Kern Cunningham joined Haverfordwest-based Castle Hot Tubs as an engineer in 2015. His role involves installing hot tubs and swim spas, diagnosing technical problems and assisting with customer issues. Castle Hot Tubs Manager Yan Koob comments: “Kern has worked with us for just over a year and he is a valued member of our ever growing team. He is a fun and practical character who learns very quickly when it comes to diagnosing problems and finding solutions.”
Tell me a bit about your day to day responsibilities? My job involves installation of hot tubs, swim spas and new for this year we are also installing pools. I am the man who goes out to repair and service all the spas and I’m also available in office for technical questions and to help customers identify any parts that they may need.
What areas do you specialise in? I specialise in all areas of hot tub repair, installation and servicing.
What do you enjoy most about your job? The best part of the job is working in different places and meeting new people – every day brings something different with new challenges. No two days are ever the same at Castle Hot Tubs. I also enjoy it when our customers provide a bacon sandwich on the job!
What are the biggest challenges you face? In this job preparation is key. It’s important to think ahead and to ensure that every scenario is planned for; that means ensuring the van is always well equipped, fully stocked with parts and tidy!
Tell me a bit about your career background? And qualifications? Before working at Castle Hot Tubs, I was a lifeguard and swimming instructor at the local leisure centre. Since working at Castle Hot Tubs I have completed two courses through BISHTA – the Site Surveyors Course and also the NIC/EIC Safe Electrical Isolation. I hope to do more courses to eventually get my full Spa Technician Certificate.
What’s been your most interesting experience in the spa industry? It was a real eye opener when we went to the Global Piscine show in Lyon in November. I was amazed at just how big the industry really is.
What’s the best piece of advice you have been given? And by whom? The best advice I’ve been given is to always take my time when working on hot tubs and of course be 100 per cent sure that the hot tub is not live when working on it! That advice was given to me by Castle Hot Tub’s Manager Yan when I first started with the company and I’ve always stuck to it.
What are your goals for 2017? On a work level, I am always looking to increase my knowledge of repairing and identifying problems with hot tubs and I hope to further my skills this year. Personally, I’d really like to get on the housing ladder soon and own my own hot tub!
What are your hobbies outside of work? I play football for West Dragons Football Club and I’m also a keen swimmer. Another passion of mine is my cat Arnie – I should probably give him a mention!
