Sent to Coventry: 45 years of Joyce Kettell

Joyce Kettell joined the business all the way back in April 1976. Now in her 46th year as a Wolseley colleague, we caught up with Joyce to discover the secret to her amazing longevity, and to learn more about what life has really been like serving the good people of Coventry and being the face of our business in the area for such an extraordinarily long time. 

The Deputy Branch Manager told us: “I really can’t believe it’s been 45 years – it only feels like 25! I’ve always taken real pride in working for a such a large, well-known company, and that’s a big reason why I’ve stayed for so long. That and the fact that I genuinely really do enjoy my job! 

“I enjoy keeping everything organised in branch, and of course, you get to know the regular customers really well over the years, so it’s always nice when you’ve built up relationships with them and you’re able to chat to them regularly. I think it’s good for customers to see a familiar face when they come into branch.” 

"I’ve always taken real pride in working for a such a large, well-known company, and that’s a big reason why I’ve stayed for so long. That and the fact that I genuinely really do enjoy my job!"

Joyce also revealed that the best piece of advice she ever received came early in her career, and that was to simply ‘keep your nose clean and your head down, and try and learn something new every day’. That simple yet effective mantra has stood her in great stead, and that experience and know-how has rubbed off on those around her. 

One of those is her Branch Manager John Hall, who told us: “Joyce is loved by all members of the staff in branch and customers who she has dealt with for years. She is an amazing woman and still works circles around everyone. She’s forgotten more than the rest of us know put together and still has amazing enthusiasm for the work she does. She’s in at 5:30 every morning, has an infectious laugh and the customers absolutely love her banter, both over the phone and on counter. She really is the backbone of the branch!” 

And to think she grew up wanting to be a policewoman! We’re delighted to say that West Midlands Police’s loss has most definitely been Wolseley’s gain. Still, she was a force in other ways during her youth, winning the West Midlands Judo Championship as a youngster – one of her proudest achievements to date. 

These days, she’s less interested in physically overpowering opponents, preferring instead to unwind by walking her dogs, socialising with friends, or getting buried in a good book! And what’s more, Joyce has been showered with gifts to help her celebrate this latest landmark anniversary in style, having received a bouquet of flowers from the Leadership Team, plus some chocolates and a nice bottle of Baileys from her colleagues. 

And we’re sure you’ll agree that she deserves every bit of that recognition and all that comes with it. Thank you and congratulations to Joyce on a truly stellar career to date – 45 years and counting! 
 

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