Harold, who is the store’s oldest team member, started working at the Canberra airport store when he was 87.
In celebration of his recent 91st birthday, the Bunnings team have shared a bit about his inspiring life story.
“Harold started his career at 16 years of age as a fitting and machinery apprentice, went on to become a mechanical engineer by trade and has worked across a wide range of industries during his career – such as sales, operations, maintenance and industry safety,” a post on the Bunnings LinkedIn page read.
At 91, Harold is Bunnings’ oldest staff member. Picture: Bunnings/LinkedIn
Harold now mainly works at either the tool shop register or one of the front registers.Sign up
The 91-year-old believes the best thing about working at Bunnings is his team, saying he always appreciates how they regularly check-in with him to see how he is going.
“His favourite Bunnings memory is having over 400 team members acknowledge his birthday on Bunnings’ internal social network, and was blown away by the response and the well-wishes,” the post read.
The team at the Canberra Airport store all love Harold’s “humble nature” and “go-getter energy”, adding he is always ready to contribute to projects and tasks.
Harold also offered some advice to those considering rejoining the workforce later in life, saying his view is that you are “never to old” to work.
“He joined Bunnings when he was 87 and believes that age should never be a barrier, as you should focus on your strengths and capabilities,” the post read.
“Harold also adds that many customers, as well as his team, appreciate the experience and knowledge of older team members.”
Harold started working at Bunnings when he was 87. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz
Earlier this year, Bunnings claimed the award for Australia’s strongest brand after the chain saw an influx of customers keen to work on DIY renovation and gardening projects during Covid lockdowns.
Woolworths and Officeworks were awarded second and third place for strongest brands in a new report from Brand Finance Australia.
Its rankings are based on analysis of company’s marketing investment, familiarity, loyalty, staff satisfaction and corporate reputation.
The hardware giant was recognised for its outstanding public perception in terms of quality, innovation, value for money, loyalty and customer service.
Bunnings managing director Mike Schneider credited the team for providing friendly and helpful service every day, despite difficult circumstances.
“Even during a really challenging period for all Australians, the resilience, care and support our team have demonstrated is testament to the importance of creating a people-first culture, and why our team remains the heart of the Bunnings brand,” he said.
Source:News.com.au
