Meet the Team - Sam

There is a new face in the PalletOnline Customer Care team, which means it is time to ask some very important questions.

Of course, we wanted to learn more about Sam’s new role, what she is looking forward to getting involved with and how she is settling into the world of logistics.

We also discovered a love of bargain shopping, an impressive amount of Harry Potter knowledge and a French Bulldog who has turned watching the world from the sofa into a full-time occupation.

Without further ado, meet Sam.

Can you tell us a little bit about your role in the Customer Care team at PalletOnline?

I chase any previous-day collections that may not have been collected and help to get them sorted.

This can involve looking into what has happened, speaking to the relevant people and making sure the collection is rearranged or progressed as quickly as possible.

I’m an adaptive member of the team and go wherever I’m needed to help out. Every day can bring something slightly different, so I’m happy to get involved wherever extra support is required.

I’ve also joined the team to take over with complaints, helping customers when something has not gone quite to plan and working towards the right resolution.

In other words, Sam has willingly volunteered to go wherever the problems are. A bold choice for someone joining the logistics industry.

What are you most looking forward to learning or getting involved with at PalletOnline?

As I’m new to logistics, I’m looking forward to learning about the whole process of transporting goods from A to B.

There is much more happening behind every collection and delivery than people might realise, so I’m excited to understand how every stage works and how the different teams and depots all fit together.

I’m also looking forward to getting to know my team members, as I spend a loooong time with them!

Luckily, the team are a fairly friendly bunch. We’ll check back with Sam once she has experienced a few busy Monday mornings.

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Friendly, caring and loud.

I always try to be approachable and supportive, whether that is with customers or other members of the team. As for the loud part, I don’t think anyone who works with me would disagree!

The good news is that customers will always feel heard. The even better news is that Sam will probably be heard too.

What does a good day outside of work usually look like for you?

A good day would start with a lazy morning, without having to rush around or be anywhere too early.

That would probably be followed by a bit of retail therapy before relaxing in the evening with a good book or film.

It’s nothing too complicated, just a nice balance of shopping, relaxing and enjoying some quiet time.

We’ve heard you have a dog called Gizmo. Can you tell us a little bit about him?

He’s a Frenchie, so he’s a lazy, snoring windbag, but he’s the bestest boy in the world.

He’s a big chunk but loves a good cuddle on my lap, even if he might be slightly too big to comfortably fit there.

He spends most of his days lying on the back of the sofa, looking out of the window and watching the world go by. He clearly takes his neighbourhood surveillance responsibilities very seriously.

Gizmo has a demanding daily schedule of sleeping, snoring and supervising the street. Frankly, we’re exhausted just thinking about it.

What is your ideal way to spend a weekend?

My ideal weekend would be spent with my two daughters, son-in-law and grandchild.

This will usually involve going on a shopping trip to Home Bargains or B&M because I love finding a bargain.

I also enjoy going to watch my grandson showjumping, so weekends are usually about spending time together as a family and doing something we all enjoy.

Between Home Bargains and B&M, no decorative candle, storage basket or strangely useful seasonal item is safe.

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a massive Harry Potter nerd.

It isn’t just something I enjoy watching occasionally. I love the characters, the stories and the whole Harry Potter world, and I could happily talk about it for a very long time.

Anyone casually mentioning Hogwarts near Sam’s desk should therefore make sure they have cleared the rest of their afternoon.

Do you have a favourite film, TV series or comfort watch?

Harry Potter is definitely one of my main comfort watches.

I also love The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, as well as anything true-crime related.

My viewing choices usually involve wizards, vampires or an unexplained disappearance, so there is plenty of variety.

What is one thing you could talk about for hours?

Other than my family, it’s got to be Harry Potter again.

There is always something to talk about, whether it is the characters, the storylines, the different houses or small details from the books and films.

It’s definitely a subject I never get bored of discussing.

We considered asking Sam to explain the entire Harry Potter timeline, but we only had one blog to fill.

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

If I wasn’t scared of flying, I’d love to go to New Orleans, especially for Mardi Gras.

It looks like such an exciting place with an amazing atmosphere, plenty of character and lots to experience.

The celebrations look incredible, but the food is also a very big part of the appeal. Everything looks delicious, so it would definitely be somewhere I would love to visit one day.

The only snag is the flight—unfortunately, New Orleans is just a little too far outside our standard UK pallet delivery service (our pallets haven’t quite mastered transatlantic travel… yet).

That brings us to the end of our introduction to Sam.

Although she is still learning about the occasionally unpredictable world of logistics, Sam has already become an adaptable member of the Customer Care team, helping to resolve missed collections, support customers and tackle whatever comes her way.

Thank you to Sam for telling us more about her role, her family and Gizmo’s extremely demanding sofa-based career.

We’ll be back soon with another Meet the Team feature. Until then, should you hear an enthusiastic Harry Potter discussion somewhere in the PalletOnline office, you now know who is probably responsible.