Andrew Wallis

Sales Specialist

 Moving from commercial horticulture into the leisure vehicle sector in 2005, Andrew is the newest recruit to the Southdowns’ sales team joining in December 2011.

Q How did you find yourself working for Southdowns?
A having been made redundant in 2005 from my position as National Sales Manager for a flower seed importer, I took a complete change of career direction and went into leisure vehicle sales. I’ve worked for a number of caravan and motorhome dealers, including Hants and Dorset and have also sold cars. I met Andrew and Michael Ayling a few years ago, so when I decided that car sales weren’t for me, I applied for a sales job with Southdowns - largely because their reputation precedes them. I joined in December 2011 and I’m enjoying the challenge.

Q What does your job involve?
A On a day-to-day basis, my job involves meeting and greeting customers and discussing their requirements so that I can identify a selection of motorhomes for them to look at that will meet their needs. This is where experience helps because I can usually find them the right vehicle quite quickly , if they have specific needs, that’s relatively easy too. If they are new to motorhoming it sometimes takes a little longer to help them decide what it is they really want. It is not the high pressure sell that I was used to in car sales but the same disciplines apply. Building relationships is more important when you are selling motorhomes.

Q What is the best thing about working for the company
A I don’t have anything negative to say about the company. As a salesperson I’m finding it very satisfying to look customers in the eye knowing that we deliver what we say we will – I can sell with confidence. Another plus point that is very apparent, even after just a few weeks, is that everyone’s contribution to the company is recognised and valued.

Q Do you have a personal interest in motorhomes?
A Yes, I like the product but I don’t have a motorhome of my own at the moment, mainly because I don’t have the time to use one. I think there is great appeal in the motorhoming lifestyle with the complete freedom to go where you like for as long as you like. Touring is very relaxed and flexible and it’s open to anyone with a budget of £10,000 up to £250,000 and beyond.

Q If you could take a motorhome anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A I would love to do a trip through Germany, into Switzerland, take in the Matterhorn, on to Croatia, what used to be Yugoslavia and go right down to Venice. You need the time to do a trip like that so that you can stop if you feel like it and not be under any pressure to get back on the road, so it may have to wait a few years!

Q What is your personal philosophy?
A Try and see life from the other side of the fence – and be upfront about problems.

Andrew lives in Rustington near Littlehampton with his wife Roma who is Lithuanian. When he is not overseeing their house building project on the banks of a lake in Lithuania, he still finds time to paint in oils and watercolours.