As part of Storm Procurement’s 20th anniversary, we’ve been speaking to some of the people who’ve been there from the start and helped build the business into what it is today.
Our five-part series begins with the person who created Storm Procurement: our Managing Director, Paul Alexander.
Paul has seen the business through every stage, from the early days of figuring things out to where we are now. We caught up with him to talk about how things have changed, what he’s learned along the way, and what’s kept the business moving forward.
When you look back at Storm Procurement’s early days, what stands out most compared to where the business is today?
In the early days, we were a small, hands-on team just trying to make things work, day by day. There wasn’t much structure, we were solving problems as they came and learning quickly as we went. Now, we are a far more organised and established business, with clear plans, strong systems, and a solid foundation behind us. That said, what’s important is that we’ve never lost that original drive and work ethic. We still approach things with the same determination.
What were some of the early moments that really shaped the business?
Winning our first major contract with a large mining corporation was a big turning point. It gave us not only a boost in confidence, but also credibility in the market. it showed that we could compete at that level. At the same time, we faced real challenges, particularly around cash flow and supply. Those moments forced us to be disciplined, to plan ahead, and to think more carefully about how we operated. The challenges early on were just as important as the wins in shaping how we run the business today.
How has your role changed as Storm has grown?
At the start, I was involved in everything, sales, operations, problem-solving. As the business has grown, my role has naturally shifted. Now, I spend much more time focusing on the bigger picture: setting the direction, making key decisions, and ensuring we’ve got the right people in the right roles. It’s less about doing everything myself and more about building a team that can drive the business forward.
How has running Storm changed you as a person, not just as a leader?
It’s definitely made me more patient and tougher mentally. You learn how to handle pressure and stay level-headed, whether things are going well or not. You can’t get too carried away by the highs or lows. I’ve also learned the importance of listening, taking on different perspectives and trusting the people around me to do their jobs.
What’s something Storm has taught you that you didn’t expect?
One of the biggest lessons has been just how important people are. Early on, you tend to focus on the technical side of the business, but over time you realise that having the right team makes all the difference. It’s not just about skills, it’s about attitude, trust, and how people work together. When you get that right, everything else becomes much easier.
As Storm marks its 20th anniversary, what are you most proud of?
The fact that we’ve reached 20 years in what is a tough and competitive industry is something I’m really proud of. That kind of longevity doesn’t happen by chance, it takes consistency, hard work, and the ability to adapt. I’m also proud of the team we’ve built over the years and the reputation we’ve earned with our clients and partners. That’s something that’s been built over time and means a lot.
If you were starting Storm again today, what would you do the same and what would you do differently?
I’d still focus on building strong relationships and growing the business steadily. If I were to do anything differently, it would be putting stronger systems and structure in place earlier on and being more selective about where we invest our time and resources. Those are things you learn with experience, but they can make a big difference in the long run.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of Storm?
There’s a lot to be excited about, opportunities to grow, explore new markets, and develop new partnerships. We’ve built a solid base over the past 20 years, and that gives us the confidence to take the next steps. It’s about continuing to strengthen the business while staying open to new opportunities as they come.
What does the 20-year milestone mean to you?
It’s something I’m proud of, mainly because of what’s gone into reaching it. There’s been a lot of hard work, challenges, and lessons along the way, and plenty of people have contributed to getting us here. It’s a good moment to reflect, but at the same time, the focus is still very much on what comes next.