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Curiosity, Courage and Clean Hydraulic Systems: The Journey of Building a Business That Solves Problems
In the lubricant industry, many careers begin with products, processes or technical expertise.
Fewer begin with a clear ambition to build something from scratch. In this episode of Beyond the Blend, Rob Taylor sits down with Jamie Shaw, Director of OMS Lubritek, to explore a journey that spans engineering, technical sales, entrepreneurship and a relentless desire to keep learning.
From a mechanical engineering apprenticeship to leading a specialist oil management business, Jamie shares the lessons, challenges and opportunities that have shaped both his career and his company over the last decade. Along the way, the conversation touches on technical problem solving, sustainability, mental health, work-life balance and why curiosity remains one of the most valuable qualities in business.
From Engineering Apprentice to Business Owner
Like many people in industrial sectors, Jamie's career started with an engineering
apprenticeship. The hands-on environment exposed him to multiple areas of manufacturing
and engineering, helping him understand not only how equipment worked but how businesses operated. While he enjoyed the technical side of engineering, he quickly realised he wanted more variety, responsibility and opportunity than a traditional engineering path offered.
That led him into technical sales, a move he never originally planned. Looking back, the
combination of engineering knowledge and commercial responsibility proved invaluable. It allowed him to understand customer challenges at a deeper level while also developing the
communication and relationship-building skills needed to create business opportunities. The
foundations built during those early years would eventually become the platform for
launching his own company.
The Entrepreneurial Itch
For Jamie, the desire to run a business was never a sudden decision. It was an ambition that
had existed quietly in the background for years. Watching others build companies and create their own opportunities sparked an interest that never disappeared.
When the opportunity arose to start OMS Lubritek alongside trusted colleagues, there was no
guarantee of success and no perfect roadmap to follow. Like many entrepreneurs, Jamie
stepped into the unknown with limited certainty but plenty of belief. The reality of business
ownership brought challenges, risks and plenty of learning opportunities, but it also brought a sense of purpose and ownership that he clearly values today.
One of the strongest messages from the conversation is that sometimes there is no perfect
moment. At some stage, you simply have to back yourself and take the first step.
Technical Sales Is About Solving Problems
A recurring theme throughout the discussion is Jamie's view of sales. He does not see it as selling products. He sees it as solving problems.
Throughout his career, whether selling sealing solutions, metalworking fluids or oil management services, the most rewarding opportunities have come from understanding
customer challenges and finding practical solutions. In many cases, customers did not even
recognise they had a problem until someone asked the right questions.
This consultative approach remains central to how OMS Lubritek operates today. Rather than focusing solely on product specifications or pricing, the emphasis is placed on understanding
reliability, performance, downtime and operational efficiency. The result is a stronger relationship with customers and solutions that deliver measurable value.
Spotting Opportunity in Specialist Markets
One of the defining moments in Jamie’s career came when he became involved in oil
management services while working within the lubricant industry. What stood out was the opportunity to make a tangible difference. Oil management was a highly specialised area, yet it offered significant potential to improve equipment reliability, reduce costs and extend lubricant life. Jamie recognised that by combining technical service delivery with lubricant expertise, a business could create something genuinely different.
That insight became the foundation of OMS Lubritek. Rather than competing solely on
product supply, the company built its proposition around helping customers improve the
performance and reliability of their hydraulic systems. It was a niche opportunity, but one
with significant potential.
Why Education Beats Price
One of the biggest challenges in lubrication remains the perception that products such as hydraulic oil are simply commodities. If buyers believe all oils are the same, the conversation naturally focuses on price.
Jamie believes the answer lies in education. Helping customers understand how lubricant
performance impacts equipment life, maintenance costs, energy consumption and production efficiency changes the nature of the discussion entirely.
This approach takes time. Customers rarely change their thinking overnight. However, by
demonstrating measurable outcomes and building trust through technical expertise,
businesses can move beyond transactional relationships and become valued partners. For
OMS Lubritek, education is not a marketing tactic. It is a core part of the customer journey.
Sustainability Through Reliability
Sustainability is often discussed in broad terms, but Jamie brings it back to practical realities.
Reducing waste, extending oil life, lowering energy consumption and preventing unnecessary component failures all contribute to more sustainable operations. For many manufacturers,
these improvements also deliver direct financial benefits through reduced maintenance costs
and improved uptime.
Interestingly, Jamie notes that larger organisations may be driven by corporate sustainability
targets, while smaller businesses often focus on operational savings. Either way, the outcome can be the same. Better lubrication practices support both environmental and commercial
objectives.
This practical view of sustainability reflects a broader shift across industry, where measurable
outcomes increasingly matter more than slogans.
Building a Culture That Works
Business growth is important, but Jamie is equally passionate about creating a culture that
supports the people within the organisation. From the beginning, OMS Lubritek was built on the principle that people need time away from work as well as commitment while they are at work. The business operates in demanding industrial environments where customer responsiveness is essential, but there is also a clear respect for personal time and wellbeing.
The conversation explores the challenge many business owners face when trying to switch off. Jamie acknowledges that work and personal life often overlap, particularly when
customers need support. However, having a trusted team and a supportive culture helps create balance.
Rather than following someone else’s definition of work-life balance, the focus is on finding
an approach that works for the individual.
Curiosity as a Competitive Advantage
Perhaps one of Jamie’s greatest strengths is his curiosity.
Throughout his career he has spent time learning from engineers, chemists, technicians and industry specialists. Whether understanding lubricant chemistry, manufacturing processes or
reliability engineering, he consistently looks for opportunities to learn more.
That curiosity has helped him identify opportunities, solve customer challenges and develop
new products and services. It has also allowed him to remain adaptable as industries evolve.
In a world where technical knowledge can quickly become outdated, the willingness to keep
learning may be one of the most valuable advantages any professional can possess.
Supporting Others Beyond Business
The conversation also highlights Jamie’s commitment to causes outside of work.
From fundraising for a family friend seeking specialist medical treatment to running the
Great North Run in support of Andy’s Man Club, he is using personal challenges to support
important causes. The discussion around men’s mental health is particularly relevant within industries that remain heavily male dominated.
Rather than focusing solely on crisis intervention, Jamie highlights the value of creating
spaces where men can simply talk, connect and support one another. It is a reminder that
wellbeing is not separate from business. Healthy people contribute to healthy organisations.
Looking Ahead: The Next Decade
As OMS Lubritek approaches its tenth anniversary, the focus is firmly on growth and
innovation.
The business continues to develop specialist lubricant technologies while exploring
opportunities in sectors beyond plastics, including power generation and marine applications. Investment in people, technical partnerships and product development remains central to the
strategy.
At the same time, the company continues to build on the principles that helped it succeed in
the first place: technical expertise, customer education and a commitment to solving real- world problems.
For Jamie, the next decade is about scaling those strengths while continuing to challenge
conventional thinking.
Final Thoughts
What stands out most from this conversation is not a particular product, technology or
business strategy. It is the mindset behind them. Curiosity. Courage. A willingness to learn. A desire to solve problems. These qualities have shaped Jamie’s career from apprentice engineer to business owner and continue to drive OMS Lubritek forward today.
His story serves as a reminder that successful businesses are rarely built on products alone.
They are built on people who care enough to keep asking questions, keep learning and keep looking for better ways to help their customers succeed.
Listen now via Beyond The Blend. Links below:
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/e9WvJPfq
Apple: https://lnkd.in/eB-pQH77
YouTube: https://lnkd.in/e3NnKhWH
