AFI Specialist Rentals Managing Director Pete Wajner has been a key part of the AFI team for 20 years. At AFI we constantly remind everyone of the importance of teamwork. At a recent board meeting, Pete Wajner received his 20-year service award from David Shipman. We caught up with him to find out more.

 

Could you tell us how it all started 20 years ago - what originally brought you to AFI?

Pete: In 2002 I met David Shipman at AFI HQ who told me I needed to work for him as my current employer would burn me out, and he would pay me handsomely for strong sales results. I knew very quickly that he was a results man so it’s a good job I was up to the task?

 

Do you remember your first day?

Pete: Being a young man in my twenties, I have to say the highlight of the first day was pulling up to HQ in East Ardsley and seeing my new VW Golf GTI parked outside waiting for me. As a hungry young salesman, I was motivated by money and all the niceties that good results bring.

 

What is your most memorable achievement?

Pete: That would be meeting David Shipman and Nick Selley in Beardsall Priory to be told I was being promoted to Sales Director and joining the AFI Uplift Board of Directors. Equally memorable was being invited to invest in the business in 2006, mutual respect has always been a big part of my career at AFI.

 

How have you seen the industry or/and AFI change in the time that you’ve worked here?

Pete: In the 20 years I’ve been at AFI, the industry has changed immensely. Having worked through the Credit Crunch, Brexit, and Covid, there’s no bigger challenge than the world we live in today.

I am grateful that we have a robust strategy which includes new equipment investments and innovations, and a strong and resilient leadership team. We always focus on our core values and put the right people in place to push AFI to be much more than just a MEWP provider.

 

What has kept you at AFI for 20 years?

Pete: People – One of my friends said to me a few weeks ago that if he cut me in half, I would bleed orange and black! My loyalty to the business is recognised internally and within the wider industry. This is down to the trust, support and respect of my fellow directors and the Team around me.

 

20 years of service is a fantastic achievement and Pete has been instrumental in the development of AFI over the years, so thanks for all your hard work and commitment. Congratulations Geoff on achieving this anniversary with us! Wishing you many more years of growth and success.

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