Kathryn - Proprietor Bedding Nowra, NSW Harvey Norman, Australia

Years of experience
10 Years

Harvey Norman is not like any other multi million dollar public listed company, there is very much an open door policy. I have had great opportunities to talk with people, whom I believe if you were in another company would not have the time for people in store world.

Tell us about your career journey?

I started with Harvey Norman when I was in year 10 during a week of work experience.

My first official job was at the Castle Hill Franchise as an Electrical and Computers cashier Thursday nights, Saturdays and Sundays.

I then went to university in Armidale and became very fortunate to receive assistance from the Harvey Norman HR team in finding a job every time I came back to Sydney for my uni holidays.

These roles were in the following areas: Instant Images, Payroll, HR, Accounts and Computers

I then went on to roles in the Franchisor Office including a full time role as the Assistant Coordinator for Bedding before an opportunity came up to work on reception.

Three years ago I was given the incredible opportunity to go back to the Franchise to see if I would like to become a Franchisee.

As I had worked in the Franchisor Office I worked within all areas of the business to see which one I preferred to be a part of. I started in the Electrical Franchise, North Ryde, Domayne Bedding Franchise, North Ryde, Harvey Norman Bathrooms Franchise Castle Hill and Harvey Norman Furniture Franchise Liverpool.

During my time I had always felt I wanted to live overseas before I got to the point of ‘I should have’ or ‘I wish I had.’ I really wanted to live overseas but at the same time I did not want to leave the company (as you can see what the company and it’s people had already done for me).

A remarkable opportunity arose where I was able to go to live in Ireland and work for Harvey Norman in Swords. I had a spectacular time living, travelling and working there for a year. The people I met will be friends for a very long time.

When I returned to Australia I was given a remarkable opportunity on the 'Proprietor In Training Program' to work for the Harvey Norman Bedding Franchisee and his team at Auburn.

After spending time in various roles , I finally realised my passion is within Bedding for Harvey Norman and cannot wait to see what Harvey Norman has in store for me in the future.

I have met some incredible people along my journey who I will always thank for their time. Each and everyone has taught me something that I will carry into the future.

What support have you had in your career development?

Harvey Norman has given me the opportunity to find my passion. I have been very lucky in being a part of so many different roles. I was never 100% on what career I should take once I left school and Uni. Harvey Norman gave me the chance to search for that career.

I loved learning each one as it has made me see how the Harvey Norman puzzle pieces create the bigger picture. How one job flows onto another person’s job.

I think we participate in training everyday but the 'Proprietor In Training Program' is proving to be extremely beneficial. It’s a fantastic learning experience.

What have been some of the highlights of your career to date?

Recently I have been appointed to the position of Bedding Proprietor at Harvey Norman Nowra.  I have been fortunate to be able to travel and experience a position I have worked very hard to reach.  Everyone in the Nowra store has been extremely helpful as it is a different experience when you are in a shop by yourself.  Once arriving in the store I have realised even more that the support network is next to none.

Meeting so many smart and talented people has been a definite highlight.