Long-time Harvey Norman Commercial sales representative, Kent Jordan, made the decision to retire at the end of 2021 after 28 years with the company.

Jordan was one of the original employees of the HNC Division based in Taren Point, NSW.  

“After 28 years with the ‘A team’ at Harvey Norman Commercial, it’s a fond farewell to Kent Jordan,” HNC said in a statement shared with Appliance Retailer.

“Every competitor, supplier and industry follower has heard his name time and time again; usually as the guy who won the order, time and time again. From our staff across all sites and divisions, as well as friends, customers and suppliers, we wish you a long and happy retirement, with many fond memories of your many successful years in the HNC village. You will be missed,” the statement continued.

Commenting on his time with HNC, Jordan said, “I would like to thank Alan Stephenson for giving me the opportunity to work for him and many great co-workers and clients over the years.

“I had a sliding door moment 27 years ago when Alan offered me an opportunity to start a new section of Harvey Norman, the Commercial Division at Taren Point. How the business has changed over the years. When I first started, we were based in the back of the shop warehouse in a portable shed, embarrassingly had to wear bright red Harvey Norman jumpers, which every site worker teased us about.

“At the start, when approaching new clients, I was constantly hit with, “Harvey Norman is Retail, not Commercial – you guys don’t understand the business” but the Harvey Norman name is now synonymous with the building industry. Alan always says that Gerry Harvey is his mentor; I can honestly say Alan is a mentor for me, as he is for many of us… His commitment has made the business what it is today.

“It has been a challenging year for all but like all obstacles we have faced through the years, one thing I know about Alan is that this will just make him more determined to continue the growth of HNC. There will always be opportunities when you’re working for Alan.

“I treat my clients as friends and have forged some great friendships over the years. I have complete faith that Nicole Mensforth will look after them and maintain the relationship that we have built up over the years. I would like to especially thank my team of Cara, Tracy, and Krystal for their hard work, sharing my passion and commitment to our clients,” he said.

Image caption: HNC proprietor, Alan Stephenson and Kent Jordan with their first account customer, Des White from D&W Plumbing, who is still trading with HNC 28 years on.