Sponsor Spotlight: Gary Cherry, Managing Director of Sealtite Group
A Dartford fan for close to half a century, Gary Cherry is the Managing Director of Sealtite Group, a much-valued sponsor of DFC. Here we provide a window into his football and business world!
From the window glazing in the club shop and Champions Bar, to a 10-year stand sponsorship deal, Dartford fans don’t have to look far to witness the Sealtite Group effect at the club.
Founder Gary Cherry has run his thriving multi-million-pound business for almost as long as he’s been a Darts supporter himself – and it’s a partnership that continues to go from strength-to-strength.
He said: “I grew up really close to the ground when it was at Watling St, the floodlights used to light up my bedroom. I’d go out and listen to the crowds and when we were kids we’d sneak into the ground at half-time!
“So, I guess you could say I’ve had a close affinity to Dartford my whole life.”
Away from Dartford, football has always played a major role in Gary’s life. He played for Stones 77 in his childhood, before giving up the game to start his business at 19. The company then formed its own team in the 90s – Sealtite FC – when he played in the Dartford and District League. When the club disbanded, Gary finished his playing career with Welsh Tavern.
However, his football connections continued. Gary joined the committee of Wilmington’s Hayden Youth Association over 20 years ago when his son started playing for them and he’s now been Chairman for 10 years, overseeing 26 teams, from Under7s to Under-21s, with a senior team and veterans’ side.
Meanwhile, Gary’s business has continued to flourish and is coming up to its 40th anniversary, with 36 employees now working for the company.
Sealtite Group consists of Sealtite Windows and Sealtite Glass. As a Group, it specialises in the design, manufacture, supply and installation of high-performance fenestration and glazing systems to the construction industry in London and all over the south.
The business covers a huge range of sectors, including commercial, education, residential and leisure, building a glowing reputation as expert fabricators and installers of quality windows, doors, curtain walling, structural glazing and bespoke glazing items.
Recent projects include The F1 Sports Park in Folkestone, a unique, curved, architectural wonder, and a new civic centre and community policing team hub, in Wiltshire.
He said: “I was 19 when I started the firm. We were a manufacturing outlet for trade to begin with, but went into doing installation and commercial contracts in the mid-90s. The business now has around 36 employees.
“We work with a multitude of contractors, from Tier 1 building contractors such as Balfour Beaty, and the regional builders such as Neilcott Construction based out of Orpington.”
Gary’s Dartford journey has always run in tandem with his other football and business obligations.
His sons have been mascots for Dartford when they were young, some 22 years ago, and the bug for Dartford has certainly stuck with his middle son Ollie who follows the Darts home and away. Meanwhile, Gary soon joined the Patron’s Club under Bill Archer, becoming more involved when the Darts moved to Princes Park.
He continued: “I started assisting with any glazing or doors, or anything I could help with. The last thing I did was the club shop. I was delighted to be able to sponsor the West Stand – now known as the Sealtite Stand.
“I’m an Arsenal season ticket holder, but I get to as many of the Dartford matches as I can get to.
“The games that stand out over the years include playing Luton and Wrexham away when we were in the National League and Bradford away in the FA Cup. Luton away was a great day, we got the 2-0 win and we made a fantastic atmosphere signing so loud.”
Fast forward a few years and Gary is excited about the latest offerings at Princes Park.
He added: “We got a bit despondent a few years back not seeing any youth players coming through. We were big Tony Burman fans, so there were some difficult years after this.
“But now, watching the likes of Olly playing well and George, and a manager that has got a good tactical knowledge, it’s great to see.
“He has the team playing some exciting football. There were fans that wanted instant success, but that doesn’t happen. Football and business are very similar. You have to build success. It doesn’t come overnight.”
A huge thanks to Gary and Sealtite Group for their continued support!
For more information on Sealtite Group, check out their website sealtitegroup.co.uk
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