The Helen Ford Interview

We chat with Helen Ford, Interior Designer for Oakgrove Lodges and Park Homes, to discuss the park industry, her role in it and what she likes to do when not working.

Hi Helen, thank you for the interview. Tell me about your role.

Hi Justin.  Thank you for thinking of me for an interview.  Its very kind.  My role predominantly with Oakgrove Lodges and Park Homes is Interior Designer and I have been with the company for the last 18 months.  Before this I worked for a Residential Park Operator for 9 ½ years so I feel I have picked up a great deal of knowledge and insight into the world of park homes and holiday lodges.  Totally different from where I began as a secondary school teacher.  I also love creating things for social media and currently do this for Oakgrove for the manufacturing side and also park side too.

What are your personal and professional goals for the next twelve months?

That’s a great question.   I really would like to complete my master’s degree in Marketing and Advertising.  For many years I have loved the Social Media side of the industry and I think that is perhaps the creative side of me coming out.   As I work through this I would like to bring many of these elements to the Social Media for Oakgrove.  It is a steep learning curve especially thinking up new things to post but some of the best ideas are everyday things you see or every day things that people say and do.

Who inspires you?

I know the question was originally” What” not “Who” inspires me – sorry I changed this.  The person that really inspires me is Volodymyr Zelenskyy.  What a great man and a great leader.   He never gives up and would never ask any of his people to do anything that he wouldn’t do himself.   A fighter who never gives up for the sake of his country and his people. 

What is your favourite book and why?

My favourite book that I read quite recently was Happy Sexy Millionaire by Steven Bartlett.  What a great guy and not quite the book you would think from the title.  An absolute inspiration for anyone wanting to be an amazing entrepreneur within social media.  The way he has made his millions is awe inspiring.

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

Well, either cruising around the world or I think I would stay as I am in the job I am in now as I enjoy each day as every day is different with a different challenge.  Meeting customers, park operators, going to shows, dressing homes and lodges, the list is endless but all parts I enjoy.

In a nutshell, this is the job I would continue to do.  I find people fascinating.  

What do you like to do when you aren’t working – Any past times and hobbies?

I like to garden if I get the opportunity and just having moved, hubby and I have a garden and a half to tend to so this year is the year.  He leaves me to the flowers and plants whilst he cuts the lawn.    I also love watching my son play football and enjoy shopping with my daughter.  Normal family things.  I don’t sky dive or anything like that unfortunately (or fortunately as I hate heights)

What’s the best thing you’ve watched recently & why?

I love a good horror film.  Anything that keeps you on the edge of your seat.  Anything with a “hide behind the cushion” vibe!  “IT” is great one to watch but not for the squeamish.

What has been your favourite professional moment?

I think I have a couple of favourites in no particular order really.

Firstly, gaining a Batchelor of Education and then teaching, especially in inner city Birmingham.  The rewards when students achieved were a very proud moment for me.

My favourite professional moment now has to be when a customer come to the Design Office with not a clue as to how they want the interior of their lodge or home to look.  With a little helping hand through the process and then having feedback from them once their new property is delivered and it is everything they wished for and more.  That makes my day to know that what we have created together with them is their everything and more!

Who else would you like to be seen interviewed in this series and why?

Rufus Bellamy, BH&HPA National Adviser on conservation and

environmental management regarding the David Bellamy Award, Conservation Award Scheme (DBCAS). With the environment at the top of the agenda, I think this is a really important area of focus.