Career Journey: Andy Wilford, Sales Manager
We asked Andy a few questions about his career journey so far, how he ended up at Lifehouse, and what he loves about his job. Read the full interview below!
How long have you been working at Lifehouse?
7 years in June 2022.
Tell us a little bit about how you ended up here.
After working all over the country as a singer and entertainer since I was 20, I went into sales for a Holiday Park company and progressed into management. I left to run a bar in Clacton for 2 years but decided I missed having time with my family because the hours were very unsociable. I saw this job advertised and applied. The rest is history!
Describe your usual working day.
Where do I start? If you’re talking pre-pandemic, it would be office in the morning, checking work emails, and responding to bookings for the Business Travellers, or even signing up new accounts.
Afternoons are normally filled with networking, where I will be selling the business as the face of Lifehouse. That may be a meeting room or overnight accommodation, building relationships with businesses in the area and seeing if they know of companies that may use Lifehouse.
Since the pandemic, it’s been helping every department with support if needed while still trying to do my own job as business travel slowly starts returning.
What’s your favourite thing about working at Lifehouse?
It’s just a great place to work! We are all a big family and look out for each other and care about each other’s welfare and mental health. I look forward to getting into work, seeing all those smiling faces, making a difference to our guests, and giving them the best we have to give.
What do you like most about working in this industry?
I love talking to people, getting out and about meeting new faces and hopefully welcoming them to Lifehouse for their business needs.
What makes Lifehouse different from other places you’ve worked?
It’s not cutthroat, and I think it’s great that we are an independent hotel and not a chain or multinational company so your ideas and thoughts are listened to and brought on board.
What are some new skills you have picked up since you started working here?
• Mental Health First Aider
• First Aider in the Workplace
• Pool Responder
• H&R Safety Trained to support other staff members
• Strategic Marketing (Digital Marketing) - did this during Lockdown!
What advice would you give to people applying for a job like yours?
Do it. I honestly thought that I couldn’t move from Business to Consumers Sales, to Business, to Business Sales, and the support that I have received from the owners and directors of the business over the years in just believing in me has made me who I am today. Thanks Lifehouse Family!
Feeling inspired? Check out our vacancies to find the perfect Lifehouse position for you.
