Since joining in 1991, Kevan has been a core figure in our long-standing contract with the National Gallery. Known for his loyalty, unwavering commitment and distinctive Northern charm, Kevan has made a lasting impact not only on the National Gallery but on all of us who had the privilege of working alongside him. His presence will be deeply missed by all.

As we look back on Kevan’s journey with DOC, we celebrate his remarkable legacy and wish him every happiness in this next chapter of his life as he enters retirement.

 

Reflecting on Kevan’s Journey

Kevan’s career with DOC Cleaning began more than three decades ago. His interview took place in an office in the basement at the National Gallery, during a time when things were very different. 

As the years passed, Kevan took on a pivotal role at the National Gallery. He embodied DOC’s traditional values through his down-to-earth manner and reliability, ensuring standards were upheld and fostering a culture of excellence. 

While reflecting on Kevan’s journey, we took the opportunity to sit down with him and ask a few questions about his time with DOC Cleaning, his favourite memories and his thoughts as he steps into retirement. Here’s what he had to share in his own words.  

 

Q&A with Kevan Stewart

1. What do you remember about your very first day/early days at DOC Cleaning?   

Working with Scott (a surname Danny and Lee will know) and Roger Odle – two funny characters who made me feel welcome and showed me the ropes.  

2. Were there any mentors or colleagues who had a significant impact on your career?   

Paul Rogan – he was the manager after Danny and Lee stopped working directly at the National Gallery.  

3. What has kept you motivated about your work throughout your 34 years?   

The work was ever changing. I did so many different roles and enjoyed working with Bob Dave (O’Conner), Lee and Danny.  

The National Gallery was very different back then and the atmosphere was a lot more relaxed. When I started, we didn’t have computers. We used pagers, or it was written in the ‘book’ for us to go and do the work. We used to get job requests that came through on a fax machine!  

4. What changes have you witnessed over the years, both at DOC Cleaning and at the National Gallery specifically?   

Mainly the change in the size of DOC Cleaning – watching it grow from a small family business into what it is now, and continually becoming more professional.  

At the National Gallery, there have been major changes in the building. We used to be based in the basement in a room we called the ‘Crib’. I was the yard manager at one stage, controlling all the deliveries coming into the National Gallery. I had my own office in a portacabin and remember getting my first PC in 1998. 

The biggest change has been the people. I have worked with so many great people at the National Gallery and seen 4 different Gallery Directors whilst working here.  

5. What advice would you give to someone looking to start out in the cleaning industry?   

Get to know your staff and learn the basics.  

6. What will you miss the most about working at DOC?   

The family and camaraderie. Having worked for DOC for such a long time, I have a family bond with the Andrews. I don’t think I would have worked anywhere else for this long.   

7. Are there any parting words you’d like to share with the DOC family/team at the National Gallery?   

I will miss the family side of DOC Cleaning and would like to thank all the staff I have worked with for their continued support. 

 

Memorable Moments and Milestones 

Throughout the years, Kevan was viewed as not just a colleague, but a valued friend and family member. Kevan left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered, and his unique blend of humour, discipline and dedication set him apart, making him an irreplaceable presence within the team.  

His contributions were recently recognised at our annual company conference, where he received the Roger Odle Memorial Award to honour his exceptional service and the legacy he has built during his 34 years with DOC Cleaning.  

 

Final Thoughts from Danny and Lee 

To close, we asked Danny and Lee to share some final thoughts on his career and his lasting impact on DOC Cleaning… 

Kev first joined us in 1991, where his interview was carried out in our office in the basement areas of the National Gallery. He wore cord trousers, was a northerner and had larger than life features! There are many things we can say about Kev, but above all, he is a rare breed and has been a loyal and reliable member of the DOC family for over 30 years. His presence has been a major factor in the retention of our National Gallery contract for so many years.

 

Every family member that joins us starts at the National Gallery – including Lee Jnr, Arthur, Tom and Jamie – and they all have very fond memories of Kev and working at the National Gallery together. We had some really good times at DOC in the early years, and these good times were often centered around the National Gallery, which Kev was a big part of. We always had a laugh but maintained our high standards on-site largely as a result of Kev’s commitment on a day-to-day basis. He was a constant on-site and quickly made his mark as an integral member of the team.

 

He will be missed on both a personal and professional front, but we know that we will keep in touch in the future and we wish him all the best from everyone at DOC.  Good luck Kev – we’ll miss you.