We’re putting the spotlight on key women who are instrumental in keeping everything in order and running smoothly at Unity Group. A unified team with clear objectives.

BEGINNING WITH KAREN

Karen is Unity Door’s Sales Office Manager. Last week we had the chance to catch up with her, to find out more about her role, and the challenges and highlights of her working day.

This is her ‘Day in the Life.’

HOW DOES YOUR DAY TEND TO START?

‘No two days are the same to be honest, but usually I start with addressing the many emails which land in my inbox somehow magically overnight! I start with prioritising all of those.’

WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE ACTUALLY ENTAIL?

‘Anything, and everything, haha. No, in all seriousness it’s ell-encompassing; from managing the office team and ensuring client orders are being dealt with timely, to resolving any production issues we might have. I could be sorting a quote for a customer one moment, and then smoothing out any queries the next, like what furniture requirements are required on a door to helping customers design their own via our website.’

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE YOUR KEY STRENGTHS?

‘I’m passionate about what I do, and I’m very determined. I think those skills have helped shape my career and my successes to date. I’ve worked my way up, taking ownership of any role and have seen myself promoted thanks to a mix of determination, motivation and pure hard work.

Patience and passion are things I’m often commended for, and given the fact I have raised two boys (grown now thankfully) with a husband who works away 5 days a week, both those things are definitely needed!’

BEST CLIENT?

All of them! 😉 I would have to say it’s always an enormous pleasure working with Steve Myers at Practical Doors and Stuart Benn at Archer Windows, they are always really patient and understanding but I deal with many customers on a daily basis who are all great to work with.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS?

It’s fast paced, but I like that, it keeps me on the ball and motivated, and I work with a supportive team which helps!

Something which I find particularly rewarding is seeing a project through to completion. What I mean by that is being involved in the entire life span of a project, as this doesn’t happen often. To be able to work on an initial enquiry through to the processing and creation of the door/doors, through to installation and beyond – that’s really satisfying. Well if it all goes well that is!

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?

Yes, well given it’s Women in Construction Week, I’d like to give some recognition to my team. I wouldn’t get through my day without the other women in my office, Sam, Sylwia and Nicola who all work extremely hard on a daily basis to ensure the office runs as smoothly as it does.

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT KAREN…

As well as doing all of this, here are some things which we find amazing that she’s also achieved. Why is it that so many women in business hide their light under a bushel. We couldn’t not share these wonderful life highlights.

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE THAT YOU’RE PROUD OF?

Walked to the top of Snowden

Up until 2 years ago was doing full contact boxing; including a charity match!

Married for 18 years! 🙂 and being a mum to two lovely grown boys!

And of course the success I’ve had in my role as Sales Office Manager at Unity Doors

THANKS FOR YOUR TIME KAREN, WE REALLY APPRECIATE IT, AND HOW YOU CONTINUE TO CHAMPION GENDER EQUALITY IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY!

UP NEXT LOUISE (Bottom left)

We introduced Louise earlier in the week, and we will be catching up with her before the week is out to find out more about what she does in her role as JCK office manager.

WE ALSO HAVE A NEW ‘WOMAN IN CONSTRUCTION’ TO PRESENT…  IN OUR OFFICE

Nina Murray… more about our latest recruit very soon. Keep coming back for updates and don’t forget to follow us on social too:

Linkedin

Twitter

Until the next time, continue to enjoy Women in Construction Week and support the achievements of the women around you in business #choosetochallenge

Find out more about WICW2021 here.