Kenny Worrall, now director of County DIY on County Road, Liverpool, has spent 32 years at the shop, turning what was meant to be a six-month placement into a career that shaped his life. The 53-year-old first joined at age 21 through an adult training scheme and has worked through nearly every role in the business.
From Placement to Director
Originally from Norris Green, Kenny watched the road evolve while building friendships with generations of customers. He told the ECHO: “I look at it that this business has brought me everything I’ve got, really. Apart from my parents, my brothers, and my sisters, there weren’t many people in my life before County DIY. The majority of the people in my life now have come along since I’ve been here.”
He added: “I try my best to be a good person, and the people around me have the same sort of mindset. We just try to help people, but if we can have a laugh along the way, then that’s good as well. Everyone’s a winner.”
A Second Home on County Road
County DIY, spread across numbers 157-161, sells paint, timber cut to size, locks, pest control products, and Christmas decorations. Its key-cutting machine has served the area for decades, while a network of tradespeople helps customers with jobs from fitting shelves to full window installations.
Kenny lives just a five-minute walk away, met his wife when she worked across the road, and is now a dad-of-two and grandad to one granddaughter. He said: “The road itself has changed a lot. People say it’s unrecognisable, but I’ve been here to see it change, so it’s difficult when you see it happening in front of you. This road has seen me go from a boy to a man.”
Community and Technology
Reflecting on his journey, Kenny noted: “I was probably quite a reserved, quiet lad when I started unless you got to know me. Most people would say I’m the loudest person in the world now. I’m always laughing and joking. That’s why I’ve stayed here for so long. I like the people, and it’s just about getting on with everybody.”
He acknowledged moments of doubt: “There have been times when things have got on top of me and I’ve thought about leaving, but you push through it and start seeing the good in things again.”
Kenny believes the personal connection between the shop and its customers remains a key strength. He said: “I’m on first-name terms with a lot of people. Obviously, we’ll try to help people as best we can. You’re there to help people, aren’t you? We sell a bit of everything, and we try to be good people. That’s it. I can’t walk down County Road without getting stopped for a chat or having a car beep at me.”
Technology, from stock management systems to increasingly sophisticated key-cutting machines, is becoming a bigger part of the shop’s daily operations. Looking ahead, Kenny hopes County DIY can continue offering practical advice and personal service while embracing the technology needed to keep the business moving forward. His principles remain much the same: “know your customers, help where you can and make people feel welcome.”
