Schaeffler is aiming to help customers and garages get to know some of its key team members through their new ‘INside Schaeffler’ series. The aim is to look ‘behind the brands’ to show the loyalty, expertise and commitment of key staff.

First up is Jo Loughman. A familiar source of help for many Schaeffler customers, Jo is a long time team member and current Customer Service and Deputy Operations Manager, working within the busy Customer Service and Operations team.  

How long have you been at Schaeffler?
“Since January 2001”

What are your hobbies and interests?
“Crossfit, spinning, running, canicross, swimming, jetskiing, bike riding, music, movies, eating and sun-worshiping.”

What would your karaoke song be?
“There are too many to choose from; REO Speedwagon, Meatloaf, Pink, Queen. I love a wide range of music.”

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
“Nepal as I want to see Mount Everest.”

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
“An ambulance driver.”

What special Schaeffler skills do you have?
“Good SAP skills and understanding what the customer wants. I’m also digitally aware, look to find efficiencies and look after the external sales team.”

Tell us something about you that none of your colleagues may know?
“I used to ride a motorbike until I was 6 months pregnant and then I hung my helmet up!”

What qualities do you value most in a friend or colleague?
“Honesty and Integrity.  If you are my friend, I am all in and care about you.”

What does your role at work mean to you?
“Having started in the warehouse 22 years ago, I’m now one step away from running the site operationally. So, my job, apart from my family, is my biggest achievement - like my friendships, I am all in and fully invested.”

What does your job consist of?
“My role has significantly changed over the years. Apart from the key account work and supporting my Customer Service team, a lot of my time now is dedicated to finding and improving efficiencies to keep Schaeffler current with the customer base.”

Tell us something that you think your customers could benefit from knowing?
“The customer service team is not a big call centre. We are six ladies servicing over 1,200 accounts and taking an average of 4,500 calls a month - and we are awesome at what we do.”
“ I also run my own business outside of Schaeffler called Fullcycle Studio. We are a spin studio and we have been running for ten years.  We currently have 29 bikes and my husband and I are the instructors.”

What technical or product advice may help customers that they may not yet be aware of?
“Schaeffler are not the OEM on all clutch applications, therefore we have to complete our range with other OE suppliers so don't be alarmed when opening the box if it does not say LuK. You can be assured they are all OE quality.”

Information on Schaeffler products, fitting instructions and more, can be found on the REPXPERT app, downloadable for free for all iOS and Android devices, or at www.repxpert.co.uk.