19/06 2023 - Stores
Step into Ryesgade, the bustling heart of Aarhus, and you’ll find one of the most prominent stores of Louis Nielsen*. For Patrick Sørensen, the years spent in Ryesgade were defining moments of his personal and professional development. Ryesgade shaped his journey to becoming the exceptional eyecare professional he is today and partner at Louis Nielsen in Elsinore, known for its historic Kronborg Castle north of Copenhagen.
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*In 2005, Specsavers acquired the successful Danish eyewear chain Louis Nielsen, which kept operating under its founder's name due to its strong recognition in Denmark.
"I interned at the store in Ryesgade in 2015 and was hired as a full-time sales assistant two years later. During my training, the two partners at the store noticed my thirst for knowledge and spurred my attention to optometry. Ever since I can remember, my curious nature has been a loyal companion, and in 2o21, I completed my degree in optometry."
"Being a partner at Specsavers/Louis Nielsen means managing and owning your store in a unique constellation. You have the support of an organisation with global reach, extensive buying power, and over 40 years of experience in the optical industry, well-known for its tagline – Should've gone to Specsavers/Louis Nielsen. On a more personal note, it's an opportunity to make a considerable difference to people coming through our doors while running a healthy, thriving business.
The Partner In Development Programme is one of a kind. You're supported and guided throughout the entire process, gaining extensive knowledge about running a business. I'm especially thrilled about the programme's Leadership Training which emphasises your interaction with customers, teams, and other partners. During the training, you learn a great deal about yourself, which is an invaluable tool for self-awareness and handling tricky situations that invariably arise when running a business.
Regular meetups with colleagues, who joined the PID programme for the same reasons you did, also provide a fantastic opening to form connections. As a result, I've got a network of people with whom I share business insights, discuss team issues, and address personal concerns."
"The support-office functions. As a partner at Specsavers/Louis Nielsen, you've access to various support-office functions to assist your business. These functions include financial administration, legal and property services, IT, and national and local marketing activities, to name a few. As someone not particularly fond of administrative tasks, I greatly appreciate the support-office assistance. It allows me to focus on what I enjoy, such as taking care of my staff and optimising my store."
"Without a doubt, I'm most proud of not letting the two partners in Ryesgade down. From the moment I started working at the store, they've invested time and money in me and nudged me to climb higher. I wouldn't have been a partner today if it weren't for them. And it demonstrates that Specsavers/Louis Nielsen, as an organisation, truly supports its employees. The company's values and behaviours are centred around people. If you're curious and want to learn and develop, you'll be welcomed with open arms, and help is readily given whenever you need it.
I am fortunate to have started my career at a company that took me seriously, providing training and assistance every step of the way, ultimately making me a partner before I turn 30. The two partners at Ryesgade are still my mentors and have become my friends. I turn to them for guidance and advice when navigating life's challenges. They're my trusted confidants, always ready to lend a listening ear and offer their wisdom. With their guidance, I feel more empowered and confident to tackle whatever comes my way."
"If you're considering becoming a partner, you're on the path to something special. First, it's essential to know that being a partner requires a little extra from you in terms of flexibility (work hours and mobility for the right position), adaptability (readiness to cover the shop floor when needed) and proactivity (willingness to learn, develop, and listen). But don't let that discourage you – the payoff can be incredibly gratifying and life-changing.
Partnerships offer the opportunity to work closely with others, build meaningful relationships, and achieve goals bigger than yourself. Like any other journey, becoming a successful partner isn't easy. You'll need to work and prove yourself to your customers, suppliers, teams, and fellow partners, but the sense of fulfilment and accomplishment you'll feel when you achieve your goals together will be worth it.
So, if you're ready to take on the challenge and be a partner, remember to stay flexible, adaptable, and proactive, and you'll be on your way to self-fulfilment and success."
Ready to uncover your full potential at Denmark's Best Workplace 2023? Connect with us at Specsavers/Louis Nielsen to access a world of intriguing job vacancies.
