Greg Preston was the first person in the collision repair industry that I met when I came to Paint & Panel. That was back in his MTA NSW days and I'll always be grateful for the help he gave me, explaining how the industry works (and for enjoying the look of disbelief on my face, especially when he explained funny time funny money). He has a deep passion for the industry and has accomplished much without making a song and dance about it. He is now general manager of Plastfix ANZ and will be on the judging panel for this year's Bodyshop Awards.
How did you get started in the industry?
1977, Year 10 (4th form) was the year NSW Government introduced work experience where I had the opportunity to pick three jobs. I said I would like to do the following:
Beach inspector – was my first pick as that was my focus for a 16 year old
Park inspector – played a lot of of footy so very much influenced by what I was doing
Airport inspector – never having flown, thought it would be a great chance to see first hand would that would be like
Of course, as luck would have it, I got sent not to the beach, park or airport, much to my dismay. I got sent to a smash repair shop. After my two weeks of work experience I asked for a job. Surprisingly they gave me a go, thanks Ted and Warren from Ashfield Motors for giving a kid with no idea what he was going to do with the rest of his life, a job that turned into a very happy career.
What do you do now?
Manage an automotive plastic repair business
What do you most like about the industry ?
Change, we all deal with it and it’s a testament to the many that adapt successfully to it.
What do you most dislike about the industry?
Limitations, mainly mine
Who do you most admire in the industry ?
All those that strive to survive the constant change our industry undergoes.
Cars! Tell us - first car, current car, dream car?
- 1967 HR Holden Sedan
- Izuzu D-Max
- EV SUV which can continually recharge itself