5 Minutes with… Allen York

In this edition of 5 Minutes with… interview, we spoke to Allen York, General Manager at Donaldson Timber Engineering’s Warrington branch.

After a successful career in construction hire and sales, Allen made the leap into timber engineering, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective.

Here, he talks about what drew him to the industry, the importance of investing in people, and the advice he’d give to anyone just starting out.

What first brought your attention to a career in timber engineering?

I’d been working in construction hire and sales for 15 years after leaving the army. I started out on a busy hire and sales desk and worked my way through various roles across two companies.

Eventually, I returned to the first company and was promoted to Branch Manager. It was a great experience, but I started to feel like I needed something more. I wanted to keep learning, take on new challenges and keep moving forward.

When I saw the General Manager job at Donaldson Timber Engineering (DTE), I was really intrigued. I looked into the role, the company, and the timber engineering industry, and it felt like a natural fit.

What stood out to me most was the values DTE showed during the interview process. They really struck a chord with me and confirmed that this was the kind of place I wanted to be part of.

What has been your proudest moment in your career to date?

There have been quite a few, to be honest. One that stands out is being offered this role as someone new to the timber engineering industry, especially when there were other candidates with more direct experience. That was a real personal achievement.

Since then, though, what I’ve found most rewarding is helping the team here at DTE Warrington to grow. I’ve supported colleagues into new roles and helped them take the next step in their careers.

Seeing my colleagues develop, both professionally and personally, is what it’s all about for me. When you invest in your team, it pays off for everyone.

What advice would you give someone who is starting out in your profession?

Don’t worry if you don’t have direct experience. Everyone brings something different to the table, and sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can make a big difference.

I always say I’d rather work with someone who has the right attitude than someone who knows it all but isn’t willing to share or support others. Just give your best every day. It won’t always be easy, but even the tough days teach you something. Try to enjoy the journey, wherever it takes you.

If you could change just one thing about the construction industry, what would it be and why?

I’d really like to see better feedback from customers on the proposals we submit. There’s so much time and effort that goes into every job, from the first enquiry to the design and pricing. We put together a technical solution that’s been engineered for quality, ease of use on site, and long-term performance.

But quite often, the only response we get is about price. It would be great to hear more about what customers think of the design, service, or overall value. That kind of feedback helps everyone improve.

If you could have dinner with anyone (dead or alive), who would it be and why?

That one’s easy. My dad. He passed away in 1983 when I was just three years old, and there’s always been a gap in my life because of that.

I’ve got over 40 years of things I’d want to ask him. I’d love the chance to sit down, have a chat and get his thoughts on everything from life to work. That would mean the world to me.

Do you want to be the next guest of the TRA’s 5 Minutes With… interview? Contact the TRA today via info@tra.org.uk, and a member of the team will be in contact.