Employee Spotlight – Rob Johnson, Area Sales Manager

Robert Johnson, August 28th 2025

In the latest edition of our meet the team series, we’re speaking to one of our newest APS employees, Rob Johnson, about his role, industry experience, and biggest achievements to date.

Rob works as an Area Sales Manager at APS, bringing our dust and fume extraction solutions to customers across the north west of England and Scotland

He has 23 years of experience in dust control, fume extraction, and manufacturing

At APS, we’re proud to keep expanding our brilliant team, and we were excited to recently welcome another new face to business.

In the latest edition of our meet the team series, we’re speaking to one of our newest APS employees, Rob Johnson, about his role, industry experience, and biggest achievements to date.

What is your job role at APS, and what are your main responsibilities?

I’m an Area Sales Manager for the north west of England and Scotland, using my knowledge of the industry to maintain current customer relationships, and grow APS’ presence in the area, championing our dust and fume extraction solutions.

How many years of experience do you have working within dust and fume extraction?

I have over 23 years’ experience working in dust control, fume extraction and manufacturing. Along the way I have worked within dust control for the surface preparation industry, mobile vacuum extraction, systems design, manufacturing, and also picked up five years’ of experience working within explosion protection, ATEX and DSEAR.

What did you do prior to working at APS?

I spent a total of 15 years in the Royal Air Force working within communications. After my career ended, I moved into sales, gaining initial experience within dust control in the surface preparation industry, specifically around the containment of dust from the grinding removal of asbestos bitumen.

Do you have any industry-specific qualifications?

I have both a P401 and P402 certificate for asbestos analysis and surveying, and I also have an IChemE qualification in comprehensive explosive science, along with a BTEC Diploma Distinction in Business and Finance. I’m a board member of the Solids Handling and Processing Assocation – SHAPA too.

What’s your proudest career and personal achievement to date?

My proudest career achievement so far is serving my Queen and country in the Royal Air Force. My proudest personal achievement would be becoming British and European Judo Champion at the age of 25.

What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?

My best piece of business advice is that you get out of something, what you put into it. To be successful, you should always give at least 100%. Churchill once said, “You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks”.

Don’t get distracted by things that are going to take you away from your focus, concentrate on what matters. 80% focus and 20% signal to noise ratio is what works for the most successful entrepreneurs.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Chilli all day long!

What gets you up in the morning (other than an alarm clock)?

Tomorrow isn’t promised, the past is gone, concentrate on today and be grateful to open your eyes. Be the best version of yourself you can be. Look forward to every day. Think positively, the universe is a figure of eight, you get out of it what you push in to it. I’m very philosophical!

Any other notable hobbies/facts about you?

I enjoy going to the gym, I’m a keen motorcyclist and I love live music. I even managed to get myself on Granada Reports with my partner, following the Oasis gig at Heaton Park!

Ready to speak to one of our friendly team members like Rob and find a dust and fume extraction solution that will meet your needs? Get in touch today.