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Our very special Sales Director, Mandy Cook is celebrating 30 years at Gerrard International this month. Aside from leading our team of Area Managers, she’s an integral part of the company’s success and is involved in all aspects of the business from training, new product development to promotional and sales planning.
When Mandy started her career with Gerrard International, then known as the Natural Nail Company, the beauty industry was completely different from what it looks like today. Manicures were only available in hairdressing salons and pedicures were a rare offering. Very few beauty salons offered manicures as a service and nails bars didn’t exist.
Mandy passionately worked alongside Susan Gerrard to deliver Susan’s vision to really revolutionise the nail industry.
Mandy recalls “I initially started my career as a hairdresser and manicurist. I saw the job advertised in the Grocer magazine. I love nails and sales so this really appealed to me. In the beginning I was an Area Manager then went onto Regional Manager and then onto Sales Director. The proudest moment of my career was when we introduced the gel manicure as it was one of the first in the UK.”
Since introducing Jessica Nails to the UK market, Gerrard International’s portfolio has continued to expand with much loved brands Mii makeup, brows, tanning, manicure and pedicure, BeautyLab skincare, Hair Gain, Spongelle and Happy Paul.
Working closely with salons and spas and through our sales team, Mandy listens and delivers what salon owners, therapist and clients want. It’s this connection that makes her highly regarded within the industry with many lifelong friends.
“Mandy embodies our company ethos which is, and will always be, to listen, to learn and to improve – which I believe has enabled us to grow and will allow us to continue to shine” says Susan Gerrard, Chairman.
“The Pearl of Gerrard International, Mandy defines the very best of human qualities, woven into the very fabric of the company and at the heart of our family”. Danielle Gerrard, International Sales Manager.
Mandy says her favourite part of working for the company is being part of the Gerrard family and the passion for the industry “My thanks and love goes to Susan Gerrard whose been my mentor and dearest friend for 30 years. It’s been a blast.”
Susan shares her heartfelt thoughts “Mandy’s professional sales ability together with her empathy and warm, caring personality has gained her respect and love throughout the beauty industry. Personally, I have gained a true and loyal friend and over the 30 years we have shared fun, laughter and tears through the various episodes of our lives. Mandy, I love you dearly.”
Messages from the Area Managers …
“I have worked for Gerrard International for 21 years and have been lucky enough to have Mandy as my manager. She never fails to make me laugh, even when she is nagging me about something! I have loved our time on the road together over the years. A great manager and a true friend.” Dawn Taylor.
“I would like to say what an amazing woman Mandy is. She is such an inspiration with her hard work and the love and care she puts into her job and to the people surrounding her. She made me instantly feel at home at Gerrard International” Arlene Huggan.
“I don’t know where to begin, so many memories with Mandy, we have laughed, cried and shared many drinks together. She’s supportive, willing to listen, will help wherever possible, and give you a kick up the bum when needed! I’m lucky to have her as my boss, but even luckier to class her as my friend” Gail Brannon,
“You’ve been the most amazing manager to have all these years (even though you were pretty fierce in the early days!). You are not only my manager but have been a friend to me, and seen me and my family grow over the years.” Sarah Ball.
“Fabulous Mandy. Thank you for your never-ending support, I have learnt so much from you in the past five years and it’s been fantastic. Here’s to the next 30 years. Sending lots of love.” Clare Barton.
“I’ve known Mandy for the 30 years she’s been at Gerrard International. In Mandy’s early years as The Natural Nail Company, she was very much the professional face of the company. Mandy’s drive and effervescent enthusiasm for the brand would shine, when our paths would literally cross, whilst visiting the same salons. How wonderful that the company is recognising and celebrating this awesome commitment of achievement.” Cheryl Owens.
