Meet the Team...
Darrin Christan
Darrin@coopershomeappliances.com
When did you join coopers and what's your role?
I joined Coopers in 1997 on a part time basis and before I knew it, I had quickly worked my way up through the business gaining experience in every roll and discovered along the way that I had a flare for sales. From there I moved into management and procurement rolls and then finally in December 2019 I went on to buy the business with my long-time friend James. The experience I gained along the way was invaluable and helped make Coopers what it is today, an industry wide recognised retailer with award winning customer service and an eye for the unusual.
What's your favourite thing about working here?
We pride ourselves on being a close-knit team with good old fashioned family values at our heart. I think everyone would agree that this isn't like any normal place to work. We all genuinely enjoy coming in and working together and that's what I love about this place.
What's your favourite product/s to sell?
Extraction is always under-considered and a lot of the time just an afterthought. Most people base their decision on styling alone but there is so much more to it. You need to consider the shape and size of the room, what you cook, decibel levels, how it will be ducted, can it even be ducted! I really enjoy the technical side of things.
What 1 product would be in your dream kitchen?
That's a hard one to answer and it's always changing, but if I had to decide it would probably have to be The Lacanche Citeux Moderne 1.5-meter-wide range cooker in stainless steel. I'd never use it, just stare at it lovingly all day!
James Brotherton
James@coopershomeappliances.com
When did you join coopers and what's your role?
I joined Coopers for the first time in 1996 as a sales assistant and spent a decade either working on the shop floor or delivering products. I enjoyed both roles but if I had to pick my favourite it would always be working on the van. I loved leaving a great impression of Coopers at the end of each delivery. It is no good having great service from the shop if the delivery service is not up to scratch. The customer will always remember a bad experience.
I left the business in 2006 to become a primary school teacher which I enjoyed until I was approached by Darrin with a view to jointly buying Coopers from Paul Cooper. The rest is history.
My role is in the background and I take care of the office administration which keeps me busy and allows me to live over 200 miles away, which keeps me from getting in the way!
What's your favourite thing about working here?
Coopers is and always was a family. Working there was a pleasure as the close-knit team all pulled in one direction helping each other out as need be.
What 1 product would be in your dream kitchen?
I have just installed a Quooker boiling tap with the chiller in my own kitchen. My boys love the sparkling water and I find cooking is made easier and quicker. I am not saying that I currently have the dream kitchen but if I was planning one, I would not be without my Quooker tap.
Gary East
Gary@coopershomeappliances.com
When did you join coopers and what's your role?
I’ve been with Coopers since January 2018. My role within the company has progressed from salesperson to store manager.
What's your favourite thing about working here?
The people I work with! It sounds corny, but that’s what makes Coopers such an enjoyable place to work. There’s only a handful of us and at times we all have to muck in and wear lots of different hats, it wouldn’t be possible if we didn’t all get along so well.
What's your favourite product/s to sell?
I don’t think I have a favourite, although, I do tend to lean towards appliances with built in technology. I really enjoy helping a customer hone in on what they want from their appliances, and help them to make a more informed decision.
What 1 product would be in your dream kitchen?
I’m a bit of a coffee guy. I probably have five or six different methods for making coffee at home, but there’s always room for one more. I’d love a Miele built-in coffee machine with DirectWater, with all the programmes, who knows, I might even reclaim some counter space back from all my other coffee paraphernalia!
Roland Cash
Roland@coopershomeappliances.com
When did you join coopers and what's your role?
I joined Coopers in September 2020 as a sales advisor.
What's your favourite thing about working here?
I love working in a small team that genuinely enjoys each other’s company and learning about new products and innovations within the industry.
What's your favourite product/s to sell?
I love to cook so anything to do with cooking. I really enjoy introducing new cooking methods to customers that they might never have normally considered, or even known about.
What 1 product would be in your dream kitchen?
It would definitely be the Smeg 120cm Portofino range cooker as it has everything in one package; gas and induction hobs, pyrolytic self-cleaning oven, steam oven and digital thermostats. This cooker literally lets you have it all.
Mandi Vivian
Mandi@coopershomeappliances.com
When did you join Coopers and what's your role?
I have worked at Coopers since November 2021 previous to that I worked in Fashion retail management and as a stylist.
Combining my interest in interior design and now my specialist appliance knowledge I can help customers envisage their new kitchen.
What's your favourite thing about working here?
Every day brings new people through the door who leave with the missing pieces of their dream kitchen. I love to see our customers finished kitchens.
What's your favourite product/s to sell?
What 1 product would be in your dream kitchen?
I am in the process of ripping out and planning my dream kitchen but I have just bought a Fisher & Paykel stainless steel fridge freezer which will be the focal point.
Also I have an amazing Orange SMEG Fridge in my living room that is used as a drinks fridge, a definite talking point for visitors.
Steve Everall
Steve@coopershomeappliances.com
When did you join coopers and what's your role?
I recently rejoined the Cooper's family for a third time! This time my role is somewhat changed with an emphasis on improving and maintaining the website - a challenge I'm very much enjoying.
What's your favourite thing about working here?
There must be something about this place to have come back a third time! I'd have to say it's the people and the atmosphere, as well as working on Walcot street which holds a certain charm.
What's your favourite product/s to sell?
In the time that I have been in the business (on and off for a decade or so), Fisher Paykel has become a household name. We are fortunate to have one of the most exciting F&P showrooms in the country and whenever customers find themselves admiring their products, it's always a pleasure to talk about them in more detail and offer advice where I can.
What 1 product would be in your dream kitchen?
Having always thought them a luxury item, I never thought I'd be saying this - but my one product would be a Quooker boiling tap. Who's got time to wait for a kettle to boil...
Malachy Martin
When did you join coopers and what's your role?
I joined Coopers last summer primarily doing deliveries and liaising with customers.
What's your favourite thing about working here?
I love the fact that we all work and play together, and everyone is happy to jump in and help with whatever is needed. I also get to see some truly stunning properties and jaw dropping kitchens. From ultra-modern German designs to the traditional country house kitchen. I love them all.
What's your favourite product/s to sell?
As I’m on deliveries, smaller appliances are always nice. Although, the challenge of a large range cooker or American style fridge freezer is always quite fun!
What 1 product would be in your dream kitchen?
I get to see lots of amazing kitchens, and I love the minimalist feel and space a venting hob give.
Jamal Gerrish-Miller
When did you join coopers and what's your role?
I Joined the company in January 2022 and will be delivering and connecting up the wide range of appliances
What's your favourite thing about working here?
It’s early days but the guys all seem really genuine and I can’t wait to be part of this team.
What's your favourite product/s to sell?
There are just so many to choose from and I’m coming across new appliances every day. Ask me again in a few months and I’ll have my dream list ready for you.
What 1 product would be in your dream kitchen?
The enormous Fisher Paykel fridge freezers are amazing and so far, I’d say are my favourite appliance. But they are heavy so please allow us time to safely get them into your home!
