Gavin Drake (Sales Director), Erika Dobie (Business Development Manager)
and Alan Wilson (CEO). Erika receiving her 20 Year Service award.
In 2002, Newcastle United signed young superstar Jermaine Jenas, Tore Andre Flo (remember him?!) joined Sunderland, but by FAR the best signing that season was Erika Dobie for Canford!
It's hard to believe, but Erika has been with Canford for twenty years.
'Is that all it is? It feels like a lot longer than that', smirked Gavin Drake, Director of Sales.
Our customers know Erika as the UK Business Development Manager for Canford, the wider industry knows her as a key part of Canford's dedicated exhibition team (or as one of the UK’s leading experts on Green-GO), but we know her as one of the major driving forces behind Canford's success over the last twenty years.
Gavin Drake continued: 'It has been an absolute pleasure working with Erika for the last 20 years and watching her transition into the excellent Business Development Manager she has become. I know that colleagues and customers alike will all agree that she combines an unrivalled level of expertise and professionalism, with a charm and personality that makes her one of the most respected and liked individuals in the industry. I think it's fair to say that we couldn’t do it without her'.
'Twenty years doesn't seem possible', said Erika, 'I can recall the day of my interview and the way that the job was offered to me: "How long will it take you to learn Geordie?..." [She's picked up a few choice words since then].
Erika started out in the Quotes Department before becoming a Key Account Manager. This involved some out of office travel and Erika really enjoyed this aspect of the role; meeting with key customers and clients out in the field.
'I then applied for the Business Development Manager job, which is a full-fledged field sales role, and I've never looked back'.
'It was a big move for me twenty years ago', continued Erika, 'I grew up in a small village near Bedford in the middle of the country, it was scary at first, but I have since fallen in love with the North East. We are so lucky here to have a beautiful coastline, vibrant city centres and, of course, Canford. Canford isn’t just my profession, it’s a way of life, and my commitment and dedication to the role comes naturally; I want the company to succeed, and to exceed all expectations. I am lucky enough to work with a hugely supportive team of people and I couldn’t do my job without them. Here’s to the next 20 years…!'
We'll leave you with the words of Alan Wilson, CEO, who had this to say about Erika (and whose sentiments we all echo): 'I'm absolutely thrilled to be able to present this award today. Dedicated employees, like Erika, are the foundation of any successful company. Customer service is at the forefront of what we do here at Canford and Erika lives and breathes this every single day. Thank you for the many years of service, and I hope there are many more to come'.
For those attending PLASA and IBC in September, be sure to come and congratulate Erika in person. You never know, we might even get her to speak a little Geordie.