Meet Andrea, our Salisbury Branch Manager:
How long worked at U-Drive?
I’ve been at U-Drive for 15 years this year.
Tell us about your career progression.
In 2010, I applied for a Customer Service Representative (CSR) role at U-Drive in Salisbury because I was drawn to its family-run approach. Just a year later, in 2011, I became the branch manager. I now manage the branch and the seven team members here.
What is your team like to work with?
We work really well together as a team, everyone gets along, and we all focus on getting the job done. There’s a great sense of teamwork, and we all help each other.
What do you like most about working for U-Drive?
I really enjoy the customer service side of the job. Every day is different, and so is every customer, one might be moving house, another hiring a minibus, someone could be going abroad for a trip, or a couple might be moving in together. You never know who will walk through the door, so you have to adapt and gauge their situation. I once had a customer who was stressed and upset because they needed to hire a vehicle due to a recent bereavement, and it was important to adjust my approach to support them. Meeting people from all walks of life is something I truly enjoy.
What’s kept you at U-Drive for 15 years?
It’s the company and what it stands for, providing great customer service, having a strong support network, and creating a positive workplace culture. Head office is very understanding and flexible, and they really support our welfare. Plus, I have a fantastic team, and we all work well together.
What has your experience been like as a woman in a management role within a traditionally male-dominated industry?
I joined U-Drive with 10 years of experience and have always been a team player. Over the years, while the rental industry has traditionally been male-dominated, U-Drive has worked hard to create a more balanced environment. At U-Drive, it’s all about having the right person for the job, gender doesn’t matter, and all employees are treated equally. Personally, I’ve never faced any issues here. I’ve always felt accepted and supported by both my manager and the directors, which is incredibly important. We spend a lot of time at work, and having such a great team around us makes all the difference.
