After 40 years of incredible service and dedication, the family at Eric Stead MG are saying goodbye to a much loved member of the team, Elaine, as she retires today.
Beginning her journey in the motor industry delivering parts to Eric Stead, Elaine quickly became a much-loved and recognised face around the dealership and a legend in the local motor trade, and when the garage she worked for closed, Eric Stead offered her a position.
Since working in the parts department in 1984, Elaine has become an important member of the Eric Stead team and family, watching the children, grandchildren & great grandchildren of the late Eric Stead grow up in the workplace she loves.
“I used to go all over the place and Eric Stead was one of the people I used to deliver parts to. So, Eric said to me, you can come and work here!”
When speaking to Elaine about her fondest memories of working at the dealership, she was quick to recount stories of the good old days, delivering parts in the now also retired Mini Pickup, which sits on display in the showroom to this day. Of course, processes for parts were much different when Elaine was delivering in the Mini, mentioning the numerous books and catalogues she used to present to customers. “That’s all gone computerised, hasn’t it? When I first started, you had to look for the part numbers – now you just click a switch, and it all comes up.”
With four decades of experience under her belt, Elaine leaves behind a simple but powerful piece of advice for the upcoming generation entering the workforce, “Enjoy whatever you’re doing and be happy”. It’s a philosophy she has lived by every day on the job.
There is no doubt Elaine will be missed by the entire team as she retires and prepares for her upcoming holidays in Tenerife and Lanzarote later this year. “I’d like to thank Trevor and Ian for their friendship and kindness over the many years, life will never be same. I’m going to miss it very, very much.”
Congratulations on a remarkable career, Elaine!
