For this week’s edition of our team I managed to have a chat with Terri, who has been with Gardinia since January 2019.
So, to start things off how long have you worked at Gardinia?
About 18 months now.
How did you get the job at Gardinia?
I have known the Foster family for about 30 years having gone to school with Dawn & Michelle, Dawn is god mother to my daughter. I was looking for a change in my work life after being self employed for 10 years and the timing just worked nicely.
Do you enjoy your job, or would you sooner do something else?
I do enjoy my job; I would trade for sipping cocktails on a beach somewhere though………
What is your day to day like at Gardinia?
My day is always varied, my 1st role is running the service diary and making appointments. I am also usually the first point of contact when customers telephone the office so that can be anything from a new enquiry for windows & doors, to a replacement part, customers paying? You never know who is at the end of the call. Also, in the showroom, who will be in next and with what enquiry.
What is your favourite part of your job?
I love the variety, no two days are the same, there’s no time to be bored. We also have some real character customers.
Your favourite Gardinia product range and why?
I don’t have any one product because I do love how many options there are for replacement windows & doors. There is so much more choice from the white UPVC casement windows everyone used to buy, there are sliding sash, flush fitting, mechanical joints, all the colour & texture options? So much variety. With the doors UPVC, composite, Aluminium, timber, sliding doors, Bi Fold….
What did you do before Gardinia?
Prior to working for Gardinia I had been a homebased childcare provider for 10 years, it was a wonderful job whilst I had children of a young age but as they got older the needs of my own family changed and I made a very difficult decision to wind down my business. I worked with some lovely families over the years and I have great memories of this time.
What would you say is the best business decision you have made?
Giving up self-employment before Covid-19.
Funniest memory of event which happened here at Gardinia?
Now this is a hard one as most days we find something to have a good giggle about. There are some very funny people within this building, even if some of them don’t know it 😊
Who was your most difficult client and how did you win them over?
We are fortunate really, we don’t get many difficult ones, I think it helps that the products come with a good warranty which we honour, if anyone does have a problem we get out and sort it for them.
Who was your most memorable client?
The lady who wanted a purple front door to match her walking frame! She was fabulous! I also love the ‘domestic disagreements’ we sometimes get in the showroom, usually over what colour door to choose, its not often the husbands win.
If you had to choose a favourite hobby what would it be?
Socializing.
Favourite movie of all time?
Anything with Matt Damon in.
Name your favourite cuisine?
I love spicy food; I actually cook a quite decent curry.
Favourite place to go on holiday?
If there is sun and a pool, I’d go anywhere but we usually choose Spain.
Beer or Wine?
Wine
How do you unwind?
See above answer……
Do you have a personal philosophy?
Treat people as you would like to be treated.
Three things people would be surprised to know about you?
- I didn’t learn to swim till I was 25!
- I have a huge fear of expanding foam (I know it’s a strange one)
- I think pineapple on pizza should be made illegal! (the editor of this blog does not approve of this one!)
Greatest personal achievement?
My children.
Who has influenced you the most?
My Grandma was a huge part of my life growing up, she was such a kind person, until you mis behaved and then you would be in big trouble.
And finally, the most important question… Tea or Coffee?
Tea!! (the editor does however approve of this one!)
