Seventh-generation West Aucklander Rochelle Apps says when a Sales Advisor job came up at Ryman, she knew she had to apply.
“I had always followed Ryman on LinkedIn. I saw what an amazing environment they created for residents in the first lockdown, and how they moved and adapted to people’s needs. I was really impressed.
“It’s a great place to live and somewhere that I could see my own family members living.”
Coming from a construction and hospitality background herself, she has the perfect set of skills to ensure she gives potential new residents the most accurate information about their new home and life in the village.
“I know the construction sector well and understand the process of building. I also love meeting new people, hearing their stories, and making sure they are given the right information.”
Rochelle has done everything from managing two ITM stores to managing the opening of hotels and then homeschooling her two little girls, Charlotte and Madeline, through the Covid lockdown of 2021.
“I worked at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne and was part of the opening team for the Heritage Hotel in Auckland Central.
“I just like working with people.”
However, she’s found joy in mixing both her knowledge of the building sector, and her people skills in her sales role at Ryman.
“It’s a great opportunity to see your customers every day after they move in.”
There are 113 residents currently living at Miriam Corban, however, that number is set to grow.
“We are selling stages three and four at the moment, with stage three ready in mid-June, and stage four ready later this year.
“The village centre is looking like it will be ready at the end of next year and this is where the serviced apartments and care services will be.”
The most rewarding thing, Rochelle says, is being able to follow through on people’s journeys.
“Seeing them happy and settled living in the village is great. You see the results of what you’re selling because you’re here with them every day.