19 pairs of dads and lads working together at Wrightbus

John McLeister:
What’s it like working with/alongside your son?
It’s a real privilege. Seeing Nathan come into the company and grow in his role has been a proud moment for me. Watching his progression unfold has not only made me proud as a father, but it’s also given him a real insight into the kind of work I’ve been doing throughout his formative years. It’s brought a new level of understanding and connection between us.

How do you separate work and home, or is that even possible?
It’s not always easy—and to be honest, we don’t always try! Nathan and I find ourselves talking about work quite a lot. It wouldn’t be unusual for me to say, “Bring your laptop round,” and we’ll craft out some deals over a pizza. It’s a nice blend of work and family time.

Do you ever talk about work when you’re together socially?
Absolutely. It’s part of our shared world now. We’ll chat about ideas, challenges, or just how the day went. It’s great to have that common ground.

What was the first day like when your son started at the factory?
I remember it clearly—it was a mix of pride and slight nervousness. I wanted him to make his own decisions and cut his own path. Of course, I was always there if he needed any fatherly or professional advice, but thankfully he’s navigated his career very well. It was a special day, and I’ve been proud to watch him progress ever since.

Are there any perks of working together, or any downsides?
The biggest perk is the bond it creates working with Nathan has brought us closer. We understand each other’s day-to-day in a way most families don’t. As for downsides, maybe just making sure we don’t let work take over every conversation, but even then, it’s usually enjoyable.

How long have you worked at WB and what roles have you had?
I’ve been working in Wrightbus for 35 years. Over the years, I’ve seen the company evolve and grow, and I’ve had the chance to grow alongside the business in various roles  leading  into my current role as Global sales Director, each role teaching me something new and helping me grow alongside the business. As a former apprentice myself, I’m a huge advocate for bringing careers to young people. With Nathan, I can point to him as a true endorsement of that, he’s living proof of what’s possible.

Nathan McLeister:

When did you first become aware that your dad worked at Wrightbus?

I’ve known my dad worked at Wrightbus for as long as I can remember. Growing up just outside Ballymena, I would often pass the factory and always knew that’s where he worked. I also remember him giving me model buses, which I still have today. As I got older, I began to understand the different roles he had at the company and became more interested in his career and how he progressed.

Did he talk about work at home when you were younger?

When I was a child, my dad would point out Wrightbus vehicles as we drove past them, explaining how he helped build them. Over the years, he had several different roles at Wrightbus, starting as an apprentice, and he would often tell me about each job and what he was responsible for.

Can you remember when you first started showing an interest in a career at Wrightbus? What advice did your dad give you?

When I finished University and moved back home, I realised the huge number of different roles that were available at Wrightbus, and the great opportunities it offered locally. When I asked my dad about it, he encouraged me to go for it as there was lots of opportunities to grow into different roles. I also knew from his career that there were great possibilities for progression if I worked hard.

What was your first day like – did you see each other in the canteen/office/shop floor?

My dad came to my office to say hello, and I saw him at the canteen later in the day. It became quite common to see him around the building, but particularly in the canteen - he said I go there too often!

Does your work cross over with your dad’s?

Yes, to an extent, as we are working with the same customers albeit in different ways. Our day-to-day is very different, but it’s helpful to be able to understand each other’s role and the different challenges we face.

What are the perks/benefits of working alongside your dad?

It’s been great to work in Wrightbus with my dad, as I have been able to understand and appreciate his career path, and how hard he has worked his whole working life to achieve it. I’ve also enjoyed having shared experiences with him contributing to the success of the business.

How long have you worked at WB and what roles have you had?

I started at Wrightbus in January 2022 as a Graduate Commercial Assistant and have progressed through a number of roles in the department over the last few years. I am now Commercial Manager for the UK.