Sudsey Steps Down From The Naki

Not everyone gets to have a job where they look forward to hitting the road every day for their company, but retiring Gallagher Taranaki-King Country Territory Manager Graeme Sutherland has been proud to make that claim.

Graeme has worked for Gallagher in the region since 1999, and has decided to make this year the one he steps out of the job.

“As much as I have enjoyed the position, I guess we all get to a point where we know we need to go and enjoy a retirement, but I can’t say it’s been an easy decision,” says Graeme.

He has become a familiar face to the merchants and farmers of his region demonstrating, marketing, and helping them familiarise themselves with the many Gallagher innovations that have come to market over his tenure.

“It’s remarkable how our designers are able to take something that really has not changed for many years, such as our new Insulated End Strainer, and see how it can be significantly improved.”

He has particularly enjoyed the contact with farmers keen to have him visit their farm to get them up to speed with their Gallagher equipment.

“I have also enjoyed a really good mix of farm types alongside the different types of equipment we have had on offer. The country is really varied, from the standard dairy units here in Taranaki, to the remote tough hill country through the King Country, that’s helped ensure no two days or two farms are the same!”

He could even count one of the Gallagher family members as a client, servicing a family drystock property in north Taranaki owned by John Gallagher, Sir William’s brother.

“As a company Gallagher has been great to work for. I have enjoyed being made to feel I am part of a family company that really cares about its staff, and will make the job one you feel very proud to have.”

Gallagher National Sales Manager Darrell Jones says Graeme will be deeply missed by fellow Gallagher staff, farmers and merchants throughout the Taranaki region.

“Graeme was very popular with our merchants, and he also helped a lot of farmers to come up with good solutions to problems they faced. He is highly respected and having spent much of his working life in Taranaki is well known and leaves the territory in very good shape for his replacement.”

This year Graeme was awarded Gallagher’s “Top Gun” sales person of the year award and was a constant achiever within the company’s sales ranks.

With three children and four grandchildren in the Taranaki area, Graeme is looking forward to spending time with all of them, travelling with his wife Lynne and getting in a few more rounds on the New Plymouth Golf course.