Naomi has been an integral part of the Epwin Group for over 11 years, starting as an order processor before taking on multiple roles across the Kestrel and DekBoard brands. Her journey has been one of continuous growth and learning, from earning her MBA, to taking on key leadership roles within DekBoard. In this blog we explore Naomi’s journey through DekBoard to where she is today.
What made you decide to work at DekBoard?
My journey with the Epwin Group began in 2013 as an order processor for the Kestrel brand. I went part-time in 2015 to return to education and complete a degree in Sport & Exercise Science. I graduated in 2018. After my graduation, I returned to work full-time and took on the challenge of working with DekBoard alongside my Kestrel position while pursuing my MBA, fully funded by the Epwin Group which I started in 2019.
Despite the demanding schedule and the added challenge of remote learning during the pandemic, my dedication and hard work paid off. I earned my MBA and graduated in 2022, I also secured a promotion to Product Support Manager with DekBoard in recognition of my efforts.
In October 2023 I progressed further and took on the role of Business Development Manager at DekBoard. I began liaising with park groups, parks, and end users, while also gaining an understanding and appreciation of the market and economic challenges within the industry. This information is imperative to understanding our Authorised Installer Network and reacting to customer requirements.
Now, as Commercial Manager I play a pivotal role in managing projects, supporting stakeholders, and building strong customer relationships. My MBA has equipped me with invaluable knowledge in areas ranging from ethical decision-making to financial analytics, and it has greatly enhanced my strategic thinking and communication skills.
What do you enjoy about working at DekBoard?
I particularly enjoy being involved with assisting customers, reacting to market requirements, and learning. Working for DekBoard has never been short of providing learning and development opportunities which has helped me to thrive.
DekBoard has played a major role in my career development. I’ve always enjoyed and embraced the changes that have happened in the business. This has furthered my personal and professional development by taking on key opportunities presented to me over the last 11 years.
Furthermore, in recent months, I have been invited and participated as a part of Epwin’s training academy. The experiences developed from the training, combined with shared experiences within the closer DekBoard network, and exchanging the journeys with others in the Epwin Academy training sessions, have enhanced the learning experience with the company.
What does your role involve or what could a typical day at DekBoard look like for you?
It’s still early days, so I’m figuring that bit out, but my key focus area will be the Authorised Installer Network. This includes administrative tasks, phone conversations, fact-finding and research, and supporting Key Stakeholders and processes within the business.
I’ll research to gain potential new business opportunities, reviewing and developing operational processes to improve performance and maximise growth.
In addition to the administration side, I will still be involved with sales so staying aware of the latest trends and market developments will be key in defining my role from a variety of perspectives.
Since joining DekBoard 11 years ago, what changes have you seen in the business?
The business has a whole is changing in a very positive way – enhancing relationships with our customers and widening our product range based on customer feedback.
The foundation for our success has always been driven by our customers and a fantastic network of key stakeholders to implement feedback and react to customer requirements while supporting our Authorised Installer Network through difficult economic times.
Personally, being on the road over the past year has allowed me to build on key relationships with customers by sharing similar experiences.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to spend time with my family and friends, and I am currently trying to complete some tough ongoing home projects. For downtime, I enjoy walking my two dogs, learning, reading, gardening, cycling, exploring & socialising. Pretty much like my day-to-day work, I like to stay busy.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
While I was doing assignments and presentations at university, my grandfather told me there are three basic rules to writing/presenting. 1. Tell the audience what you’re going to say, 2. Say it, 3. Tell them what you’ve told them. He also told me to never be afraid to take on new challenges – if you don’t already know how to do it, make sure you learn how to do it.