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Behind every successful business lies hard work, resilience, and a determination to keep moving forward. For Greenwell, that story belongs to our Chairman, Richy Turnbull – father to Directors Mark Turnbull and Julie Wood – who has dedicated his life to building opportunities, inspiring others, and never shying away from a hard day’s work.

Richy’s career began with Hilti, where his drive and energy quickly set him apart. By the age of 22, he had become their top salesman, winning a holiday to Bermuda – proof of his natural talent for building relationships and delivering results. But Richy had bigger ambitions.

He founded R Turnbull & Son, selling plant and machinery, before expanding into portacabins and pallet racking from a base on Greenwell Road in East Tullos. With Anglo Scottish Equipment, he created opportunities not just for himself, but for family and friends too – with Mark and Julie growing up in the business, often found driving forklifts at a young age. A second yard in Dundee followed, laying the foundations for what would come next.

In 1996, Mark and Julie established Greenwell Office Furniture, focusing on second-hand furniture. With Richy’s experience, contacts, and relentless work ethic, the business quickly grew. Just two years later, three additional divisions were launched: pallet racking, shelving, containers, cabins & modular buildings – the four pillars that still define Greenwell today.
Richy’s entrepreneurial spirit took the business international, sourcing pallet racking and office furniture from China in the early days, and later building partnerships in Austria and Turkey. His reputation and network remain second to none.

Now at 76 years old, Richy is still the first to roll up his sleeves – up at 5:30am to load containers at our Edzell base or heading down south to meet long-standing contacts who, over the years, have become great friends.

When he’s not in the yard tidying up at the weekend, Richy keeps his mind and body active. A keen skier, he often jokes about “working from his office on the chairlift” – where more than a few great deals have been struck!

Richy’s story is one of hard work, grit, and never standing still. He is a true grafter, an inspiration to everyone at Greenwell, and a living reminder that success comes from determination, integrity, and the willingness to keep going – no matter what age you are.