How did you get started in the industry?
I started at RPM Milperra five and a half years ago helping out as they were short staffed and my husband was the Centre Manager. So I guess I sort of fell into the industry. From there I became the NSW/ACT Distribution Manager for consumables. This role saw me travelling around every shop in NSW and ACT where I was able to work with many different AMA employees forming great relationships within the company.
What do you do now?
I am currently the Parts Manager at Gemini in Rockhampton as we decided to venture across the border into sunny Queensland. This role is giving me the opportunity to learn more management duties within the business with the hopes of advancing into higher level roles within AMA in the future. The sky's the limit LOL!
What do you most like about the industry?
I love that we are helping people and I love the satisfaction of seeing a car completed. To see a smashed car transformed by the guys on the floor is fascinating. I also like the way we all come together as a team from the moment the claim comes through in the front office, till the moment the customer collects the car. We all play important parts in the transformation of every car. I also get a sense of pride when I pass the car in the street and recognise it, knowing that we, Gemini Rocky, are the reason that that car is traveling around town.
What do you most dislike about the industry?
I would say that the only thing I dislike about the industry is knowing that these cars we are repairing have usually been in accidents. Knowing that some of our customers have experienced some very traumatising moments, some big, some small, is quite sad. This is one of the reasons I am happy we are able to help our customers.
Who do you most admire in the industry?
I most admire? My husband of course, but for good reason. Daniel left school 35 years ago and started his apprenticeship as a spray painter. From there he has thrived in the industry learning parts, estimating, production, and progressing to the role of centre manager. He has run a number of AMA sites in NSW and is now the Centre Manager of Gemini Rockhampton in Queensland. No job is too big or small, Daniel is happy to help wherever needed and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. He is now helping train our eldest son Jordan. Jordan started his apprenticeship as a spray painter this year with the plans to follow in his father's footsteps.
Cars! tell us - first car, current car, dream car?
As for cars, I’m not actually a car person. I just love a practical safe car that can get us all from A to B. Sorry to be boring!. But I will say that my son has just rebuilt a Navara leading up to him getting his P’s this week. He has done a fantastic job considering the car was headed to the wreckers. Three months into his apprenticeship and he resprayed the whole car.