Meet Kara Thomas-Ashwell, Internal Valeter

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Kara joined the team in September and has enjoyed learning the ropes and being welcomed into the Winchester Caravans family. In her spare time she likes going to the gym, chilling out with Netflix and scouring the shops for items to kit out her new home.

What does your role involve?

The workshop team carry out PDI checks on the vehicles to get them all ready for handover to the customers and then I come in and do a thorough internal clean from top to bottom to make sure everything is spic and span! While I’m cleaning I keep my eye out for anything that isn't right so that it can be rectified before the customer picks it up. 

I start with the lockers, windows and roof lights and from there, work my way from the ceiling down. I clean the cupboards, walls, beds and every surface. I clean the washroom and then the kitchen including the oven and fridge. I hoover everywhere, clean the carpets and wash the floors. I do this for both new and pre-owned caravans and motorhomes so that each and every vehicle that we sell is sparkling!

 

What is your career background?

I finished my degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies in the summer. I worked in a DIY store part time throughout my studies, starting as a cleaner and then moving into the customer services side later. I worked as a Kitchen and Bathroom Sales Assistant, before moving into a general Customer Assistant role.

 

What do you find most rewarding about your role?

The most rewarding thing is seeing the difference from start to finish. Some of the pre-owned vans come in needing a lot of attention and we always work our magic to get them absolutely sparkling and that’s a great feeling! I recently got called over during a show out as the customer was so pleased with the job we’d done and it was great to see their satisfaction!

 

What is the most challenging aspect of the role?

It is quite physical work and can be tricky with some of the tight spaces you have to squeeze into to clean! It’s very rewarding at the end though and my colleagues and I have a good giggle while we’re working too!

 

What do you consider to be the benefits of caravanning?

I think leisure vehicles are amazing and so versatile - my grandparents own a motorhome and it enables them to get away every weekend - they even take their little dog with them! If you like to be out and about, it’s ideal. You can pick the type of vehicle that suits your needs and lifestyle - it’s a home on wheels!

Why is Winchester Caravans and Motorhomes a great place to work?

The team is great! I’ve worked for a big company for the past five years and that wasn’t very rewarding at all, as I just felt like a number. Here, it’s a close-knit family business and you really feel appreciated, everyone looks out for each other and you feel looked after and supported. We all get along well and everyone cares, which is lovely.

 

Read some more staff interviews or check out our Meet the Team page!

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