Brega Kelly has worked at the Great Outdoors, a sports clothing and equipment store in Galway, for over 30 years.
She regularly walks the Camino de Santiago and has advised thousands of people about their adventures, from kayaking in Clare to hiking in the Himalayas.
Brega had a chat with Her.ie this week about the importance of grasping every opportunity, the secret to being a great salesperson and why she still loves her job after several decades.
Tell us a little about what you do…
I have worked in Great Outdoors Galway since 1980, starting as a very young girl, and never thought I would be here as long as I am. The changes have been unreal, from starting in a small shop across the road on Eglinton Street and moving to our current home, which was the biggest sports and outdoor shop in Ireland at one time.
I still have the same customers coming into me and now their children and grandchildren - and yet I haven’t aged a day! What I love is seeing people getting what they want so they can go out and do what they want - climbing, hiking, kayaking etc.
How did you get to your current position?
I was in a job that I hated! I was out to get a pint of milk and saw the ad on the window and went in (with the pint of milk) and asked this tall gentleman if it would be him I needed to speak to about the job.
It turned out it was and we headed to the office for an impromptu interview, where I casually mentioned I couldn’t stay long as I had to get back with the milk to my other job! He laughed and asked me if I could call back in tomorrow when I was out for the milk again?! When I arrived the next morning, I got a trial and was so overwhelmed with it. I haven’t looked back since.
What is your typical working day?
After having my first son James (now 24), I work part-time every weekend and on Mondays, I am back at the helm! I was involved in every aspect of the business since I started but now I am on the shop floor and always look forward to seeing who will be in to shop with us.
On a Saturday, my working day starts at 10am when my husband Ray drops me into Galway City. I am there to assist the staff on anything they want. My regulars always come in on weekends. There is a great support for local businesses in Galway and this is why we know our customers so well. At 4pm, I head for a coffee in O’Connors and I always look forward to this.
Why did you choose your current career?
I was always into sport and played camogie, football, badminton and squash. My daughter Laura is studying Exercise and Health Studies in Waterford IT and I would have loved this course in my day. So when I got the job, I knew instantly I was going to love it. From the moment I met the owner Cecil Foy, I admired him and we have had a great working relationship for over 30 years. I love meeting the customers and that is the best part of working there.
What are the biggest challenges you face in your career?
The recession changed a lot. People had less income and obviously shopping isn’t a priority. The growth of online sales, which wasn’t around when I started my career, has also changed how people shop. My job will change again as we will launch our new website at the start of December, which I am so excited about.
What are the most rewarding aspects?
From me, it has to be the link with the Camino de Santiago. I have been there three times and we have a huge customer base that also do this. Customers come in for everything from us and I always ask them to come into me after their trip to tell me how it was. They always do, It’s like we have all been together - a shared experience.
Could you ever see your work taking you away from Ireland?
No, because my family is here. My youngest son Andrew (16) has autism and his life is here, his school, his house, his family and all his familiarities. This is home for us and always will be.
What is the best piece of advice that you’ve been given?
Listen! This is in your working and your personal life. When we listen, we hear what people want and need.
What has been the one ‘pinch me’ moment of your career so far?
It has to be when Miley from Glenroe into the shop. This was the time when the country sat down to watch Glenroe every Sunday and we were all starstruck!
What do you think is the biggest misconception about what you do?
Selling - not everyone can sell. There is a technique to it, knowing people and giving them their time to have a look and relax in the shop - never pounce!
What is the biggest mistake that you think people in your chosen sector make?
I hate the pounce! Also, when a customer comes in the door, always show them where things are, never point. Be a sales assistant. Never answer a phone when dealing with a customer, give them your full attention.
Describe what you want to achieve in your career with one sentence.
I want to continue to make shopping at Great Outdoors Galway as enjoyable for the customer as it is for all of us working there.
