MDN's Management Team

Operations Manager: Ollie Frost

At MDN, strong leadership is at the heart of everything we do. We believe a company’s vision and strategy are only as effective as the people driving them forward.

In this ongoing series, we’re sharing the individuals shaping our journey - exploring their careers, leadership philosophies, and vision for MDN.

Today, we’re proud to introduce our Operations Manager, Ollie Frost - a leader whose dedication and focus are instrumental in streamlining our construction operations and driving MDN forward.

About Ollie Frost

Q: Can you tell us about your career journey - where did it all begin and what brought you to MDN?

In my final year of school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do in the future. My dad, a director of an electrical contracting company, offered me a job as an electrical apprentice and I can honestly say it was the best decision I’ve ever made.

Over the years, I’ve worked my way up from an apprentice to a qualified electrician, then to a site supervisor, project manager, and finally operations manager. Each step has taught me how to interact with people, communicate effectively, and better understand different situations.

Most importantly, I wake up every day looking forward to going to work.

Q: Are there any particular projects or milestones that stand out as defining moments in your career so far?

A defining moment in my career was the management and completion of Exchange Square. It was not only one of my largest projects to date but also the first project I managed entirely on my own.

What does a typical day look like for you as Operations Manager?

A typical day in my life is busy - filled with phone calls, meetings, and doing everything I can to ensure our projects run as smoothly as possible.

Q: In five words, how would you describe your leadership style?

Reactive, accommodating, fair, approachable and knowledgeable.

Ollie's Vision for MDN

Q: What does “operational excellence” mean to you?

‘A well oiled machine’.

Q: What do you believe sets MDN apart from its competitors?

What sets us apart is our loyalty, our ability to respond immediately to any issues or problems, and - most importantly - our vision.

Q: Looking ahead, where do you see the company in 5 - 10 years?

Bigger and better. As the company grows, we need to ensure that we maintain our standards - if not raise them. I believe this is achievable with the right team behind us. I also believe we can double our turnover in the next five years, which will involve expanding into new sectors. Ultimately, my goal is to become the go-to electrical contractors inside the M25.

Business Insights

Q: What qualities do you think make someone an effective and respected manager in the construction industry?

Communication and respect are the two most important aspects - being able to speak to someone in the right way while maintaining respect at all times.

Q: What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role, and how have you worked through them?

Issues on projects are inevitable, but turning a negative into a positive is a key part of the job. Sometimes these hurdles can feel impossible to overcome, but there is always a way - and finding that “way” comes with experience. I strongly believe that you learn from your mistakes. If you can improve on it the next time around, your end product will continue to get better.

Q: How important do you believe ongoing training and development are to MDN’s long-term success?

It’s very important. The world is changing every day, and as a company we need to adapt to different people, situations and environments constantly - and training helps us do that.

Q: How do you balance efficiency and quality across multiple projects?

Choosing the right people for the task is essential. Having reliable staff who are knowledgeable not only in the electrical industry but also in the way we expect things to be done helps us maintain the highest standards. This ensures quality, longevity, and trust in our work.