Remembering Simon Philpott

The glass and glazing industry recently lost one of its familiar and much-loved faces with the sad passing of Simon Philpott, whose career spanned almost four decades.

For Simon, the industry was said to be about far more than a job. It gave him a career he loved, lasting friendships and countless memories, while also bringing him his greatest blessings in life, his family.

Simon said he owed a lot to the glass industry. It gave him not only a career he loved but also his greatest blessings – Joanne, Ryan, Gemma and the family that became the centre of his world.

Tatlow Glass

His career in glass started 38 years ago at Tatlow Glass, after his sister spotted a job vacancy in the local paper.

Following a successful interview, Simon became a trainee estimator and ‘Mr.Glass’ was born.

Responsible for pricing all aspects of glazing works, ranging from domestic installations to major contractual projects, before progressing through the business working his way up to Glazing Manager and Double Glazing Manager.

Pilkington

A large part of Simon’s career was spent at Pilkington, and it was there that many stories, friendships and achievements that defined his working life were made.

Starting his time at Pilkington as a Company Buyer, he again worked his way through the business, becoming branch manager of Pilkington Birmingham, and taking on a wide range of roles and responsibilities along the way, before finishing his time at Pilkington NSG as Area Sales Manager for the Midlands, North and West.

Simon was one to roll his sleeves up and get stuck in, he got his HGV license following in the footsteps of his father, and you would often find him out delivering even though it wasn’t in his job description.

Simon always looked back on his time at Pilkington with fondness, as it was a place his passion for glass grew but also where friendships were made.

In 2014, this chapter of his life grew to a close and it was time to seek new opportunities.

Brownhills Glass

Simon never looked for a job, his dedication to the glass industry spoke for him and jobs came looking for him. It was Brownhills Glass who came out on top as Simon became Commercial Manager for the company.

Simon spent the last 12 years of his career at BGC and truly enjoyed his work. His favourite part was reportedly being out on the road visiting his customers across the country, many of whom became friends, or spending time on the golf course with colleagues and customers.

How do you sum up Simon’s working life? Well, he earned the respect of people around him, not because he sought recognition, but because of the way he carried himself.

Simon believed that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing properly. He was the kind of person who led by example and believed in treating others the way he would want to be treated.

He showed kindness without expecting anything in return, offered respect freely and made people feel valued. It was a simple way, but it left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

A family man

But when the working day was over, his greatest role was at home.

Husband, dad, grandad and family man – these were the roles he cherished most and he gave them his whole heart.

While Simon’s career left its mark on the glass industry, it is perhaps the people he met, the friendships he formed and the family he loved most that will ensure his memory lives on.

The industry may have said goodbye to a respected colleague and friend, but the many people who had the privilege of knowing Simon will remember him for the way he treated people, the work he took pride in and the warmth he brought to those around him.

A life well lived, a career well earned, and a lasting legacy both within the glass industry and, most importantly, with the family at the centre of his world.