The Suzanne Francis interview

We chat to Suzanne Francis, Manager of Residential Sales at Avon Estates, to discuss the park industry, her role in it, and what she likes to do when not working.

Hi Suzanne, you are one of my favourite people in the industry – When did you start in the industry and what was your first role?

I started working in the industry in 1994 working for Allens Caravans. Following in the footsteps of my mother in law who worked for Neil Allen for 42 years before retiring!!

My family, along with two children, moved from conventional town living to running one of the largest Holiday Parks in our area. In the Cotswolds a Touring, Holiday and a Park home site all in one. It was the best start I could have had, covering all aspects of the Industry which gave me a great insight.
We left the Industry in 2004 for personal reasons, then 4 years later I was back.. A time in my life when I contemplated lots of new directions, but ended up back in the Industry I know and love. I started with Avon Estates in 2009 and the rest is history….

I have also covered most jobs here, holiday sales, after sales and in latter years focusing purely on the Residential side of the business.

Of all the things in the industry, what is your favourite thing you like to do?

My favourite is Bespoke home design , working with the clients to get them their dream home, is a great privelage and very enjoyable.

We very recently had a client who was desperate for a 50 x 22 home that she just could not afford. We totally re designed a standard home, into her dream home at just 40 x 20 within her budget and she is over the moon……

Any predictions for the industry in the next 24 months and what are your plans?

I am sure the Industry will go from strength to strength, there Is  so little single storey living in this country. Mostly on new housing estates, which means lots young families and parking issues. This Industry offers detached living , in beautiful, peaceful surroundings amongst like minded people.  When I started in this Industry lots of clients were not happy with park rules, now it is a big point for purchasers who like the security of knowing exactly what can and cant be done on parks to give them peace of mind.

I am looking forward to the next few years watching the industry grow,despite the challenges ahead. Park Home life is the way forward to elevate some of the housing issues for younger families, releasing larger traditional houses back into the market.

If you weren’t doing what you do, what would you be doing?

I would love to do a Counselling  job – My great love of people, and listening to their good times and bad, would be very similar and most rewarding.

What do you like to do when not working? Any hobbies?

I spend most of my time currently with my amazing grandchildren, days out, holidays, and enjoying every moment. Family time after the last couple of years has become so important.

I also have been known to enjoy a local hostelry or two!

What has been your favourite professional moment?

My most recent memory is of a customer, who arrived on park telling me he had no intention of ever buying a park home and had just come along to keep his wife happy. Watching his face when he entered a home, and being amazed at the quality, and  speaking with other residents soon changed his mind. Two years later he is living the Park Home life and loving it……..freeing up cash for lots of holidays, making new friends and generally loving life.  This is what is so rewarding.

Which clients do you love to help?

Perhaps my favourite clients are the older generation, moving home after many have lived in the same home for over 50 years,and always dreamt of a life in the country, seeing them settle into the amazing Park Home life and making new friends and having new experiences gives them a new lease of life.. Meeting them along with their families, and working through the process is very rewarding.

And lastly, your nick name, when did that come about and why?

I am well known in the Industry as FLIP FLOP – and why?? as it is my only footwear !! Even in the winter.

Read the John Marshall from Wenningdale Escapes, here.