As one of our longest serving members of staff, Sammy Donkor has witnessed TWO Services undergo a stark evolution since he was first appointed as a cleaner back in the late ‘80s – and he’s carved out an equally impressive career for himself, too.
We spent some time with Sammy to uncover a little more about his work, his life, and what’s kept him with us for more than 35 years!
What’s your current role at TWO, Sammy?
As Operations Manager, it’s my job to oversee the smooth running of the day-to-day activities of TWO’s London office. My primary concern is to help improve our efficiency and performance so we can continue to grow, and my other responsibilities include interviewing and training new employees, conducting onsite health and safety visits, make sure staff are aware of company rules and regulations, and make sure everyone reports to work on time.
What has your journey looked like so far?
I became part of TWO through a good friend of mine Mr George Baffoe, who is at present Operations Director. He introduced me to the Chairman, Mr Alan Osborn.
I have been at TWO since November 1988. My responsibilities have changed a lot over the years. I was employed initially as a cleaner, and through hard work was promoted to a supervisor. This new position spurred me on to work harder than before and I was rewarded with the opportunity to become the Area Supervisor. Alan – may his soul rest peacefully – gave me a company car to show his appreciation for a job well done. After excelling in this position, I was promoted further to Operations Manager.
Before I joined TWO, I pursued a teaching career in Ghana and Nigeria. When I reached the UK and lodged with my friend George, he was already working for TWO, so it was not difficult to follow in his footsteps. During my early stay in London, I attended conferences and pursued private courses to upgrade myself with the intention of returning home but shelved this idea when my family joined me over here.
What do you enjoy the most about working at TWO?
The top management crew always make you feel welcome, and they reward you for working hard and being loyal. TWO has become a family for all its employees and this feeling is evident during our end of year party. You wouldn't know who the Managing Director is or the common cleaner – we all enjoy our time together, mingle, and share jokes.
I think customers appreciate partnering with TWO because they get value for money. We give them a quality service and our customer care is top notch. Customers appreciate our preparedness to attend site quickly to rectify complaints and also to accept jobs at short notice, irrespective of the time or day.
What challenges have you faced over the years?
In this industry, customers determine what day and time we need to attend their sites, therefore we work unsociable hours. Our work is most often underestimated but imagine what could or would happen if cleaners were to down their tools!
How have times changed since you joined TWO?
Significantly, wages have doubled or trebled and I doff my hat to the Osborn brothers for their humanity. TWO has grown beyond bounds and the number of employees has increased remarkably. TWO used to have a small office in London during its infancy – now it has a head office in Basildon, a branch office in Leeds and another branch office in London. We also used to only offer a kitchen and hygiene service, whereas now we have a specialist duct team and dedicated supply and service departments. Our success story has certainly been interesting!
What do you think the future looks like for TWO – and you?
The future of TWO looks bright and promising. Even though we have just lost our founder and chairman, the business is in the capable hands of Mr Barry Osborn and Mr Jon Osborn. Together with the management team. I think the sky is not even the limit!
In 5 to 10 years, I will have retired and partially settled in UK and Ghana to enjoy my hard-earned retirement. By this point, I will have sadly parted ways with TWO, but not in spirit. I cannot cut my umbilical cord completely from TWO because we are intertwined. I have spent the greater part of my life with TWO and the bond is, and will remain, strong.
Do you have any final thoughts?
I keep referring to TWO as a family for a good reason. Our late founder late Mr Alan Osborn treated the first employees – about six of us – as his own and made us feel welcomed. To pay back his kindness, we worked hard for him. He worked with us in the past in the kitchen as cleaners, dressed in our overalls; the situation was varied but always businesslike. He worked hard and we emulated his good work. Even though he was firm, he was just and appreciative of our devotion and loyalty. We were young then, and we were eager to work and earn a good living. He showed us love and never discriminated and has passed on these virtues to his sons.
I would recommend to new applicants eager to work and progress through hard work to join TWO, where everyone is given an equal opportunity to thrive.