eKourier Oct 2011

8 Questions... With Lee Porcelli

Lynda Walsh), the experience was much easier than I originally anticipated. The new building and systems make the work experience a very positive one and allow you to devote maximum attention to customers and sales. We understand that over the years you have had quite a few trips to Africa, can you tell us of your experiences there? My family relocated to South Africa approximately 15 years ago, when my sister married a South African. My sister and her late husband became one of South Africa’s leading furniture manufacturers. My parents have also been operating very successful, award winning Italian seafood/Australian fusion restaurants during their time there. I’ve travelled to South Africa on many occasions and Kristine and I were married there, on my family’s property in Zululand, where we had traditional Zulu celebrations as part of our ceremony, which was fantastic. We’ve been on safari many times, but never tire of this, as each experience is always different, unpredictable and thrilling in its own way.

memorabilia – such as old tin signs and pre-1930’s tin model cars, as well as mid-late 20th Century Australian art. My wife, Kristine, also shares my collecting enthusiasm and in our spare time, we like nothing better than finding items to add to our collections or to sell in our business. We live in a late Victorian traditional mountains home with remnants of the original garden – we love decorating our home and working in the garden, when time and weather permits. We have a dog called Charlie, a cat and a singing canary. Can you recall over the years, what centres you have worked at, in the order that they came about? Facilities I’ve worked at, in order, are Waterloo, Ultimo, Camperdown (Miller’s site), Tempe, Parramatta and currently Penrith. If you had to sum up Kennards Self Storage as a Team Member, what would you say? Overall, it’s a positive experience even during the tough times, such as the acquisition period, which was eased considerably with the leadership of team members such as Darren Marshall. I feel free to offer my opinions and ideas which are always taken on board by my fellow Managers and Supervisors. Also, the ongoing in-house training offered by Kennards has prepared me for any customer service situations which may arise. Over your 20 years with Kennards, what major changes have you seen?

Tell us about yourself? I have been working in the Self Storage industry for over 25 years,

commencing at Millers Self Storage and

continuing with Kennards after the acquisition of Millers. During this time, I have

owned several Antique businesses, whilst continuing to work in Self Storage on a permanent part-time basis. Previous to this, I worked for many years in the retail industry. I am passionate about antiques and old wares, as well as sports, in particular motor racing. Tell us about your Antique Business? My wife and I relocated to Blackheath 4 years ago to operate our Antique business in the Victory Theatre Antique Centre, which we’ve now had for around 6 years. Prior to that, I’ve operated businesses out of Antique Centres all over Sydney. Having been with Kennards for over 20 years now, what can you tell us about your time with Kennards and your experiences? During this time, I’ve seen phenomenal growth within the operation of the Self Storage industry, particularly in regard to technology and a major shift in focus to customer services which creates a more seamless and friendlier experience for our customers. I’ve also been fortunate to have always worked with great fellow Team Members, some of whom I’ve formed lifelong friendships with. What is your role with Kennards and what centre are you currently at? I’m Assistant Manager at our new Penrith facility which opened earlier this year. Tell us about your hobbies and family? Apart from my interest in motor sport, I’m also interested in furniture restoration. I collect early Australian motoring

Definitely, improvements in technology, with a major emphasis shift to customer

satisfaction within a competitive market.

Explain your experience being involved with the recent opening of the property at Penrith? Due to the procedural documentation in place and Head Office support (and, of course, working with Nick Bachtis and

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Kennards Kourier Oct 2011