Robin Taylor needs no introduction to the vast majority of the industry and indeed was Paint & Panel's inaugural Hall of Fame recipient.
How did you get started in the industry?
I worked at Dulux as their Quality Assurance Manager, looking after their quality systems Australia-wide when a prominent Melbourne-based MSO asked about ISO 9000 certification. The Refinish Marketing Manager took me out to meet the customer, and I began helping them develop a Quality Assurance system to achieve certification. That requirement expanded to a Sydney-based MSO, eventually supporting over 65 independent shops to become certified. I worked on an Environmental Management System for the Collision Industry and trained and supported the PPG Estimating System.
What do you do now?
I lead a team of people whose role is to help our customers be successful. The team's role is to help the customer continually improve their business to help them eliminate waste and improve their bottom line. One of the critical things we do is help the customer measure and monitor their financial performance through our online benchmark system. I am a bit of a crazy when it comes to data. Two hours with me when I start talking about data is enough to blow most people's minds!
What do you most like about the industry?
The people I get to meet are by far the best part of the job I do. I get to help people and make a real difference to them and their businesses. It is simple to be able to make a positive difference.
What do you most dislike about the industry?
The unnecessary pressure put on the small business owner by work providers to try to achieve unrealistic pricing. If realistic targets were set, the friction would be reduced, and I believe the average cost would be reduced. If the direct costs did not decrease, the overall cost of doing business would.
Who do you most admire in the industry?
This is a really tough question, as I have learned so much from so many people and continue to learn to this day. Many of the people I learned so much from are now retired. Some of the people I learned from are Richard Nathan, Stuart McDonald, Ray Iversen, and Carl Francesca, to name a few. Most I still maintain in contact with 25 years down the track.
Cars! tell us - first car, current car, dream car?
My first car was a Datsun 180B with a vinyl-covered roof. I currently drive a Camry Hybrid, which Axalta provides. My dream car: I am not into cars, so mine would be quite simple and practical - a twin cab with a tray so I can go camping with my kids and grandkids and cart stuff around. I live on an acre and am always needing things for my garden.