Pick of the Bunch: Pricing Analyst Francis Ball

This month, we’re delighted to shine the spotlight on Francis Ball, one of the key members of Glendale’s Business Development Team. As a Pricing Analyst, Francis plays an important role behind the scenes, helping the team deliver competitive bids and secure new business opportunities for the company. Since joining Glendale, he’s embraced every challenge, showing real drive, adaptability, and a strong sense of teamwork.

An Aligned and Focused Team

Francis describes the Business Development Team in a way that really captures its spirit. “I would describe the team as aligned and driven,” he says. “Everyone is focused on the same outcome in the work we do, and that’s to win!” For Francis, it’s the strong sense of collaboration that makes the biggest difference. Across different parts of the team, colleagues are working closely together, supporting one another and pulling in the same direction to achieve shared goals. It’s a culture that fits perfectly with Glendale’s emphasis on teamwork and collective success.

Looking to the Future

When it comes to future plans, Francis has a clear focus. Over the next few months, he’s determined to continue contributing to the team’s winning streak. “The goal is to carry on being part of a winning team that continues to deliver new business to Glendale,” he explains. With a forward-looking attitude, he’s hoping that 2025 will turn out to be the team’s best year yet. His energy and ambition certainly set a strong example for others.

A Career Built on a Solid Foundation

Francis’s decision to pursue a career in this field was shaped early on, during his university days. Studying Business with Economics gave him the grounding he needed. “I’d always wanted a role that allowed me to put the knowledge and skills I had learned during this time into action,” he shares. Working as a pricing analyst has turned out to be the ideal fit, giving him the chance to apply his academic background in a real-world setting, while also stretching his skills in new directions.

Top Advice for New Starters

When asked what advice he would give to someone starting their career, Francis keeps it simple but effective: “Work hard, listen, and enjoy it.” He points out that this advice isn’t limited to pricing analysis—it’s something that applies to any line of work. His straightforward approach highlights the importance of staying open to learning and finding enjoyment in your role, both key ingredients for long-term success.

Overcoming Early Challenges

Transitioning into a new industry always brings challenges, and for Francis, it was no different. Learning about the grounds maintenance and landscaping industry was a steep learning curve. However, he credits the team around him for making the transition much smoother. “Luckily at Glendale, I’m surrounded by people with a wealth of experience in the industry who are there to support and help me when required,” he says. By asking questions and leaning on more experienced colleagues, Francis was able to build his understanding early on, reflecting Glendale’s supportive and collaborative work culture.

Values That Matter

Glendale’s values are at the heart of everything the company does, and for Francis, one in particular stands out: “Seeking out the opportunity to go that extra mile.” He believes that this value is important not just for delivering great work but also for how colleagues treat each other. That commitment to going above and beyond, whether for a client or a teammate, is something that really resonates with him and is a strong part of Glendale’s success as a leading grounds maintenance company in the UK.

Proudest Achievements

Since joining Glendale, Francis has already had several proud moments. “My biggest achievement has been growing as an individual and adapting into a role which requires a variety of different personal attributes,” he says. Another major highlight for him was being part of the first winning bid he helped deliver—a true milestone that showed just how much he had already contributed to the team’s efforts.

Favourite Memories on the Job

Some of Francis’s best memories have come from getting out of the office and visiting different Glendale teams across the country. Trips to Milton Keynes, Lewisham, and Lincoln stand out as particularly memorable. “They’ve been great opportunities to see the impact of our work first-hand and experience operations in action,” he says. It’s also been a fantastic way for Francis to meet and learn from colleagues across different regions, reinforcing the importance of personal connections and teamwork in Glendale’s culture.

Looking Beyond Work

While Francis is serious about his work, he’s not without a sense of humour. If he could ask the universe one question, it would be: “What did I do in my previous life to deserve the pain and stress of supporting Everton?” he jokes. And if he were to win the lottery? “Probably a pint—or many pints!” he laughs, before admitting that he’d love to buy property next to Everton’s new ground at Bramley Moore Dock.

Why Glendale?

When asked what drew him to Glendale originally, Francis points to the scale of the company and the unique challenges of the industry. “I wanted to test myself and step out of my comfort zone,” he explains. Moving into a new sector offered fresh challenges and the chance to grow personally and professionally—an opportunity that he’s clearly seized with both hands.

Francis’s journey so far is a fantastic example of the ambition, resilience, and positive attitude that Glendale looks for in its people. His story shows how a supportive environment, combined with hard work and a willingness to learn, leads to great results—not just for the individual, but for the whole team.