By Business & Finance 
Elavon Ireland country manager Eric Horgan takes the Business & Finance 60-second challenge.
Q. What was your first job?
I was a greenkeeper. It’s the best job in the world when the sun is shining – not great when it’s raining!
Q. What would you regard as your greatest achievement to date?
It has to be my family and my four kids. Sporting wise: playing for the Dublin seniors.
Q. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
It’s all about the planning. This was the mantra of a former boss. Time spent planning is time well spent.
Q. If you could step into the shoes of one businessperson for the day, who would it be and why?
One of the Collison brothers (founders of Stripe). They’ve done so much in such a short space of time to change the industry I work in – and they are so young.
Q. In three words or less, how do you define success?
Happy, healthy, motivated.
Q. How do you motivate yourself and your staff?
I like to really involve people in shaping the strategy, by giving them a clear part to play and the space to deliver their part.
Q. How do you relax?
I try to go to the gym twice a week and I love watching the kids play sports.
Q. What’s your motto?
Stay curious and keep learning.
Q. What are your aspirations for the future of your business?
To retain our position as the leading payments provider in Ireland.
I like to really involve people in shaping the strategy, by giving them a clear part to play and the space to deliver their part
ELAVON EVOLUTION
Eric Horgan is has over 14 years’ experience in the payments industry and is currently a member of Elavon’s senior leadership team in Europe with responsibility for the Irish business.
He is a specialist in ecommerce, strategy, product development and management, as well as programme delivery.
Elavon entered Ireland nearly 15 years ago as euroConex, rebranding in 2008 as Elavon.
Its customers range from multinational corporates to independent traders, serviced from two locations in Dublin and Arklow, employing 400 Irish-based colleagues at these sites.
