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Plan twice, work once – DWR welcomes new staff members

Fri, 02 Sep 2016 12:14

JP de Vernon and Kevin Stannett


DWR Distribution is pleased to announce two new members to their team. Two good friends and a pair who have worked together before, namely JP de Vernon and Kevin Stannett.

De Vernon has come on board as the sales representative for Africa and started at the company a month ago. He takes over Johnny Scholtz’ position who will now handle architectural sales at DWR. Initially De Vernon will have the hardest task, travelling to Africa and dealing with new clients and people he has never met before. That said, he has just returned from Namibia and already set up good relationships there!

With Dave Whitehouse relocating to the UK, Stannett joins the team to handle sales in theatres, schools, broadcast, television studios and casinos. “When Dave told me he was leaving DWR and moving back to the UK it broke me,” said Duncan. “One evening I phoned Kevin and asked if he would be interested in joining us. I think what is good is that Kevin, a talented lighting designer, has a background to Back of House so he is not trying to sell a product that his not comfortable with. He will also be able to sell knowing the infrastructure behind products.

“For me it’s all about the people and having the right people. People I can trust and depend on and people our clients can trust and depend on. That’s really what it’s all about. It’s not about product, this can change, but rather dealing with humans who actually care.”

De Vernon and Stannett met four years ago when both worked at the Emperors Palace. Stannett, a freelance lighting designer, known for his work with Nataniėl, worked closely with De Vernon, the Theatre Services Manager. “When we worked together we always did things proper,” says De Vernon. “We might have discussed things for an hour, but it was done properly, you wouldn’t have to redo it. Between the two of us, there’s pretty much not a solution we can’t come up with. It’s what we’ve always just done.”

Smiles Stannett, “Plan twice, work once!”

Two years ago, according to De Vernon and Stannett, they joked and said that one day they would work at DWR. For DWR it’s ideal how everything has slotted into place. “I look forward to this amazing opportunity,” said Duncan Riley. “That these guys chose DWR to be their place is important for me and it’s an honour to have them. Yes, there will be days that aren’t perfect, but I think it’s the right move for everyone and we will all benefit.”





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