Meet Archie: From Workshop Technician to Forecourt Favourite
We recently caught up with Archie to learn more about his journey at The Motorhome Showroom – from joining the workshop as a young technician to becoming a familiar and friendly face on the forecourt. In this Q&A, Archie shares how he discovered his passion for the industry, what he loves most about his role, and the pride he takes in helping customers begin their motorhome adventures.
When did you first start working at The Motorhome Showroom and what made you decide to begin your career as a technician?
I first started working for The Motorhome Showroom when I was 17, coming on 18, straight after Covid. There was no real decision to be a motorhome technician. I always knew I wanted to work with my hands. The dream back in high school was always to be a mechanic, however, after joining as a technician, that swiftly changed and I became obsessed with mastering my new craft.
Do you have a favourite motorhome brand you enjoy working on?
When it comes to a favourite brand of motorhomes, for me, that’s an unanswerable question. With every maker being very different in construction and internal components, they all have their ups and downs. Although, anything that uses plug-and-play systems like Sergeant is a dream to fault-find and rectify.
What inspired you to move from the workshop to a front-of-house role?
When I started here, very quickly I became the handover boy, and from there I gained a sense of pride in what we were giving our customers. Every customer has a story – from motorhoming being a dream in the pipeline for ages, to people just wanting the freedom to go wherever they want, whenever they want. I became proud of the company I work for and wanted to make a difference for them. That’s what has inspired the transition towards a more front-of-house role. Plus, we all love looking smart, talking to people, and helping them on a journey that will change their life.
How has your hands-on experience as a technician helped you in your current position?
Having the experience from the workshop allows me to guide people in the right direction more easily. My first question to all customers is: how are you going to use the motorhome? Are you going to be staying at sites where mains and other amenities are plentiful? Or are you going to be off the beaten track, going to places not many have seen? From there it becomes quite clear the size, maker, and motorhome that suits that customer. There is always one out there for everyone.
What does a typical day look like for you at The Motorhome Showroom?
My days at The Motorhome Showroom vary. I know everyone says it, but they do. In the workshop, one day I can be looking at an electrical fault caused by something as simple as a loose connection; the next I’ll be losing myself in a damp repair, stripping whole interiors to replace damp, rotten timbers. And that’s only when I’m in the workshop. When I’m out the front, of course we have our slow days; however, even then there’s always something to be straightened up, always decisions about new ideas to increase footfall on the forecourt. When we’re busy is where the real fun begins out front. All day on your feet, bouncing around customers, answering questions, and gaining a sense of who they are and what they’re looking for – that’s where it gets fun.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
That nicely leads into my favourite part of my role at The Motorhome Showroom. I class myself as a bit of a “jack-of-all-trades”. Yes, as the saying goes, a master of none; however, it’s always better than a master of one. I take pride in my ability to switch from someone who is a very good technician to someone who can handle the pressure of helping a customer on a journey they have been waiting to start for years. That’s where I take my enjoyment from – being able to handle every aspect of the company.
Do you have a favourite motorhome model? If so, why?
My personal favorite model of motorhome would have to be the Volkswagen Revolution (specifically with The Motorhome Showroom black pack!). They’re good-looking vehicles that embody “go wherever, whenever”. That’s how I would use mine: finish work on a Friday, think to myself, “Yeah, good weather coming – let’s go explore the north coast”. Plus, internally, they’re nice and easy to fix. We all know how stressful it is when things go wrong on a road trip.
What do you enjoy most about working with the team at The Motorhome Showroom?
I honestly couldn’t ask for a better bunch of people to work with. Coming out of a time where, for everyone, it was scary, and stepping into a place where everyone was so nice and I slotted in where I needed to – I honestly couldn’t ask for a better first job and a launch into a lifelong career. The lads in the workshop instilled a strong work ethic and developed my critical thinking. To all the team members out front showing me the ropes – how to entice, guide, and most importantly get people excited about the journey they’re embarking on – and of course the two bosses, who not only have given me the opportunity of a lifetime but continue to push me and the company I work for forward.
