A Career Built on Care: Rose’s Derrycourt Journey
At Derrycourt, we believe in creating opportunities for our people to grow, develop their skills, and build meaningful careers. Many of our managers began their journey on the frontline, progressing through dedication, training, and the support of those around them. Most Area and Regional Managers, like Rose Mingle, started as cleaners, gaining first‑hand experience of what excellent cleaning looks like, understanding the challenges involved, and never hesitating to roll up their sleeves when needed. Rose joined Derrycourt as a cleaner with no idea of the path ahead or how far her journey would take her.
What she knew from the beginning was simple: she wanted to work hard, deliver quality, and treat people with respect. These values became the foundation of a long and influential career at Derrycourt.
Rose’s journey is not merely a progression from one role to another. It is the story of someone who showed up every day with commitment, supported those around her, and strengthened every site and team she worked with. Her career reflects the best of what is possible when talent, opportunity, and genuine care come together.
A Career Built on Care
Rose remembers the pride she felt when she first began as a cleaner. Her dedication and high standards the foundation as she would step up as a supervisor, site manager, area manager and later Regional Manager. Each step required new skills, new learning, and a deeper responsibility to the people around her.
“I have always felt like I am part of something bigger and I know I am making a difference,” she says.
Her sense of purpose has carried her through emergency callouts, last‑minute requests, and days when schedules changed with little warning. “No two days are the same,” she explains. “I can have a full plan and within minutes it can change. If there is an emergency callout, like an overnight flood, that becomes the priority.”
We kept up with everything that came our way, The training and induction now given to staff is something I am very proud of. It was not there in the early days.
Only last week, Rose set out to complete three office carpet shampooing quotes. But then once a client complaint was received, she immediately changed direction, met with the industrial crew, and resolved the issue. Her motto is simple: “You always manage complaints first.”
Behind that short sentence sits decades of reliability, professionalism, and genuine dedication to clients and colleagues.
Leadership That Lifts Others Up
Rose is widely known for her ability to mentor and support others. “I enjoy seeing them come on,” she explains. “I like spending time teaching them how to handle clients and staff.”
When a manager faces a challenge, Rose attends client meetings with them and provides support throughout. She has always believed in standing beside people, not behind them.
One of the journeys she is proudest of is that of Sebastian Popan. Starting as a cleaner, he moved into supervision, then resource planning at Head Office, became an area manager, and eventually stepped into Rose’s former Regional Manager role. His development reflects her belief that potential exists everywhere, and that with the right attitude and support, people can achieve extraordinary things.
Her message to new managers remains consistent: “There is no such thing as a stupid question. There is always someone who will help.”
A Company Evolving with Her
Across forty years, Rose has seen Derrycourt grow from a small, close team into a larger organisation with modern processes, enhanced training, and evolving client requirements.
“We kept up with everything that came our way,” she says. “The training and induction now given to staff is something I am very proud of. It was not there in the early days.”
She speaks often about the opportunities available within the company. “So many people around me have grown into middle management. The opportunities are there if people want them. For many, it has become a profession.”
Moments That Stay Forever
One memory that stands out for Rose is the Christmas week when Independent House on Princess Street flooded. Rose along with fellow managers, and cleaners worked side by side throughout the week to restore the building. It was demanding, but filled with laughs and camaraderie it demonstrated the strength of teamwork, commitment, and shared purpose.
When she reflects on her career, the achievements she values most are simple and meaningful.
“Watching people grow. And making friendships,” she says.
Those moments mean the most to her.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
Rose stepped back from her Regional Manager role in early 2025 and now works a three‑day week, preparing quotes, supporting clients, and staying connected to the people and work she enjoys.
If she could speak to her younger self on her first day, she knows exactly what she would say:
“Oh, the places you will go.”
Although she has stepped back from her regional duties, Rose continues to contribute meaningfully to Derrycourt. She remains committed, engaged, and motivated by the same sense of purpose that guided her from the start.
People sometimes assume she has seen everything the industry has to offer, but she disagrees.
“Every day is a learning day,” she says.
Forty years on, Rose continues to inspire, demonstrating what is possible when someone grows with a company and lifts others along with them.
