5 minutes with our admin and marketing representative Lucy

Saturday, March 28, 2020

What’s your name and where are you from?

My name’s Lucy, I’m originally from Nottinghamshire in the UK but I’ve lived here in the Algarve, Portugal for almost 18 years now.

When did you start working for Skydive Algarve?
I started working at Skydive Algarve in November 2014 when it was taken over by the Swallows.

How and when did you get into working in skydiving?
Prior to working at Skydive Algarve I’d done 2 tandem skydives here and absolutely loved it. I heard of the job opportunity through an instructor who was already working here (Bruno Geada). I was excited to come and work for a company who already had 2 successful dropzones- Skydive Spain (in Seville) and Skydive Hibaldstow (in the UK) and was eager to be a part of making Skydive Algarve become as successful as the other 2 DZs already were.

Explain a bit about your position now and your progression from when you first started?

I work in the admin department and from the outset I’ve worked in the front office/ reception. Due to my previous experience in promotions (having previously run a “grid girl” agency- “Promoalgarve”) I was naturally steered towards the marketing side of things. I’m therefore currently the marketing representative for Skydive Algarve.

What’s a typical day like at SA for you?
Everyday is unique working at Skydive Algarve. In the front office we check in the clients- whether experienced or first time Skydivers. We take care of all the general enquiries. We handle the basic accounting. We take care of the merchandising. We take bookings and sell vouchers and much, much more. On the marketing side of things I take care of our social media and online image. I keep the Website up to date. I keep in touch with our partners. I search for new marketing opportunities and agree on ad campaigns with local companies. I work alongside our Designer and Marketing representative at Skydive Spain– who make up the rest of the Marketing team.

Have you ever done a tandem skydive?

I have done 8 tandem skydives and I’ve absolutely loved each and every one of them!
Tell us a bit about that experience?
What I love about a tandem skydive is the complete range of emotions you go through. From the nerves and feeling of terror of the unknown before the first jump, to the realisation that “I’m really doing this” on the plane ride to altitude, to the sheer pleasure and adrenaline during freefall, to the feeling of “being at one with the universe” during the canopy ride, to the utter relief and feeling of accomplishment when your feet land safely back on the ground.

What do you like about working with skydivers?
Skydivers are generally happy open minded people so it’s great working with them. They are here doing what they love and in a place close to paradise- so what’s not to be happy about?!

What do you do outside of work in your free time?

Outside of work I have 3 children- 2 teenagers and a toddler. Therefore my time away from the dropzone is pretty full on! My weekends are often spent on the sidelines of a football pitch cheering on my 13 year old son’s football team. He’s a great goal keeper so travelling up and down the country is also a necessary Mummy duty! My 14 year old daughter and my husband are both dancers so it’s a pleasure to watch them perform in shows (as I also used to dance and teach dancing myself) My toddler keeps me on my toes too which keeps me fit and young.

What makes SA such a special dropzone for tandems and students?

In my opinion Skydive Algarve is the prettiest and best dropzone in Europe- the view from 15,000ft is out of this world. Not only is the DZ an awesome place to jump but the surrounding area is a wonderful place to spend a holiday. For tandems and students we have a bunch of highly qualified, experienced instructors who are also renowned for their friendliness and professionalism.

Leave us with a life lesson from Lucy.
Life is not a dress rehearsal- we only get one shot at this so LIVE it!