The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
Stewart Todd is director at Abdie Solutions in Perth, which works with clients all over Scotland to deliver engineering solutions – mostly for agriculture, distilleries and renewables. He told Gayle Ritchie about his life
Q What kind of projects and customers does Abdie Solutions work with?
A We deal with anything that involves the handling, processing and storage of large amounts of granular material. For example, once a farmer has finished harvesting, we help them move the wheat from their trailer off the field to a variety of locations. Whether it’s to go to processing equipment, a silo or a store.
Q What would people be surprised to know about wheat?
A Wheat is responsible for approximately 19% of the calories and approximately 20% of the protein consumed internationally, making it one of the most important crops to be grown.
Q What is the most innovative project Abdie has been involved with?
A One of our first research and development jobs was to design a mechanical screw conveyor that would remove botanicals from a very famous gin, leaving the gin behind to go to the bottling plant.
Q What kinds of things can you make with plasma cutting?
A Sign frontage, intricate gate designs, flat sheet metals.
Q Highlights of your job?
A Every project is different and I love the problem-solving aspect of it, so every day is a unique challenge!
Q What job would you do if you weren’t doing this?
A I’m a chatterbox and love speaking to people, so I would probably be in some sort of sales role.
Q Where in the world are you happiest?
A I went to Mexico for my honeymoon five years ago and fell in love with the place. It’s also better for me to be sleeping during the UK working day so I can switch off. Being in the west helps me relax!
Q Favourite part of Scotland to explore?
A Bit controversial for a Perth boy but the northwest coast of Scotland! Yes, the weather is worse; yes, the midges are horrific, and you get very little phone internet, but something about the place makes me smile.
Q Last book you read?
A Just finished Bridges To Burn by Marion Todd – best crime author around! No, I’m not biased and, yes, she is my auntie.
Q Your house is on fire – what do you save?
A Taking out the usual answers of wife, dog and cat, it would be my grandad’s pocket watch.
Q If you could rule for a day, what would be the first thing you would do?
A I’d make a nine-day fortnight mandatory for everyone. We believe in work-life balance and this is something we introduced last year. Productivity has never been higher.
Q What makes you happy?
A Being with friends and family, good conversation and good wine.
Q What makes you sad?
A Three putting after hitting the green in regulation.
Q What was the first album you ever bought?
A Word Gets Around – Stereophonics.
Q What is the best advice you have received, and who did it come from?
A Don’t worry about the stuff in life you can’t control or change. Instead, focus your resources on things you can influence.
Q How do you unwind?
A I do love a round of golf and I’ve been involved in Scouting for more than 30 years. I have met some inspirational people – and some of my closest friends – during Scouting as we run camps and support events across the country. Most weekends you can find me helping at a camp somewhere.
Q Biggest regret?
A I don’t really believe in big regrets – maybe small ones about not getting something at a restaurant and ending up with food envy. And as long as I own my decisions and actions, and the resulting consequences, I will continue to have no regrets.
Q What or who are you proudest of?
A The team here at Abdie Solutions. I sometimes forget that we are still a relatively small business. I try to remember that for them this is just a job, whereas for me it is my life. They are very good at going above and beyond.
Q What advice would you give your younger self?
A Exercise more, and start investing sooner.
Q What’s your motto?
A I can’t deny that the Scout motto, Be Prepared, has always stood me in excellent stead!