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A Chat with Charlene Hall
Published Thursday 16 November 2017
What started off as a Christmas job in 2000 has turned into a business venture for Charlene Hall, who is now the Director of Croydon Wholesalers. We found out what makes this savvy woman tick.
Life story and experiences
Where are you originally from?
I am a westie through and through. Grew up in Te Atatu North or Peninsula as we know it now. Went to Rutherford High School. I enjoyed the social aspect of school but was certainly not academic, I left Rutherford at the end of 5th Form. Te Atatu was a great place to grow up, a real community feel.
What’s your current position and how long have you been in this role?
I am a Director at Croydon Wholesalers. I also do all the accounts and sell cars, so basically I run this show, alongside Glenn Hall. I started working here in 2000 before purchasing the business.
How did you end up working in the motor industry?
It was never in my plans to end up in the car industry. I had just started my own marketing business when I was asked if I could fill in at Christmas time selling cars. I knew nothing about cars except where to put the petrol so it was a real learning curve for me. I carried on working here as a part time salesperson, whilst juggling my own business. Eventually I had to make the choice to sell my business and work for Croydon’s full time. When the previous owner decided to sell up - we purchased it.
What would you say most motivates you to do what you do? What are the goals you most want to accomplish in your work?
Let’s be honest here, financial gain is what motivates us. I certainly wouldn’t be here with a big lotto win under my belt. We also have a great team of people who are more like family here so seeing them succeed is important. The biggest goal would be to have time to spend with family and friends and the choice to take that time when I want, knowing the yard will tick along nicely without supervision.
Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in and what you’re committed to in your work and life?
I didn’t recognise it at the time but would have to say my boss Tania Mitchell was definitely an inspiration to me. She believed in me to take me under her wing and teach me sales and marketing. Also my father was my biggest cheerleader and helped me with starting my own business many years ago.
Reflections and lessons
What are the lessons you would like to share with anyone who is looking at joining the motor industry?
Back when I first started in the Motor Industry sales were plentiful and there wasn’t the competition we have now. You have to be really committed and be prepared to put in the hard yards. It is definitely not the get rich quick scheme people think it is.
If you could do anything over again - what would you do and why?
I would definitely have listened to my parents and got an education, but in what exactly - I have no idea. I am guessing cars would not of been high on my agenda.
What skills are required in this industry?
The biggest skill would be listening - people buying cars often don’t know what sort of car they want but they have in mind what that car needs to do for them. So understanding their needs is really important.
Where do you see the future of the industry?
It’s an industry that is always changing with new regulations which makes it exciting and sometimes frustrating. It’ll be interesting to watch the development with electric vehicles and how this will change the import market.
What’s next for you in your work and are you looking forward to?
I think just work hard for a little longer and then sit back pour a glass of wine and enjoy the rewards from being in 7 day retail.