The RailStaff Awards 2024

Nominations for Customer Service Award

Melvyn Gillan - **HAS LEFT**

Said the following about Aaron Koduah:

“Aaron has been part of the Virgin family for a few years now, originally at Stoke On Trent and now with us here at Crewe. He epitomises all of our brand values and creates memorable customer experiences with his kind and friendly personality. His smile is contagious and helps to brighten up staff and customers days whenever they are feeling down. His motivational quote board has become well known up and down the country, with quite a few celebs posting on social media about it. This has led to him writing his own book and having it published. I can’t think of anyone who deserves this award more than Aaron, for not just the customer experience he delivers day in and day out, but for the impact he has had on their lives too by helping them to stay positive when things haven’t been going too well for them.“

Ben Wye

Said the following about Aaron Koduah:

“Every customer at Crewe knows Aaron, either through his unfailingly courteous, helpful and friendly personality, or his inspirational daily motivations on the foyer board.

When the Manchester Met university campus closed down, staff were invited to exchange gifts that represented the best of Crewe. For me there was only one, which was Aaron’s book, “Developing a Strong Mind-set”. Most colleagues were being made redundant, and I shared how Aaron maintained his positivity through the recent loss of both his son and his father in the same month. This would have broken a lesser man, but it almost made Aaron stronger. I have seen his implacable adherence to regulations when enforcing ticket regulations, and his empathy and patience when listening to a customer with clear mental health issues. He seems to know many customers by name, who always go through the ticket barrier feeling recognised and a bit happier in these days of impersonal automation.

He is a model for any public facing professional, even if you don’t speak with him you cannot fail to notice how smart he always looks, even in today’s heatwave!“

Ireneusz Kryczka

Said the following about Aaron Koduah:

“Great customer service, motivation posts that uplift passengers and station staff.

Aaron is a very nice guy who always helps travellers and colleagues alike.

He is always smiling and have very positive attitude.

Aaron often goes beyond his usual staff duties to help others on their journey.“

James Woolridge - **HAS LEFT**

Said the following about Aaron Koduah:

“Aaron always gives excellent customer service to our customers and motivates his colleagues and customers with inspirational quotes he writes down on the white board on the main concourse for all to see.“

Simon Thomas - **HAS LEFT**

Said the following about Aaron Koduah:

“Writing Inspirational quotes on the whiteboard located at the front of the station so all customers can see“

Lionel Campuzano

Said the following about Aaron Koduah:

“As a regular user of Crewe Station, Aaron is a very pleasant, helpful, and competent person who always has a lovely and genuine smile whether it is morning, afternoon, or evening. Aaron is always willing to help and is very knowledgeable on the rail system.

From an employer’s perspective, Aron has a lot of potential to go far in the Company, and hopefully Virgin will realise this, and I wish Aaron well in his railway career.“

Dave Allman

Said the following about Aaron Koduah:

“Aaron in one word is incredible! He makes it a joy to travel and pass through the station and if I'm honest it's very clear when he isn't there. He is a credit to Virgin, the station and customers. Nothing is ever too much trouble, and I have witnessed him many a time going above and beyond for others.

His passion and professionalism is admiring. Aaron’s “thought of the day board” in which he shares his motivational quotes is brilliant. They give the station a sense of humanity and to say they are popular is an understatement. He treats every customer like there his friend, and it's easy to see he generally enjoys helping others.

I can't think of a man that deserves more credit than Aaron. There aren't many like him out there! This man deserves every bit of recognition he gets!“

Takudzwa Mushonga

Said the following about Aaron Koduah:

“Aaron is always smiling and willing to help anyone who needs. His inspirational quotes are part of my routine. He is great value to the rail industry“

Mike McGarry

Said the following about Aaron Koduah:

“Nominated for excellent customer service. Always has a smile and a warm greeting in the morning and makes time to talk, remembering your name, even when busy. 'Thought of the day' is a great idea' and may be the simple thing that is required to keep a vulnerable person motivated and happy as they pass through the station.“

Tony Haskell

Said the following about Aaron Koduah:

“I am nominating Aaron because I see him most days at Crewe train station as Crewe is my destination of work. When I'm having a bad morning his presence and energy he gives off when he greets you is contagious and you can't help but be in a good mood. He seems like he loves life and you can tell people appreciate his customer service as he is always smiling and is always helpful and is generally a sound guy.“

Isaac Amoah

Said the following about Aaron Koduah:

“Aaron inspired me with his messages on yammer.“

Julian Ogle

Said the following about Aaron Koduah:

“I often see Aaron both morning and evening at Crewe station on my daily commute and he always greets me with a smile and puts passengers first by helping them through the barriers and offering assistance.

I was so sorry to read that he'd suffered a personal loss of such magnitude in the last year, yet you would never know that beneath his ever present positive and professional demeanour.

His messages on the notice board are always interesting to read and provides something to think about to help get through the rigours of the day. Thank you Aaron for brightening my commuting experience and good luck in the future, you deserve it!“