A sales advisor with a leading regional builder is celebrating after clocking up 20 years’ service for the group.
Michelle Petherbridge, 48, says she loves her job and cannot thank Persimmon Homes West Wales enough for the support it has given her over the years.
The sales advisor is currently based in Bridgend at Castle Heights, which is being developed by Persimmon’s sister brand, Charles Church.
However, Michelle, from Gowerton, admits that over two decades she has worked all over the region, including Neath, Burry Port, Cardiff and Swansea.
She said: “I have met so many people over the years, and it is wonderful when I bump into them and they remember me. The passage of time is incredible as often they have older children and I remember them moving in and having their first baby.”
Michelle, who is married with three children, started out in the housing industry with Westbury Homes after leaving a local newspaper where she sold advertising space.
“I was working as a rep and went on holiday where I ended up on a sun lounger next to my then-to-be area manager. We got on really well and kept in touch and when I later told her I was not happy in my job she asked me to go in for an interview and, as they say, the rest is history.”
When Westbury was bought out by Persimmon she transferred to the group and worked full-time as a sales advisor.
“When my third child was born, he was seriously ill and spent five months in hospital, including a stay at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Persimmon was incredibly supportive and I cannot thank them enough. I came back part-time and it has worked really well over the last 10 years.
“I absolutely love my job and the fact that no two days are the same, even after 20 years, is wonderful. I am a people person and love speaking to people and finding out their stories and why they want to move. I like to build up a rapport with them and watch them buy their dream home and move in.
“It is nice that people appreciate what I do and I have a stack of thank you letters that I keep at home. One of the highlights of the past 20 years was when I sold a home to my son and his girlfriend who then got married. I hope to carry on working for Persimmon for as many years as possible.”
Sharon Robinson, sales director for Persimmon Homes West Wales, said: “Michelle is a real asset to our region. She is incredibly loyal and hard-working and always makes a wonderful impression on our customers. We cannot thank her enough for her 20 years’ service.”