Every company has people who help define its story. At Roadgrip, one name stands above the rest: Jock.
Known across our teams, our clients and the global motorsport community, Jock is our longest-serving employee and has been part of Roadgrip since the very beginning, 30 years ago.
If there’s something worth knowing about painting racetracks, grooving runways, or lining roads, Jock knows it. In fact, he’s trained most of the people who know it too. His knowledge, his standards and his attitude have shaped Roadgrip into what it is today.
From installing razor-sharp graphics for F1, MotoGP, Formula E and WEC, to mentoring new recruits on how to work safely, respectfully and professionally anywhere in the world, Jock is the definition of experience you can trust. He’s a legend on the motorsport circuit, and an integral part of our global team.
So as Roadgrip celebrates 30 years, we sat down with Jock to share a few memories from his extraordinary career.
“I spent my first couple of years stationed in Jamaica for the most part,” he recalls. “I was helping set up the team there and training the guys. That was nearly 30 years ago.”
What followed was a career that quite literally spanned the globe.
“I’ve worked across the world on runways and race tracks – Mongolia, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Europe, America. I even spent a few months with the Dagomba tribe in the Northern Region of Ghana. They were so friendly, took us out on their canoes, shared their knowledge while we worked there. Amazing people.”
The early days were a different world.
“There were times we worked by candlelight,” he laughs. “Things have changed a lot. The fleet, the tech – everything has come on miles since back then.”
Today’s Roadgrip uses robot plotters, VR systems, and advanced UHP machinery. But the mindset remains the same: workmanship, care, respect and pride.
“Roadgrip feels like a family,” Jock says. “It’s busy, but when it all works to plan it’s great. The variety, the travel, the people, the friendships – and that’s why you stay.”
Part of Jock’s role has involved training new team members, and he’s honest with them all about the demands.
“People don’t realise what’s involved. We’re the ones the clients see, so we have to set the best example. You have to respect local culture, local rules. It’s so important. The weather can be tricky, the shifts can be tough – sometimes you’re avoiding extreme heat, or rain storms, or working through the night so the airport can stay open. But with all that said, the travel is pretty special”
He regularly reminds the crews to apply their sun cream and stay hydrated under the blistering heat of Qatar, Mandalika, Abu Dhabi, Miami, Texas, Africa and the many other tropical or sun drenched locations they often find themselves.
After decades of work in hot climates, Jock has become as well known for his ‘perma-tan’ as his track markings!
Outside of work, Jock is just as full of energy. He’s a lifelong follower of the Ibiza rave scene, returning every year for well-earned downtime with the family. He’s even been known to get behind the decks himself on more than one occasion.
When he’s not painting circuits or chasing sunsets on the island, he’s cheering on Newcastle United.
After 30 years of travel, teamwork and transformative projects, Jock remains one of the most respected figures in Roadgrip, and an anchor for the next generation of our global workforce.
Here’s to the man who’s seen it all, done it all, and painted more miles of markings than anyone can count.
From all the team at Roadgrip, thank you, Jock, for 30 years of dedication, craftsmanship and heart. You are a true legend.