After 40 years of dedicated service, Dave Boden will be retiring from Albert Jagger at the end of the month.
Dave began his journey with the company in June 1985. Initially hired for a role in Goods In, a last-minute change saw him placed in Despatch instead. Over the years, Dave progressed through the warehouse, eventually becoming Warehouse Supervisor. In this role he managed daily operations including goods in, goods out, picking, and packing for both UK and Export customers.
Back in 1985, Albert Jagger was based at its old Green Lane site, which Dave remembers as being quite old fashioned. On his first day, he joked that he felt he’d stepped back in time. The systems were manual and the site had its limitations, fork-lifts were difficult to operate, and most goods were still moved by hand.
A major turning point came in 2001 when the company moved to a purpose-built facility. The change brought much needed modernisation, same day despatch was introduced and maintaining the space became much easier.
Dave recalls a particularly memorable moment from the new site:
“I’ll never forget one Saturday morning when I accidentally hit the roller shutter door with a forklift truck. Not exactly the highlight of my career. On the Monday I had to go to Garth to report it. He just listened, looked at me and said, “Please tell me it was the top one”. I said, “No, it was the bottom one”. Without missing a beat, he slowly put his head in his hands and said, “Well at least you had the guts to tell me””.
Throughout his career, Dave took on numerous responsibilities, including managing orders for Irish customers, from taking calls and picking and packing orders, to arranging shipment. This was one of the most rewarding parts of his job, along with receiving thoughtful gifts from customers as a thank you for his efforts.
As Dave reflects on four decades at Albert Jagger, he shares two key lessons: treat people with respect and it will always be returned, and if you make a mistake, always own up to it (and try not to hit the roller shutter door!).
“I’ve always been looked after here. They trust me to do my job. You’re not a number, you’re always included in things. You’re made to feel a part of something.”
In retirement, Dave is looking forward to a well-earned rest, country walks, and spending quality time with his grandchildren, though he admits his wife has a long list of jobs waiting for him at home!
When asked what he’ll miss most, he simply said “The people, and the challenge.”
Dave leaves us with these parting words…
“I really would like to thank all the people I have worked with over the years at AJL, both past and present, for all the support and friendship they have given me over the years. I wish AJL and the Cooper family all the very best for the future.”
And to sum up his 40-year journey in one word? Rewarding.
On behalf of everyone at Albert Jagger, we would like to thank Dave for his incredible service and wish him a very happy and fulfilling retirement.