In this Get to Know interview we spoke with Eileen Carroll in our Facilities team. She talked us through her career, how well she works with the team and her love of travel.
What’s your name, role and how long have you been at Allied?
My name is Eileen Carroll and I’m a cleaner in the facilities team. I’ve been at Allied for just over three months now.
Can you tell us a bit more about your role?
So, every morning I start off my day at Mobility Solutions and work through things in a similar order. I start by cleaning the toilets, go to the kitchen and clean in there before moving onto cleaning the floor and hoovering the carpets. I go upstairs and work there, then do production, the production offices, stores and pre-production. It’s a similar pattern every day but I can be longer or less time in different areas depending on how much work is needing done.
I start at 6 o’clock in the morning. Luckily, I love early mornings, so it doesn’t bother me too much. I finish at 2.20pm then I get the grandkids to look after so I’m kept busy most days!
Where have you worked before Allied?
I worked in a school for 13 years prior to Allied. I started as cleaner in there and then a supervisor and then facilities manager. I loved working with the children, but the shifts had started to get a bit much.
Before that I worked in Glasgow City Chambers for seven years. I had a team of 43 cleaners working under me and I did all the paperwork and everything to keep them running. So, I’ve got plenty of experience in the job!
What’s the best bit about the job?
I enjoy being kind of my own boss. You’re a part of a bigger team, which is great, but when you get out to your departments you’re left to get through the work however works best. As long as you go round the whole route you’re left to work it out in a way that suits you.
That means if you’re held up in one department that needs some extra cleaning or if there’s been any kind of issue, you can make up the time in the other departments that day or through the week. You’re in control of that which is good.
It’s also been nice to get feedback directly from the teams I’m working with. People have told me I’ve made a real difference to the cleaning and it’s really great to hear that.
Another thing I’ve really enjoyed is working with Donna Docherty and Bobby McConville in the facilities team. They’ve both been fantastic with me.
I work directly for Donna and she is amazing. I’ve never had that kind of support before when I’ve worked other places. If you have an issue, for example with the floor cleaner breaking down, she’s on it within seconds and sending someone to help. Anytime I’ve approached Donna about a holiday, something about work, anything at all she’s always there to help.
What’s the most challenging bit?
Sometime when areas are particularly dirty or laid out in ways that are difficult to clean it can slow you down. It’s hard when you can’t always predict how much work you’re going to have in a certain area and that can make it tough to plan out.
We’ve heard you have a family connection to Allied. Can you tell us a little more?
Gary Keene works in production as a vehicle assembler and he’s getting married to my daughter Clare on the 1st of June. He’s been going out with her for about four years. I sometimes see him at lunch times but we’re both busy outside that. It’s nice bumping into each other though.
He actually let me know that they recruited for cleaners from time to time at Allied. I was tired of the unpredictable shifts of my last job and put a CV into Donna on the off chance. Three months later they got back in touch to say they were recruiting for a cleaner and I got the job.
How does Allied compare to other places you may have worked?
It’s completely different. Since I’ve walked in the door, everyone is speaking to you, everybody says good morning and everyone is helpful. It’s a big change to know you can ask anybody for a hand and then they’ll help you out if they can.
I think it was my second day that Gerry, Peter and David Facenna took the time to shake my hand and say welcome to the business. That really amazed because I know they’re the owners of the business. The fact that they made the time to do that said a lot about the company.
What do you do in your spare time?
I have the grandkids every day after school through the week. They’re two boys aged 10 and 12 but they’re very well behaved so it’s not too much bother.
I like going out for dinner, seeing the family and travelling. I’m off to America at the end of July, to San Francisco, Reno, Salt Lake City and then Las Vegas.
Vegas is my favourite and I’ve been seven times. I love how alive it is. It’s open 24/7 and there’s great concerts, great night life, loads of sightseeing, the Grand Canyon, Lake Mead. There’s plenty to see!
I’ve always gone to the Venetian Hotel and I have a great time there.
What are you looking forward to in 2026?
I’m obviously looking forward to my trip to America and to Clare and Gary’s wedding in June. My outfit is all picked out and ready to go!
A huge thank you to Eileen for taking the time to speak with us. Donna also let us know that Phil Nelson in the Used Car Sales team had sent over some feedback about Eileen’s work saying, “Just wanted to drop you a quick note to say how good Eileen has been since starting. The place has never looked so clean, takes pride in what she does and an asset to your team”.
It’s great to see the impact that Eileen is having with her work. Thanks for your hard work and dedication Eileen!
