Ernest Legrand and Neil Fallon in Dublin in 2016. It also has offices in the UK, Australia and has set its sights on North America.
In our weekly Tools of the Trade series, we spoke to Kindlon about his golden retriever, his ability to network and why he loves the aviation industry.
What was a big turning point in your life?
Before kids came along I was young, free and single and only had to worry about myself. Now it’s a much different game. I’ve got other people to think of responsibilities, duties, and my outlook on life is very different. I have to provide and I have to perform.
What work relationship matters the most to you?
The relationship with your team is vital. If you don’t have a good relationship with your team your business won’t function.
How would you describe your management style?
I’m not a micromanager, I’m very much trust-based. I trust people to be able to do what they’re supposed to do.
What quality has helped you stand out?
My ability to network. I consider myself a very well connected person in the areas we operate in. I have no qualms about turning up to social events to tell people how great and wonderful we are.
How do you deal with stress?
I walk my dog. I’ve got a golden retriever at home. It’s a good way of switching off. I walk the legs off myself and give the dog some exercise as well.
What’s the most important part of your daily routine?
Morning coffee with the team when I’m in the office, to catch up, see what’s going on and see if anyone has any pressing issues that need to be sorted.
LeGrand, Kindlon and Fallon.
What ambitions do you still have?
We want to take over the world. We’re in Ireland, the UK, Australia and we’re looking at North America.
What’s the one thing that you wish you had done differently?
I would have brought technology into my work life much sooner because of the opportunities I’ve seen it create. Technology is something that every modern business is using. Everybody is trying to create and automate different processes.
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Aside from your own, what industry do you find most interesting and why?
When I was a kid I wanted to be a pilot – then I realised when I got older I didn’t want to be a pilot but I still find the aviation industry fascinating, and the fact that about 65% of all commercial aircraft are licensed out of Ireland.
The way the aviation space moves, in planes and flying but also in financial markets, I find that fascinating.
What tool could you not do without?
My phone. I can work from wherever I am. There are times when I’m out of the office for a couple of days and I don’t need to open my laptop, I can do everything on my phone.
How do you respond to failure?
I learn. You get up, you go again. You should always learn from failure, it makes you stronger.
What book would you recommend the most?
My favourite book is The Green Mile, by Stephen King. Glengarry Glen Ross, by David Mamet, is a better example from a business perspective. It’s all about the sales process and motivating people to sell and close deals.
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