Merv Jones. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
JAKE BELESKI
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Masterton’s Merv Jones is about to embark on a new quest to tick off items on his bucket list, including spending more time with his eight grandchildren and seeing more of New Zealand by hiking and cycling.
Mr Jones is retiring next month after 25 years in the role of customer services manager at Masterton company, Forest Enterprises.
The company was established in 1972, with the mission of maximising returns to investors by prudently managing their radiata pine forest, and their investment.
Mr Jones has been the primary contact for Forest Enterprises investors throughout his tenure, having brought many of them on board through the 90s.
“Because I am an investor myself along with my wife, Lorraine, my focus has always been on client service,” Mr Jones said.
“What I enjoy the most about this job are the interactions I have with our investors – I am now a couple of years past the official retirement age and am looking forward to the other challenges I want to move on to.”
His active work as an ordained priest in the Anglican Church, in the prison ministry and as padre to the RSA will continue in his spare time, and he reckons he has another house build left in him too.
Forest Enterprises chief executive officer Bert Hughes said the company could not do what they do without good people.
“Merv’s dedication to our clients is an example to us all – he is a true people person.
“Our investors have valued his candour and the continuation of care he has provided throughout the stages of their investment.”
Mr Jones’ place will be filled by Sean Roberts of Carterton.
“The opportunity to join Forest Enterprises was a no-brainer,” Mr Roberts said.
“It’s an opportunity to work more closely with investors, and directly with the business owners who are a great close-knit team committed to a long-term strategy.
“I believe in their product and am looking forward to the second generation of forestry investments.”
Having been introduced to forest investment in 1990s by Merv, he has provided outstanding service over three decades. He certainly has left Forest Enterprises with a great foundation for current and future investors.