John Watkin
Q1: How long have you worked at Select Medical?
I’ve been here now for 17 years
Q2: What is your role at Select Medical?
My official title is Technical Sales Engineer
Q3: What does an average day look like for you?
I’m not sure I have an average day – every day is different. My role is extremely varied so one day I can be carrying out an equipment and mattress audit and the next going to a new business appointment. As I’ve been at Select Medical for many years now, I have an in-depth and technical knowledge of all the products. This means I often facilitate bespoke mattress and bed training, equipment demonstrations and offer technical advice to customers. I work across all our customer base, which means managing some key accounts, working with care homes, hospices, community equipment stores and the NHS. So, as you can see, no 2 days are alike. It’s part of the reason I love my role. You also get to meet such a diverse range of people and, having worked here so long, some are now more like friends!
Q4: Has your role changed over time? If it has, in what way?
When I started working at Select Medical it was a small business, just starting out. It was Ray (Select Medical owner) and me, working only in the service and repair of mattresses. This meant I worked on bed and mattress installations, repairs and annual servicing. Whilst today I don’t carry out many repairs, it gave me a great technical understanding that stands me in good stead for the role I do today.
Q5: In the time you’ve been at Select Medical, what is the biggest change you’ve seen across the organisation?
Things have changed massively since I’ve been here. The most obvious change is the size of the organisation and the number of employees. We’ve gone from 2 to over 30. When there’s 2 of you, naturally you cover a range of job roles…you have to! We now have experts in their field on-board to fill specific and defined roles. Obviously, as a company grows, so do their processes, policies and procedures. I think this means that overall the organisation has grown in professionalism. And this growth is ongoing!
The other big change has been the development and launch of Select Medical’s own brand labels, which have been extremely well received by our customers.
Q6: What do you most enjoy about working at Select Medical?
As I’ve already mentioned, every day is different which I enjoy. It means I get to use my experience and knowledge every day which keeps me on my toes. I also enjoy the social interaction my job entails, building relationships and maintaining them…and after many years I feel like I’ve really got to know some of the people I work with.
Q7: If you could choose 4 words to sum up why you continue to work for Select Medical, what would they be?
Diverse, Interesting, Social & Friendships
Craig Barton
Q1: How long have you worked at Select Medical?
16 years
Q2: What is your role at Select Medical?
My current role is Operations Director
Q3: What does an average day look like for you?
No average day…anything and everything! From dealing with a broken-down vehicle to developing/improving mattress systems to quoting for new business. The list goes on…even giving the odd interview!
Q4: Has your role changed over time? If it has, in what way?
When I joined, 16 years ago, I came from an engineering background. I started working in the service centre where we carried out cleaning, servicing and the repair of all kinds of pressure care systems. Although my previous experience helped, this is where I developed my knowledge and understanding of the various types of systems. I then moved on to the Service Manager role which still allowed me to be very much hands on. As the company started to grow and employ more people, I found myself in the role of Operations Manager. This meant I became more involved in the purchasing side of the business. Today, I’m the Operations Director working with a fantastic team of service centre, warehouse, engineering and purchasing staff.
Q5: In the time you’ve been at Select Medical what is the biggest change you’ve seen across the organisation?
The biggest, but not only change, has seen the number of employees increase to 30+ who now cover the length and breadth of the UK in various roles.
Q6: What do you most enjoy about working at Select Medical?
The camaraderie…working in what has become an ever-growing family.
Q7: If you could choose 4 words to sum up why you continue to work for Select Medical, what would they be?
Friendships, forever evolving, forward thinking, togetherness.
