As we mark an incredible milestone with Garth Coopers 50 years of service, we asked some of the people who have worked alongside him over the years to share their thoughts and memories.
Rachel Holland-Campbell, Executive PA to Group Chairman & Board of Directors
I work closely with Garth as his PA, and over the last 6 years have enjoyed hearing about the history of the company from when Garth first started his AJL journey. I have also seen how Garth’s leadership skills have driven the business forward with new systems, new machinery and an expanding product range, all whilst navigating the impacts of a global pandemic and government financial challenges.
I see firsthand the passion, enthusiasm, and dedication that Garth has for Albert Jagger, and he is clearly proud of not only the company, but also the people who work here. He is a true gentleman who has an open-door policy for all staff and is very approachable.
Over the last 50 years, I am sure that Garth and Albert Jagger have seen many changes, but the family culture, strong values and behaviours of the business remain consistent. I am proud to work for and be a part of the Albert Jagger Family.
Derrick Blackham, Former Export Director
Garth has a unique leadership style, one that leaves no doubt he is in charge, yet his approachable nature ensures that colleagues feel comfortable bringing issues or concerns to him.
To his immense credit, Garth has successfully guided the company through some incredibly challenging years, from economic downturns to a global pandemic.
Garth's acknowledgment of the need for change in business is also important, he instigated the first IT system at Albert Jagger and took the company from a challenging environment to a purpose-built facility that is the envy of many local businesses.
Above all, Garth is a real Gentleman!
Dave Boden, Stock Supervisor
I’ll never forget one Saturday morning when I accidentally hit the roller shutter door with a forklift truck. Not exactly the highlight of my career. On the Monday I had to go to Garth to report it. He just listened, looked at me and said, “Please tell me it was the top one”. I said, “No, it was the bottom one”. Without missing a beat, he slowly put his head in his hands and said, “Well at least you had the guts to tell me”.
That moment has stuck with me, not because of the mistake, but because of how he handled it. Classic Garth. Equal parts sharp, fair, and above all, human. Even when you’ve just damaged company property, he valued the honesty. That kind of leadership leaves a mark, and for me, it did.
Alan Breese, Former Export Director
I was genuinely surprised when I learned that Garth had completed 50 years’ service at Albert Jagger. However, my first memory of him goes back much further, probably to the early 1960’s. Back then, we worked on Saturdays, and occasionally Garth’s father would bring him and his sister into the office - I remember minor bouts of chaos ensuing!
When Garth came into the Export department, I remember his father saying to me “Don’t spare him, make him work hard”. At that time all work was manual, handwritten orders, pricing from two massive ‘bibles’, most accounts handwritten (as calculators only became viable after decimalisation in 1972) and typewriters were the standard – remember them?
Later, Garth introduced me to ExportMaster, which was a complete revelation. We worked our socks off for three months, entering product and customer details and for a further two months we operated the manual and computer systems side by side. When we committed ourselves to the new system the changeover proceeded without a hitch, and we had so much information at our fingertips.
It’s obvious that the company has thrived under Garth’s stewardship and now with James and Andrew on board, the future appears to be in safe hands.
From his first steps in the company in 1975, Garth has transformed challenges into opportunities, leading us through decades of growth, innovation, and success. Garth’s journey is an inspiration to us all. Here’s to 50 years of hard work, resilience, and passion. Please join us in congratulating Garth on this extraordinary achievement and in celebrating his legacy