Linda Capewell's Retirement: Reflecting on a Remarkable Career
After over two decades of dedicated service, Linda Capewell, Vi's Vet Tech Director and cherished team member, is stepping into retirement. Linda’s journey with Vi began in 2004, as the company’s very first technical hire, and her impact has been profound ever since. From shaping the CPD equipment loan program to orchestrating major transitions like the move to Distington House, Linda has been at the heart of Vi’s growth and evolution.
In honour of Linda's retirement, an office at Vi's headquarters in Sheffield has been named 'The Capewell Room' as a tribute to the great impact she has made to the company.
In this heartfelt interview, Linda reflects on her incredible journey, shares memories that have defined her time at Vi, and offers wisdom for the future. Join us in celebrating Linda’s remarkable career and wishing her the very best in this next chapter of her life.
Getting Started at Vi
What year did you join Vi, and what was your first role?
1st March 2004. I joined as the first technical person (Vi’s founder, John Lapish was a vet, everyone else no animal health experience) in a team of about 9. I took over looking after the CPD equipment loan programme, also took calls, orders, and helped with case advice.
What was Vi like when you first started?
Small and busy! Two in Warehouse, and one of the office team would be checking all outgoing orders. The team very much pulled together – come 3.30 the 4 of us in the office would go down to Pick & Pack to help get all the orders out for that day. And still answer the phones! Then I attended my first BSAVA as an exhibitor about 6 weeks in.
What made you excited to join Vi back then?
Being formally with Vi – I had been involved for many years before, working with John Lapish in practice, but I was very happy to move into the role. Leveraged my 27 years’ experience in practice.
Reflecting on the Journey
How has Vi changed or evolved since you first started?
Growth – Vi is a much bigger organisation now, outside of the corporate acquisition. But we still manage to maintain the friendly family atmosphere. Always lean on staffing, everyone is happy to ‘pitch in’ as far as possible.
What’s one project, achievement, or moment that you’re especially proud of?
The move, from initial site search– I was liaison with the estate agent doing the search, then with the developments, selecting fixtures, fittings, and furnishings. Distington House is a dream to work in!
What’s been the biggest surprise or shift in the company or industry during your career?
Corporatisation, both Vi’s acquisition by Henry Schein, and that of the veterinary profession in general.
Are there any colleagues, mentors, or teams who made your journey particularly special?
Difficult to pick out individuals – I have worked with Nat Cowley since 1989 (bar a couple of years) at PDSA as well as Vi. Everyone has their part to play in making Vi the company it is, and it has been a pleasure to be a part of it. Go Team Vi!
Looking Ahead
What do you hope Vi achieves in the future?
Continue the growth. The EU Hub will help overcome some of the post Brexit issues and hopefully with some local support get Europe moving again.
What advice or words of wisdom would you like to leave for your colleagues?
Don’t panic! To quote Douglas Adams. (Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy) A problem is only as big as you make it. Think it through, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. No such thing as a daft question.
If you could share one message for future employees of Vi, what would it be?
Jump in with both feet and join the family – it will be a blast!
On a Personal Note
What’s a favourite memory from your time at Vi?
My very first BSAVA, bearing in mind I had been with Vi for 5 weeks, I had our Aus distributor Geoff Robins (a complete gentleman) and the owner of IM3 Phil Bloom (founder of IM3) (an unreconstructed pure Aussie bloke) on the stand.
I had spent the previous 2 weeks planning and relabelling all the display instruments and was still learning. An exhausting but exhilarating in-at-the-deep-end experience! There have been many more since, not all shareable!
How are you planning to spend your retirement? What are you most looking forward to?
Finishing the renovation of our home, clearing 40 years of junk, then moving house! A prerequisite will be good floors, so I can have a bigger fish tank though – another new hobby.
I may also be found with table-top sales of crochet items, plus I am considering dabbling in earring creation…. Okay, and our son is getting married next year...
Is there anything else you’d like to share as you reflect on your time with Vi?
The company now is a long way from where we started. With size comes the need for specialisation and creation of teams with specific responsibilities, along with remote & spread out working. This could detract from the whole Vi family ethos – I really hope everyone can continue and keep this up for the future. Vi’s strength is in its people, and its can-do attitude.
We wish Linda a very happy retirement and thank her for all her many contributions to Vi's growth and accomplishments over the years!