This is a new award for people under 30 who will be tomorrow’s industry leaders. We had a great response to this category and the calibre of nominees was high.
Zahir Mohammed
South West Collision Repairs, NSW, Age 26
Zahir has embraced the responsibility of establishing a new workshop South West Collision Repairs in Smeaton Grange, NSW. Just a year ago, he was part of the family venture, Graham Hill Smash Repairs, but now he is at the helm of his own enterprise. Besides overseeing the workshop management and estimating, Zahir personally handles all PDR tasks. His skill set also includes a specialisation in EVs, acquired through a course with MTA.
Zahir’s exceptional communication skills shine through in the solid relationships he has fostered with customers, insurance companies, and assessors. He consistently receives praise for his professionalism, work ethic, and his warm, friendly demeanour. Although he continues to learn and evolve, his contributions have already spurred significant growth in the business.
He is always seeking new systems and equipment to improve business efficiency and lessen environmental impact and has built strong relationships with employees, contractors, assessors, and clients.
Zac Crowdey
Holmes Smash Repairs, QLD, AGE 27
Zac joined Holmes Smash Repairs in January 2022 to help with the parts department. He quickly put procedures in place to fix problems with storage, damage and lost parts. He then took over the department and made a huge difference in this area helping to set up a blueprint of what the business uses now. Moving on to a customer service role, he again excelled in this area having no experience in the smash repair industry – he is a boiler maker by trade. His eagerness to learn saw him help with estimators who were swamped with quotes. He has also worked with the production manager and can cover this role when needed.
Boss Darren Holmes says Zac’s work ethic and team focus are his strongest qualities. “His willingness to learn has made it very easy for me to show him all aspects of running a smash repair business and he will in the future be a leader in our business as well as the panel industry,” he said.
“Even though he has only been with us for three years he has made himself an integral part of Holmes Smash Repairs.”
Danielle Petta
Fortress Collision Repair Services, NSW, AGE 27
Danielle has worked in collision repair since she was 19. Starting in customer care, she underwent training in parts and estimating. Danielle has become a well-rounded, multi-skilled support for the Newcastle site. She has a deep understanding of repair process and has put in place procedures to improve workflow.
Currently her role is in parts management but she is also undertaking training with the head office’s finance department, in accounts and reconciliation. Mentored by the group’s parts trainer, Chelsea Donges, Danielle is an emerging leader in the Fortress Group.
As she has been identified with potential to grow, Danielle is a part of the Future Leaders program and is gaining exposure to production management as well as being versed in customer support, parts, and estimating. Danielle has been recognised for her capability in reducing vehicles on site via proactive parts management and reducing overall key to key times. She is the sole parts manager, reviewing quotes, understanding parts availability, and intercepting repair bookings.
Danielle was identified and developed for her ability to adapt quickly to all tasks and challenges, and acquisition of knowledge across repair functions. Notably, she displays a desire to continually improve workflow. She gives her complete attention to every task and is dedicated to achieving the best result for the business. Her proactive approach sees her striving to intercept any issues before they become problems.
Macauley Kippen
Bissell’s Paint and Panel, QLD, AGE 28
Macauley has successfully stepped up in the position as workshop manager and has developed new skills and achievements within the business. Macauley effectively oversees all aspects of the workshop’s operations, leading to improved performance, customer satisfaction, and business growth.
His duties include staff management training, mentoring workshop staff and fostering a positive work environment. He assists in recruitment to ensure a skilled and reliable workforce. He also monitors workshop budgets and ensures financial targets are met, identifying and implementing cost-saving measures without compromising quality.
He communicates with customers to understand their needs and addresses and resolves complaints promptly. He has implemented systems to gather and act on customer feedback to improve service.
Macauley is a I-Car gold class platinum status employee and regularly takes part in PPG business development courses. He consistently strives to better himself as a team leader.
He has streamlined processes and reduced turnaround times and costs and assures the workshop maintains high standards of workmanship and safety. ●