Meet the team at Ohakune Benchmark

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, 28 July 1987, Page 10

Meet the team at Ohakune Benchmark

Ohakune Benchmark Manager Er ic Pasquill came up to the Central North Island for a weekend 17 years ago from Wellington and has been here ever since. He has been with the company for nine years, starting at Tangiwai in 1978 and moved into town two years ago. As branch manager he is responsible for the overall running of the retail business, which serves an area from National Park to Pipiriki, across to Waiouru and south to Taihape. Tangiwai Mill worker Selwyn Ward is the longest serving member of the staff with seven years under his belt. He is at present still employed at Tangiwai but will have oversight of the Ayr Street timber yard in future. Frank Matangi is now familiar to most Benchmark customers having worked there for three years. He is originally from Auckland and is married to a local girl, Patricia (nee Henare). They came to Ohakune on a trial, "to get away from the Auckland rat race", and have stayed. Frank worked at the Tangiwai mill for one month before transferring to the shop. He says he is enjoying working for the company and that he has been well looked after. "I get on great with all the builders, they appreciate good service. I've made some good friends through cont'd onp.ll

cont'dfromp. 10 dealing with them," he said. He says he prefers working in the timber yard, mainly because it is outside. Peter Weeks, from Taihape, is Benchmark's saies representative, dealing with builders on site. He was working out of the now closed Taihape branch of Thurstons and has been given the option to move up to Ohakune which he is considering. His job involves sorting out supply or product problems for builders, taking orders and passing on his knowledge of new products. "Its the personal service to builders that helps," says Peter. cont'd on p. 12

Benchmark staff

Meet the team at Ohakune Benchmark

conl'd from p. 11 "I can often lend a hand, especially with product knowledge". Sharon Binzegger is Benchmark's accounts person, as well as working in the shop. Sharon lives in Raetihi were she was brought up. Her first job after leaving school was at the Tangiwai Mill, as a tally clerk. She transferred to the Ohakune branch four months ago. Other staff at Ohakune Benchmark are assistant manager Jim Haywood and salesperson Heather Albert.