Ms Reedy has worked at WJ Coote and Sons for 22 years, but this is the first time the bubbly floor manager has been nominated in the business awards as an individual.

She has remained very humble about the accolade. 

“I feel quite overwhelmed by the response,” Ms Reedy said.

“It’s great to be recognised for something you love doing.” 

The Employee of the Year award was the first to be called on Friday night.

Ms Reedy didn’t give a speech, but she recalls being congratulated by everyone as she walked to and from the stage after her name was called.

“It was a wonderful night,” she said.

“It was very well run.”

As a floor manager, Ms Reedy’s interaction with the staff and clients is high, and her duties include organising the roster, sales, and handling WJ Coote’s social media.

It is her love of the job which has kept her a permanent fixture at WJ Coote.

The love Ms Reedy has for her job is evident in her fond memories of the customers she has come into contact with over her many years of service.

She has seen many people come into the store, but one proposal story which has stuck with her was that of a young man who had taken his girlfriend on a picnic and bush walk. 

He sent her off to do something while he changed into a suit.

When the girlfriend returned, he was dressed and down on one knee with an engagement ring in his hand.

After the proposal the couple had returned to WJ Coote to recount the proposal to Ms Reedy.

And it is that part of her job that she loves the most – being part of her clients’ journeys.

That is why she always aims to deliver the customer service she would like to receive when she walks into a store.

But Ms Reedy acknowledges there have been times during her career where she has found it difficult to keep up her excellent service.

She said the support she receives from her boss Mel Coote has pushed her during those hard times. 

With the award under her belt, Ms Reedy intends to continue providing outstanding service at WJ Coote.