A spotlight on our Sales Manager: Darren Hughes

We are incredibly lucky to have such an amazing team here at Waterlodge so much so, that we feel we should be shining the light on each member. This month we want to introduce you Darren Hughes, our Sales Manager, who is full of great ideas and years of industry experience, allowing him to ensure customers get their dream bespoke Waterlodge. We asked him a set of questions to get to know him better.

What is your role at Waterlodge?

Darren couldn’t wait to join father-in-law, Ian Watkins – Director of Waterlodge UK, in the exciting business he is building turning people’s dreams of owning a luxury floating home into reality.

“I am the Sales Manager for Waterlodge UK and I am most likely the customers first point of contact. Whether that be by phone enquiry, by email enquiry via our website or by viewing face to face. My day to day would be answering all customer enquiries regarding all things Waterlodge. Pricing, designing, colour schemes, layouts, mooring locations, preloved markets to name a few.”

What’s your favourite aspect about your job?

Darren explains, “I have two favourite things! I love meeting and getting to know new people. I love hearing about the scenarios as to why people are looking to live by the water. I also enjoy the process of being on the Waterlodge journey with the customer; going from concept to building the bespoke Waterlodge and then delivering the finished product.

“Watching the look on the customers faces once they are onboard their dream Waterlodge is extremely rewarding! It’s such a great feeling to make something the customer felt was a pipe dream and turn it into a reality for them!”

What made you want to go into the marine industry?

Darren’s father-in-law, Ian, was the reason he wanted to join the marine industry.

“His concept for living on the water and creating a product that anyone could enjoy without any experience of boating was infectious. Then once I saw some of the Waterlodges in the flesh I was hooked!”

Getting to know Darren Hughes…

In his free time, Darren enjoys spending time with family, especially his son who turned two years old in May. If he’s not spending time with his family, he enjoys walking his golden retriever, Honey, in the New Forest or watching his favourite film, Lord of the Rings! His favourite holiday destination is St Lucia after spending his honeymoon there.

“My wife and I went to St Lucia on our honeymoon, and it really was the perfect holiday. Clear blue sea and gorgeous white sand. I would go back in a heartbeat! I wonder how much it would be to take a Waterlodge over there?”

What has been your biggest achievement?

Darren answers, “My son Harry. He has complex needs and is disabled. He was born with a rare genetic neuromuscular condition causing progressive muscle wasting. He was given life saving treatment and had he not received the treatment he would not be with us today. He proves to me every day the true meaning of grit, determination and soldiering on against all odds!”

We are so grateful to have Darren in our team and there really is nothing he wouldn’t do for our customers, so they can turn their dream of life on water into a reality. To learn more about our team, head to our website, and if you are interested in a Waterlodge, please get in touch, we’d love to help.