There are some people who work for a business, and there are others who become part of its story.
After 32 years with Fleet Line Markers, Iain Courage is retiring.
For more than three decades, Iain has represented Fleet around the UK and across the world. He has demonstrated machines, supported customers, shared his knowledge, attended countless industry events and travelled more miles than any of us would probably like to count.
But when you speak to the people who have worked with Iain over the years, it quickly becomes clear that his impact goes far beyond line marking.
For so many customers, colleagues and friends, it is Iain himself who has made the lasting impression.
More Than 32 Years of Service
Thirty-two years is an incredible length of service.
During that time, products have changed, technology has developed and the grounds industry has moved forward enormously.
Iain has been there through it all.
He has worked with sports clubs, contractors, schools, councils and grounds teams across the country, building a level of knowledge and experience that can only come from decades spent working directly with the people using Fleet products every day.
But knowledge alone doesn't explain the respect people have for him.
Jim Holden, General Manager at TurfCare, perhaps sums it up best:
"He is a true gentleman, an outstanding professional, and someone who is genuinely passionate about his products, service, and advice."
That combination of expertise and genuine care has been at the heart of Iain's approach throughout his career.
Always Willing to Help
Ask people about Iain and one theme comes through again and again.
He makes time for people.
Whether somebody needed advice, help with a machine, reassurance about a job or simply wanted to pick his brains, Iain has always been willing to share what he knows.
For some customers, that support has had an impact far beyond the equipment itself.
Jax Cain of Cain Markings explains:
"Iain’s encouragement, generosity with his time, and genuine belief in me have had a huge impact on how I’ve grown and found my feet in the industry. More than a professional connection, he has been a great friend and a constant supporter, and I will always be deeply grateful for everything he’s done."
That's difficult to measure in sales figures or years of service.
But it says a great deal about the kind of career Iain has had.
A Career Full of Stories
After more than three decades in the industry, Iain has accumulated his fair share of stories.
His work has taken him from local pitches to some of the world's best-known sporting venues, although you'd rarely hear him make much fuss about it.
Bradley Tennant of IGFH remembers exactly that:
"Always met with a smile and a positive attitude. This is a true reflection of Iain's character and passion for the industry, he loves it. He's built up an incredible knowledge and is always keen to share his expertise and stories with others. I'll never forget the casual mention of marking out the San Siro... like it's nothing out of the ordinary - Thats Iain."
For anyone who knows Iain, that probably sounds familiar.
Thirty-two years of experience, some remarkable places and plenty of stories, usually delivered as if they were nothing particularly unusual.
And then there are those unmistakably Iain moments.
Over the years, we've captured plenty of photos and video footage of Iain out marking lines, completely at home with the equipment and, on more than one occasion, doing it with a drink in hand.
It's a small detail, but one that probably says more about his experience than any job title could. When you've spent more than three decades doing something, some things just become second nature.
Customers Who Became Friends
Perhaps the biggest legacy from Iain's time at Fleet is the relationships he has built.
Over the years, many customers have become much more than customers.
They've become friends.
Andy Cheek of Skippers Ground Maintenance reflected on exactly that:
"Despite his extensive network and busy schedule, Iain consistently puts his customers first, playing a key role in the continued success of Fleet Line Markers Ltd. He is a true gentleman, a genuinely kind person, and someone I’m proud to now call a good friend within the industry."
That is perhaps the greatest compliment anyone can receive after a career spanning more than three decades.
Because while machines change and products develop, relationships last.
Part of the Fleet Story
It is difficult to separate Iain's career from Fleet's own history.
Thirty-two years represents thousands of customer visits, demonstrations, phone calls, trade shows, early starts and long journeys.
There have been machine launches, huge stencil projects, international trips and plenty of cups of coffee along the way.
There have also been generations of customers and colleagues who have benefited from Iain's experience.
His knowledge has been passed on.
His relationships have helped strengthen Fleet.
And his personality has become familiar to people throughout the sports turf and line marking industry.
That doesn't simply disappear when somebody retires.
It becomes part of the story of the business.
A Few Words From the Fleet Team
“After 32 incredible years with Fleet, Iain has built so much more than a network of customers around the world – he’s built genuine friendships and relationships that have lasted for decades. His personality, loyalty and passion for Fleet have made him such a special part of the company, and he’ll be hugely missed by both the Fleet team and customers around the world. We wish Iain a very happy and well-deserved retirement – thank you for everything!”
After 32 years, there isn't much more that needs to be said.
The stories and memories shared throughout this article are a reflection of just how many people Iain has made an impression on during his time with Fleet.
Now it's time to put down the line marker, enjoy a drink without having to hold it at the same time, and make the most of retirement.
