MEET THE TEAM – POPPY FLETCHER

Poppy Fletcher, senior assistant manager at Seven Stars, has climbed her way up the ladder with Parogon and has set her sights on a site of her own.

Name / title / how long have you worked for Parogon?

Poppy Fletcher, senior assistant manager. I joined the Parogon Group two and half years ago, originally with the Wayfarer.

What was your first position at The Parogon Group?

I initially started as a runner at the Wayfarer because I really wanted to join Parogon Group and I was willing to do any role. I didn’t actually get the job the first time I applied but I kept on trying for anything from pot washer to waitress which I think really showed my determination and that really fits with the company values.

How has your career developed at Parogon?

I’ve worked my way up the ranks starting as a runner polishing cutlery and crockery and then I became a waitress. From there I moved up to assistant manager before becoming senior assistant manager, all at the Wayfarer. Then the group opened the Seven Stars and I moved there as a senior assistant manager to give myself a new challenge. I wanted to manage a new team and give it a go for my personal progression.

Is the career progression what you expected with Parogon Group?

It far exceeds what I expected. They have massively helped me to get to where I wanted to be and they’re still helping me now.

What are the main benefits of working for Parogon Group?

One of the great things about working here is the progression opportunities. If you show willing they’ll give you everything you need to move forward. Not only that but they have great treats, like a voucher for your birthday and they take you out if your team has done particularly well. For example, last year the opening of Seven Stars was such a success we got a beautiful four course meal and then went to watch football in one of the boxes at Stoke which was amazing. We also just had an awards night celebrating those who do well and it was fantastic to be involved in that.

What do you most enjoy about working at Parogon Group?

It is generally a great company to work for. The directors know you by name and want to catch up with you on a personal level to see how you are, you’re not just another name on a piece of paper.

The people here are amazing. It really is like a family as we spend so much time together we form really great friendships and every day is different and fast-paced.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I’d like to be managing my own site which feels very achievable here.

What are the main values of the Parogon Group in your opinion?

Of all the values the two that I relate to most are progression and passion. Here they help me to progress but that wouldn’t be possible if I didn’t have the passion.

What did you do before you joined Parogon Group?

I was a waitress for another chain before here but there were no progression opportunities. I really wanted to be a team leader or something more but they just didn’t have the structure that Parogon has.