Steve has been in the maritime industry since 1979, that’s 45 years of passion, influence and determination.

Why don’t we go back to the beginning

Steve grew up travelling the world with his family as his father was in the forces, he lived in Cyprus, Singapore and Germany before his dad was stationed in Lincolnshire, Grimsby. He was sent to Boarding School, and he did Biology and Chemistry for his A Levels.

Steve didn’t want to go to university as he didn’t want to move again, but his dad told him, “You need a job son”. That led him to ask a friend he played football with at the time if any jobs were going on at the local shipping company.

And that’s where his maritime journey began. He joined a local shipping company in 1979 as a Junior Boarding Clerk. If you’ve watched episode one of Talking Absolute Ship, you’ll know this is where Steve was taught how to hoover. He spent 32 years at this company, growing to be Director but then everything changed.

Steve wanted a change after sitting in the same office for so long. He was soon approached by Matthew Good, sixth-generation custodian of the Good family business, John Good Group. Matthew took Steve for a fish and chip lunch and asked if he’d consider moving across to DAN Shipping to be Commercial Director.

Of course, he said yes.

He’s now been with us for 14 years and his commitment has left an impact on our community and the broader industry. Steve said he doesn’t know what the future holds, but he’ll never leave the shipping world.

We asked Steve a few questions about his Maritime Journey:

We know you’ve changed since you started but how do you think the industry has?

Shipping has always been a people business; I will continue to say that no matter what technological advancements come into the industry. Communication has changed drastically, from using a telex and always being on the phone, to having the internet and mostly replying to emails over phone calls. In my opinion, people don’t talk as much now.

Don’t get me wrong, you can still deliver and build relationships, but it takes a little more now than it did when I first started. A famous saying is, ‘Our Word, Our Bond.’

Did you ever think about leaving this industry?

Absolutely not. I’ve never wanted to leave. Let’s be honest, once you’re in this industry, you don’t leave.

What would you say has been your biggest achievement to date?

In my previous role, I had to handle some high-stakes situations in international locations, they were a challenge, but it was a massive achievement at the end. I would also say the significant acquisitions of both Bay Shipping and Arthur Smith and growing and stabilising the Maritime Division of John Good Group.

I think another achievement would simply be the lifelong friends I’ve made in this industry.

If you could go back to 1979, what would you say to yourself, just starting out?

Probably, put yourself out there. Build those relationships and people will seek you out. Take the opportunities as they present themselves. That’s probably the most important one.

Why are you passionate about DAN Shipping being a part of John Good Group?

Firstly, I’d have to say the passion and drive of Adam Walsh, Chief Executive Officer of John Good Group. He has brought a passion for everything into his work and being around someone who is challenging you on how it can be done differently is great and I appreciate that so much especially when he first came on as CEO.

I’m also passionate about John Good Group because of the Matthew Good Foundation and the impact it has on local communities and the people. Matthew was the one who brought me into this business, but sadly, Matthew passed away while taking part in the Humber Half Marathon while raising money for charity. In a tribute to Matthew, the Foundation was launched in his memory. It’s a legacy for Matthew Good who only wanted to do good in the world. I’m a big supporter of this Foundation and what we do for those less fortunate around us.

Steve Pullen’s Maritime Journey is one with passion and commitment like no other and he is making an impact on the industry as we know it.