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A spotlight on our Office Manager: Katie Watkins
At Waterlodge UK, we are very fortunate to have our wonderful Office Manager, Katie Watkins, who dedicates her time to ensuring our operations are running as smooth as possible. She also supports the team out at exhibitions, such as BoatLife and Southampton International Boat Show, meeting everyone with her infectious smile! We want to shine a light on Katie and introduce you to get to know her better, so read on to find out more.
As Office Manager, what does your day to day look like?
Katie aids the Waterlodge UK team, based in Lymington in Hampshire, in ‘running a smooth operation’. She is a vital member ensuring our wonderful customers receive quality services, across many aspects of the company.
“My role is everything from customer service to accounting, to the many logistics involved of getting Waterlodges here to the UK, from across the water and to its destination with a customer. Did you know the Waterlodges pass through five countries and borders to get here!”
“My day is usually a busy one with lots of checklists and to-do lists for myself and the team.”
What’s your favourite aspect about your job?
Katie explains, “When it all goes to plan! We have had some tricky deliveries in the past and getting the shiny new Waterlodges delivered and to have an excited new owner always makes me happy.”
“It is lovely to see customers enjoying life aboard.”
What made you want to go into the marine industry?
Katie married Gareth Watkins, brother of Ian Watkins, Director of Waterlodge UK, so essentially marrying into the industry, as the family all share a love of sailing.
“My husband, Gareth, is Ian’s brother and they both grew up in the sailing world. Gareth and I used to live in Tortola, British Virgin Islands in our younger years – we lived there for 10 years. We were always boating there, and I often think Waterlodges would be perfect for island life!
“Gareth and I got married in 2008 had both our boys, Rhys and Joseph, who were born in the British Virgin Islands. We eventually decided to move home back to the New Forest in 2015.”
Getting to know Katie Watkins
In her free time Katie enjoys partaking in several activities. From going on holiday to dining out, she also enjoys watching her sons’ sport games.
Her favourite Waterlodge model is the Oasis Six. Katie explains, “I love the classic cladded look; the space is perfect for a family. We are always looking for a spare weekend to try and stay on a Waterlodge. The boys absolutely love staying on them, as do we.”
What has been your biggest achievement?
Katie answers, “I’ve thought about this a lot, and it is my family. Two lively boys (three including Gareth!) and I think I’m doing a pretty good job.”
We are delighted to have Katie onboard in our team and how she, not only supports us, but also helps support our customers turn their dream of life on the water into a reality. To learn more about Waterlodges please check out our website or please get in touch, as we would love to help you.