Please could you tell us about your start at Acorn?
Originally, about 10 years ago, I worked on the production line in the Steeton factory. I did a few sections on the production line before moving onto a night shift. I did that for about a year but started to feel like a zombie.
I always had the goal to be an Installer so I thought I’d apply for the production team to get my foot in the door. As I didn’t have any specific installation experience, I ended up leaving to get a bit more experience in installation and engineering. During this time I worked in London, installing cladding for under the train arches and then, back in Yorkshire, for a fabrication company fitting fire exits for warehouses.
With a few years under my belt I applied for an Installation Engineer position at Acorn. I’m a joiner (carpenter) by trade and in the interview I mentioned that I recently installed a kitchen for a friend, showed the hiring managers a few photos and they seemed impressed. My main aim was to make a good living, which is what I’ve managed to do during the three years that I’ve been here now.
What have the progression opportunities been like at Acorn?
I started off by installing straight stairlifts. At first, as with any job, I struggled to get to grips with it. Once you have a routine it becomes second nature and I managed to get my installation time to under an hour plus demonstration time.
The straight system is not as complex as the curved, but the training period is really strong, so there’s plenty of time to get a grip on it. I’ve recently progressed onto curved installations to challenge myself a bit further. I’m still finding my way but I’m really enjoying it.
What does an average day/week look like for you?
Before I set off on a Monday, I do my van inspections and check my first job information. I could be travelling anywhere in the UK so I make sure to provide my customers with an ETA if they’ve requested one.
Once I’ve completed the installation, I make sure to fill my paperwork out and provide my customers with a full demonstration. I like to spend 10 to 15 minutes after the installation to speak with them because you never know what type of week they’ve had and I might be the only person they speak with that day. They might appreciate it, they might not, but thankfully I keep receiving positive feedback, especially on TrustPilot. We have an award scheme in the Installations department, encouraging us to achieve the highest number of positive reviews. I’ve won this a few times and even managed to take my wife to Paris for her 40th birthday with the vouchers I won!
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I would definitely say the customer satisfaction that comes after every installation.
When I first went out on my own after training, one of my first customers was stuck upstairs in her home for about nine months. After I installed her stairlift and gave the demonstration, the customer set off on her journey and started crying, which I wasn’t expecting. Having the stairlift meant so much to her. I had an apple in my throat, and it was really heartwarming to see.
You don’t realise how much you’re actually changing people’s lives. That’s why I like to spend time with my customers. I never rush through an installation or demonstration as you never know what type of situation you’re going to find yourself in from day to day.
I’ve never been one for rushing, I take care and pride in the work I do. I try to put myself in their shoes. I always fit a stairlift as if it is for one of my family members.
Where is the best place you have travelled in your job?
Salisbury was really beautiful, but my favourite places to visit are Bournemouth, Southampton, Brighton… or the South Coast in general. It’s a trek to get there from my house, but once you’re there it’s amazing.
I’d never seen the White Cliffs of Dover until I started this job. I think it was the second day I was out on my own and I couldn’t believe that this was part of my job. Although I could have done without the £7.50 charge for a sausage roll for my lunch!
I’ve just put my name down to work in Germany so I’m looking forward to that.
What advice would you give somebody starting their career as an installer?
It takes time to learn the ropes. Don’t expect to be the quickest at installing on your first week out after your training period. Take your time, don’t rush into it and try not to burn yourself out too quickly.
I’d recommend building your routine up from the start and listen to the experienced installers. During your training, request to go with a couple of installers to pick up little tips and tricks from them and you’ll soon find your groove.
I’ve found one of the biggest challenges of the job is driving around unfamiliar places. It can be difficult, especially when you’re in Central London at 3pm on a Friday wanting to head back home, up north. You need to be extremely patient and you’ll get the hang of things once you have been there a few times.
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a professional dart player. I still play darts but I’m not as good as I used to be – I don’t practice as often as I’d like to because I work away. I’ve tried taking a pop-up board for the hotel room but it’s not the same.
I used to be the captain of the Yorkshire Youth team when I was younger and beat a few people who are now professionals in the sport. There was one player who was British Number One when I played, and he hadn’t been beaten for four years. My friend said: “You’ll never guess who you’ve been drawn against – only the British Number One.” I was confident and said: “Well he hasn’t met me yet!” I ended up beating him 2-1. He still remembers me when I go to tournaments and we have a laugh about it all.
What is one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out?
When my mum was pregnant with me the doctors told her that I was supposed to have spina bifida, which is a condition where there’s a hole in your spine. It was suggested that I’d have to be a wheelchair user for all of my life, but I came out running!
Quick Fire: This or That?
Tea or Coffee? – Tea. Always Yorkshire Tea.
Beach or by the pool? – Pool, but I’ve got ginger skin so when I’m on holiday, I try stay out of the sun as much as possible!
Invisibility or ability to fly? – Invisibility!
Board Games or Video Games? – Video games. My go to is FIFA. Sometimes I play as Manchester United because I’m a fan, but it’s too easy. Usually I play as one of the lower league teams. I like to start at the bottom and work my way up.
Cats or Dogs? – Dogs all day long! I have a 14-year-old Pug/Pomeranian cross called Lily and she’s adorable.