Merv Jones retiring after 25 years as Customer Services Manager
Merv Jones, Forest Enterprises’ long-standing Customer Services Manager, is retiring on 29 June after 25 years in the role.
“I am now a couple of years past the ‘official’ retirement age and am looking forward to the other challenges I want to move on to.”
Merv has been the primary contact for Forest Enterprises investors, ensuring our clients’ interests are at the heart of everything we do.
“Because I am an investor myself along with my wife Lorraine, my focus has always been on client service. What I enjoy the most about this job – every day – are the interactions I have with our investors. I now change hats and become an investor first and foremost. I’m excited now that my harvest revenue seems just around the corner!”
Retiring is a big change for those embarking on it, but also for those left behind. Merv has been a mentor to Forest Enterprises staff and will be missed.
“We can’t do what we do without good people”, says Forest Enterprises CEO Bert Hughes. “Merv’s dedication to our clients is an example to us all. He is a true people person. Our investors have valued his candor and the continuation of care he has provided throughout the stages of their investment.”
Bert highlights the benefit of having a good handover period for this critical client-facing role.
“Thankfully, there are a couple of months between now and 29 June to ensure the transition for clients from Merv to our new Customer Services Manager is as smooth as possible.”
On Merv’s ‘bucket list’ are spending more time with his eight grandchildren, seeing more of New Zealand by hiking and cycling, and overseas travel. His active work as an ordained priest in the Anglican Church, in the prison ministry and as padre to the local RSA will certainly continue in his ‘spare’ time. Merv reckons he has another house build left in him too.
Merv values highly the many personal connections he has made with fellow investors over the years and can continue to be contacted on mjones@forestenterprises.co.nz until his retirement.
Long-serving manager eyeing up bucket list – Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 May 2018
Sean Roberts appointed as new Customer Services Manager
Sean Roberts joined Forest Enterprises in April 2018, transitioning into the Customer Services role to be vacated by Merv Jones from 29 June. Not completely new to Forest Enterprises, Sean has been the company’s relationship manager at Trustees Executors Limited (our investments’ Supervisor) for 17 years. Sean will be known to some clients from his attendance at investor meetings and forest visits over the years.
“Sean is familiar with our company, with the workings of our investments, of the regulatory environment in which we do business, and he knows our staff well”, says Forest Enterprises CEO Bert Hughes. “We knew Merv was going to leave big shoes to fill. It is because of the high customer service standard upheld by Merv that we’re pleased Sean was interested in the role. This is a vote of confidence in Forest Enterprises and we welcome Sean on board.”
Sean and his partner Vicki moved to Carterton two years ago and are enjoying the relaxed lifestyle the Wairarapa offers. Sean’s interests revolve around the outdoors.
Clients will now notice that Forest Enterprises communications will be sent from Sean. Learn more about Sean here.
