At Adnams, we pride ourselves on the dedication and passion of our team members. Today, we're excited to spotlight Josh Pope, the dynamic Store Manager of our Aldeburgh and Woodbridge locations. With a decade of experience, Josh has journeyed through various roles within Adnams, continually showcasing his commitment to excellence and customer service. Let's dive into Josh's story to learn more about his background, achievements, and his life at Adnams.
How long have you been at Adnams?
I have just passed my 10-year anniversary. I started in the Southwold store and moved to the Aldeburgh Shop. After working there for a few years (2 or 3 years I think) I moved to the Woodbridge shop as the Assistant Manager. After the lockdowns, I wanted more and got offered the management position in Aldeburgh. After being the manager in Aldeburgh for 8months or so I got offered the dual management position for both Woodbridge and Aldeburgh. Woodbridge has always been somewhere that I believe to have great potential and an exciting place for me to further develop myself.
What was life before Adnams?
I started working at the age of 16 at McDonalds. This is where I learnt a lot about customer service. At the age of 18, I moved on to an office role, as an office clerk, I didn't enjoy this role! I got asked to leave after working with this company for 8 months. The day I walked out of that building I went straight to a recruitment agency and landed a job at a new boutique hotel in Ipswich as a barman. This is where I developed my people skills and found a passion for food and drink. I was put on a lot of wine courses and loved every minute of this. After working in the hospitality industry for 8 years I met my now wife and decided hospitality wasn't quite for me anymore. I therefore went looking into what jobs I could apply my skills to and still enjoy. That’s when I found Adnams and started to work at the Southwold store, the rest is history!
What is one of the most unique challenges you've faced at Adnams?
I think getting used to a Southwold and an Aldeburgh busy Summer Saturday. Great buzz in the store but you really have to be on top of your game!
Can you describe a particularly successful day you've had since starting at Adnams?
I feel there have been a few, but one of my recent successes and probably I feel most proud about was when I took over the role as the Dual site Manager at Aldeburgh and Woodbridge. I felt proud of myself and excited that I could pass my passion on to the staff of Woodbridge. I wanted to change the store around, however, in the past, this responsibility hadn’t sat with me. When I took over the management of Woodbridge, one of the first things I started to do was draw up plans on changing the shop and giving a new lease of life. When we had our "re-launch" party it was amazing to see 80 - 100 people in the store enjoying wine, and food and chatting amongst each other.
Describe what it is like working with Adnams in three words.
Exciting, enriching and fun
If you could introduce a new themed promotion or event in the Adnams stores, what would it be and why?
I love the idea of turning the Woodbridge store, one night a month into a "secret" wine bar. I would create themes and have a lot of fun with the customers.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to join the team?
I would say go for it! Adnams are a great and understanding company that does things the right way. The people and staff you meet are great! It’s like a big old Adnams family...