Glenda signs off after 54 years in post

It was an emotional day at our Kingswinford offices today as Glenda Barratt called time on a Totalkare career stretching back more than 54 years, with colleagues past and present gathered to wish her well in her retirement.

Glenda’s Totalkare story began in 1967 when she joined Somers Vehicle Lifts, as the company was then known, as an Administrator at the tender age of 18. Back then, Glenda particularly enjoyed typing – and still does to this day.  As the company progressed, so did Glenda’s career as she established herself as a key figure at Totalkare, spending time working across several departments in a variety of roles from Sales Office Manager through to working in Purchasing and Accounts departments.

WHAT OVER HALF A CENTURY WORTH OF CHANGE LOOKS LIKE:

Over the years there have been many changes to the business and Glenda has been here to witness it all! She has seen a management buyout, company name change, a full business rebrand and, in recent years, the rapid expansion and broadening of Totalkare’s product range. But most importantly, she was around to witness the manufacture of the company’s first mobile column lift models, which have been the cornerstone of Totalkare’s business for many years until its recent portfolio diversification.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS’ SERVICE…

Totalkare celebrated Glenda’s ‘Golden Jubilee’ December 2017 and rewarded her with an all-expenses-paid 12-night Iberian Cruise with spending money for the trip and even a chauffeur-driven transfer experience. It was just reward for serving the company with distinction for such an impressive length of time.

SO, WHAT OF THE FUTURE?                 

Glenda has a wide range of plans for her retirement, but her immediate (well deserved) plans involve “relaxing big time!” Longer term, she is planning on joining the gym to keep active and explore the idea of doing some voluntary work.

CELEBRATING 54 YEARS

In celebration of Glenda’s retirement, Totalkare hosted a surprise Fun Day at their head office. Staff from all over the country came to celebrate Glenda’s special day. The day was filled with laughter, reminiscing good times, lots of fun and of course amazing food.

VALUING COMMITMENT

Totalkare’s CEO David Hall shared a few words on Glenda’s retirement and impressive service with Totalkare: “I am struggling a little to sum up the 54 years, 4 months, and 14 days that Glenda has been with Totalkare as the magnitude of this length of service is unparalleled and is unlikely to ever be exceeded.  I can’t imagine the changes that she has seen in how we work and wonder at how she has adapted to all of the twists and turns that have happened.  Through it all Glenda has been a rock, someone that we could all rely on, someone that always got the job done with a smile on her face.”

“We will miss you, Glenda.  You leave a hole that can never be filled.”