Welcome to Torque: Kinga Garner, Branch Manager
Kinga boasts immense experience in logistics, with a career spanning 35 years, both in the UK and US.
She joined Torque in March 2020, so understandably circumstances have been a little challenging since her arrival. But she still found time to answer a few questions and provide an insight into her personality and role.
Tell us something interesting about yourself
I cycled 320 miles in 5 days in Madagascar for Transaid, a transport charity working in many African countries. I took up the challenge, which involved 9 months’ intensive training, with the goal of raising at least £3200. Thanks to some generous support I managed to raise £4500, which made all the effort worthwhile. My personal reward (other than achieving that great total) was to be presented to Princess Anne, who’s not only a royal but an Olympian too. A great honour.
What is your role, and can you tell us a little about it?
I’m the Branch Manager for Manchester. This means I am involved in everything from sales, to operations, to procurement from airlines, shipping lines and transport. Leading a team of experts is something I am really focussed on and looking forward to.
How long have you worked for Torque?
I joined in early March 2020.
What do you love most about your job?
I really enjoy seeing a fledgling branch emerging and thriving thanks to a concerted group effort.
How did you progress into your current role?
I have been in Management for 30 years and in the industry for 35. Each progression was as a result of success working both here and USA.
What invaluable thing have you learnt in your role?
To be humble and empathetic and, above all, honest towards all customers, staff and suppliers. This ensures the best results.
What one piece of advice you would give someone who is interested in a similar job?
Don’t be afraid of questioning systems and processes
Can you tell us the funniest or most interesting thing to happen to you at work?
Making arrangements to meet a client in Wimbledon and asking her if there was something in particular she would like to do, such as go out for dinner. She suggested horse riding – corporate entertainment at its best for me, as a lifelong rider! A fond memory from 23 years ago.
Planning and organising a charter flight from Europe to the USA and the return a week later of 17 race cars and full equipment; something that was alien to most of the race teams. I spent approximately 10 hours at the departure airport organising the packing of all hazardous material, pushing vehicles onto airline pallets, being in the belly of the aircraft watching the strapping down of all vehicles, all while holding my breath as the Master Loader checked the whole load for safety. There were no less than 34 carnets. The sheer logistics of having this many vehicles going through customs in the US, transporting them all to the race track and then doing the same in reverse has stayed with me. To me this whole process was the proudest moment as well as the most stressful and fun of my many years in the industry.
How do you think Torque go the extra mile for their customers?
By creating a true partnership with each customer. Behaving in a genuinely inclusive manner.
Will you share a fun fact about yourself?
I love dressage (but I’m not that good at it).
If you could invite 3 people (alive or dead) to a dinner party you were hosting, who would they be, and why would you invite them?
Margaret Thatcher, the Iron Lady. My mum, because she was my hero – even stronger than the Iron Lady – and finally, Mr Fligg, my English teacher in senior school who was super inspirational.