In the latest of our series of ‘Meet the Team’ blog posts, we’ve recently interviewed our Internal Sales Manager, Amanda Shelley, who gives us the lowdown on her daily duties at Solidor and much more.
1) Name and Job Role
Amanda Shelley – Internal Sales Manager
2) How many years have you worked at Solidor?
I was headhunted and asked by Gareth to join Solidor in July 2012. Totally new to the industry at the time, (I came from a recruitment background) I’ve never looked back.
3) Which is your favourite Solidor range, and why?
My favourite door I would have to say is Windsor/Palermo. It’s a contemporary design but would look good on a traditional property too. With the ladder design to the middle of the door, it sets it apart from the other designs. Less is more with this door I think. Go totally modern with the long ES3 handle or go with the traditional handmade furniture to give it an old school look. It looks great as a table too. A couple of our customers have made this particular door into a board room table with chrome and leather black chairs around it. It looks amazing.
4) Proudest moment/ achievement at Solidor?
Proudest moment would have to be attending the G13 Awards last year and receiving the award for ‘Promotional Campaign of the Year – Retail’. It was fantastic to be a part of that. My favourite achievement so far at Solidor is having acquired a great new account this year. Established company, well known within our industry, all done from the comfort of my office chair. None of this travelling up and down the motorway for me.
5) What does an average day for you consist of at Solidor HQ?
My average day consists of dealing with any new trade enquiries received at Solidor whether directly over the phone or through the website. Making sure they receive the best possible service and they are dealt with quickly and efficiently. I also do the account managing. Making sure that we are keeping in touch with our existing customers, making sure that everything is running smoothly for them, supplying them with any sales materials they may need to maximise on their sales of the Solidor product. I also liaise with our two external sales managers on a daily basis and book in appointments for them to attend from the new trade enquiries I have received. Contrary to popular belief, my duties do not include Secretary or PA duties for the External Sales team, despite doing all of the REAL work and administration on their behalf (whilst they enjoy tea and biscuits with existing and potential new customers).
6) Hobbies and Interests:
When I’m not kicking ass with Pink Collar Boxing events and winning bouts in the ring, I enjoy walking with my two little Shih Tzu’s, Dexter and Oscar. I love watching movies. I’m a bit of an action junkie too. I love any movie with Jason Statham in it. I also enjoy spending time with my family; we have recently had a new addition, my granddaughter Isobelle Rose. She is absolutely gorgeous. I keep fit with circuit classes 4 times a week at the local boxing gym. Hard work, but I love them.
7) Which football (or other sports) team do you support?
I love football, I am a massive fan. I am also a qualified football coach. I have followed football for years. I don’t follow anyone in particular but always keep an eye out for the local teams, Port Vale and Stoke City. Every Saturday I go and watch my eldest son play football and have done that since he started playing at the age of 6. He is 23 now and plays for a local team, Leek Town. I attend all the home games and as many of the away games I can fit in around family commitments. My daughter also plays football, so, not liking football is not an option in our house, unless you are my younger son who hates it with a passion.
8) What would be your dream car?
I don’t really have a dream car if I’m honest. When I’m driving around and see a car that I like I comment on it, but don’t really get excited about it. I drive a Peugeot at the moment, so anything would be an improvement on that. There are some very nice Mercedes around at the moment and I quite like the Audi R8, so if money was no object, I would probably have something like them.
9) If you could have any celebrity or public figure purchase a Solidor composite door for their home, who would it be? And why?
Karl Pilkington – I would love him to buy one of our doors. I would like him to film it too when he purchases it and has it installed. This guy has something to say about everything. I think he would be stuck for words on this occasion. Solidor is the best door on the market and it would be funny watching him try and pick our product apart. We have great door designs, the most colour options available, some amazing furniture options, safest locking systems, lovely glass designs, the list is endless. I think even Karl would have to admit he had made the right choice in choosing a Solidor.
10) Anything you would like to add:
I would just like to say thank you to all our customers for their continued support and welcome the new ones on their amazing journey with Solidor. I feel very lucky to work for such a dynamic company and hope it continues for many years to come.
