The Jennefer Bruce Interview

Justin Allitt sits down with Jennefer Bruce to discuss her new role, what she likes to do when she isn’t working and offers some advice to those starting out in the industry.

Hi Jen, congratulations on your new job at TLJ Access Control, so why did you decide to take this role?

Hi Justin, thank you, I am very excited to be part of the TLJ team! I’d been at Prestige Lodges for 4 years and the changes to my job role during that period were crazy, which I can imagine for a lot of people was similar. Prestige is a great company and has really supported me along the way but I decided it was time for a change because we had filled our order book for the next 3 years, which meant my day to day changed dramatically, being a salesperson with nothing to sell left me feeling a little lost.

I was introduced to TLJ Access Control by an industry partner. TLJ is a family-run company that has been in the hotel, residential and leisure sector for 14 years; they have spent 4 years working on and developing a fantastic and unique product, the RezLok! It’s a tried and tested electronic smart lock that can be used to access accommodation, barriers, turnstiles, clubhouses, swimming pools, lockers, offices and with the right software in place, can generate a fantastic range of data for parks to analyse.

Coming from a holiday park background I instantly saw the potential of being able to streamline the check-in process and cut out the queues with our mobile app. I believe this is something that has been missing in the leisure industry and as they say, “the rest is history”.

Of all the things in the industry, what is your favourite thing you like to do?

I am and always will be a social person – I find people so interesting, hearing about how they came up with certain ideas, what moulded them into who they are and what inspired them to do or create the businesses they have. So, for me networking, whether that’s dropping people a message on LinkedIn, visiting them on the park or being part of the fantastic shows and events that this industry hosts.

We’ve just had a turbulent 24 months – What’s going to happen in the next 24 months?

The last 24 months have been turbulent, some people have really struggled while others have flourished. I feel like I can only really speak for myself; I would love to make TLJ a well known supplier with a great reputation within the leisure industry, working with as many parks as possible.

I think the last 24 months have forced us to change the way we work and how we utilise our time. I’ve gone from being on the road 4/5 days a week, catching up on emails in the evenings and between meetings, to working from home the majority of the time. These days I feel like the queen of the teams’ meetings!

I think one good thing that has come out of the last 24 months, is that when we do come together, we really don’t take that social interaction for granted… events, meetings, parties, social gatherings all seem to have a new lease of life and its great to see!

If you weren’t in the park industry, what would you have done?

If you were speaking to 10 year old me she would have said “an opera singer” or “a professional showjumper”. The reality is I have a terrible singing voice and my mum stopped funding my eventing when I got my first “real job.”

It’s difficult to imagine doing anything else when I have been in this industry my entire adult life, if I could go back to school knowing what I know now, I would maybe have done science at A level and aimed to become a vet. I love working and being around animals.

What do you like to do when not working? I know you like to do a bit of climbing?

Yes, I’ve always given anything a go, rock climbing, hiking, horse riding, skiing, kayaking, walks with my dog Benson, hockey and gym, anything really that keeps me active and gives me a sense of accomplishment. I try to make the most out of my weekends. I love to travel, I’m a huge foodie and I love to spend time with friends and family.

You’ve been in the industry now a long time, any words of advice to those starting out?

Ask for help, ask for advice and don’t be afraid to reach out. I’m originally from the North East and we had a great saying growing up “shy bairns get nowt” which basically means “if you don’t ask, you don’t get”. In my experience the people in this industry are so helpful, if you need something or don’t know something, there is always a handful of people happy to help and point you in the right direction; the quickest way to your own success is to learn from others mistakes

Which clients would you love to help?

I started my career on holiday parks in the booking department, check-in/change over days were always the ones I would dread. I would love to work with any parks that would like to ease their check-in process, improve their guest experiences and monitor facilities on the park.

To read our interview with Charlie Carruthers from Victory Leisure Homes, click here.