Pryors recently celebrated our longest-serving current employee, Willie Evans, who has now been with the business for an incredible 30 years.
Willie began his journey with us in 1985, working in our small Industrial Plant on Great South Road, Papakura, as a Washroom Assistant. Back then he was in his 20s, sporting a full beard and a ponytail down to his back. Even in those early years, Willie quickly became known for keeping the washroom area impeccably clean and tidy—no small feat in an industrial laundry.
After several years, Owen Pryor, Managing Director at the time, offered Willie the opportunity to take on a full driving role within the business. Willie accepted the challenge, went home, shaved off the beard, cut off the ponytail, and turned up the next day looking like a completely different person. No one recognised him—it was a very funny moment for the whole team. Willie knew he would be front-facing with customers every day, and he wanted to look sharp and professional.
Since then, Willie has moved into a senior Customer Support role—though part of the beard has made a comeback!
I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Willie for almost 25 years, and the growth I’ve seen in him during that time has been outstanding. He continues to be an incredibly loyal, motivated, friendly, and reliable member of our Pryors team. Our customers love him, and he has made a significant impact on our business—not only in growth and success, but also in teaching us all the value of maintaining an exceptionally tidy laundry.
Willie is, without a doubt, a tremendous asset to our business.