eKourier Oct 2012

7 Question...

with Alan Bevan - Manager of Hastings KSS New Zealand

of years; supplying foreign affairs, trade defence and economic data. Being accredited media status with the OECD in Paris, I’m privy to embargoed pre release reports, allowing me to add my comments and point out appropriate areas of interest, before passing it on to the appropriate client. I continue to operate this business after a fulfilling day at KSS.

The past year has shown me how little I need to enjoy life. I’ve spent the time whilst waiting for the new house, renovating an old timber storage shed in my backyard. It’s now insulated, floored, lined and comfortable. It even has a cat door. What ‘man cave’ wouldn’t? I’m currently in the process of purchasing replacement ‘everything’s’, and should be in the new house by mid October. And your thoughts on KSS Culture in comparison to other companies worked for? Some companies have a practice that doesn’t match their Mission Statements, KSS demonstrates a positive goal of continual improvement, resulting in a satisfying and productive workplace, raising the customer experience accordingly. Customer Feedback “Everything was great at Belmont, one of the nicest businesses I have ever dealt with. From start to finish you could not have been more helpful. Absolute pleasure to deal with.” “I was given full information about storage. The gentleman at the Prospect office was very kind and helpful. I will definitely recommend Kennards to my friends. Thanks and good luck!” Jim from Bankstown was wonderful. His team was friendly and he made everything so easy. After spending 10 minutes with him, he is someone I can trust. I am sure he would be employee of the month!” “ Everything from book-in to leaving was just the best experience at Burleigh Junction. Being in business myself I am aware of professionalism, you buggers have it in bucket loads! Well done.” “The total overall service we received from your Port Melbourne Manager Mark was first class. It was evident he has a passion for his job and this speaks volumes for Kennards.”

What hobbies/Interests do you have outside of KSS? I’m a keen gardener and grow most of my fruit and vegetable needs.

I enjoy a large variety of music, write poetry, sing and play the harmonica. I also make home brew, a handy tool when the throat is dry from too much singing. I’m a prolific reader of history and a follower of international affairs. My political leanings are conservative and favour small unobtrusive government and low taxation. I've been a Church Deacon for 30 years and work at encouraging folk toward achieving positive outcomes. I keep in regular touch with my 2 brothers and their families. We are close friends as well as family and enjoy many outings together. I have a large fish pond and two cats, Sophie and Suzy. You know the saying ‘teach a man to fish….’ Sophie and Suzy have been taught not to! What current personal targets are you working on? In July of 2011, a spectacular house fire took care of most of my possessions and nearly me. I escaped by diving through a doorway as the house exploded into flames. What about family and pets?

Tell us about working at KSS Hastings NZ and your role there? I started managing the Hastings site in 2006, under previous ownership and was fortunate to be purchased by Kennards, along with the Hastings site in late 2007. All the NZ sites then had the pleasure of Wayne and Lynda to ease us toward the new horizon. When Andrew was engaged by the company, he took charge of our emersion in ‘orange and blue’ and the office revamps. The Hastings site sits on a main thorough- fare, which assists in box sales and walk in enquiries. The past 12 months has seen occupancy ranging between 85 and 93%. After Uni lecture halls was service in the Air Force, followed by a variety of roles with ICI and BP. Next up was a home decorating business, then orcharding. In 2001, I set up an information supply business called Global Geopolitical Intelli- gence Services, networking with interna- tional contacts built up over a number What is your work history?

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Kennards Kourier Oct 2012