How did you get started in the industry?
I started in the industry by accident really. I had an apprenticeship as a carpenter but wasn't really enjoying it. The company I worked for went broke and then i found a job as a spare parts back counter runner. I loved cars, the dealership had a panel shop and couldn't keep any estimators and I just put my hand up and said 'i reckon i could do that'. The rest, as they say, is history.
What do you do now?
I am the Group CEO of the Car Craft Group, a network of 143 independently owned businesses. I was at the MTA when Car Craft called and gave me an offer to join the team at a point in time they wanted to grow and start a change on how they did business. It was a steep learning curve as this was out of my comfort zone. I had a mindset at the time that the biggest failure would be not to give it a go, I moved to WA and if I failed, at least I gave it a good crack. So I learnt the value of two things, having a good team around you and to value yourself and your ability to achieve things and constantly improve - and that failing is okay. Cliche I know but true.
What do you most like about the industry?
I love the passion of the industry. It just seems once you’re in this industry it doesn’t leave the blood. I love the ability to 'build' things. I do like change and finding better ways of doing things which bring good outcomes.
What do you most dislike about the industry?
Having been on various MTA committees representing the industry and Chairing the Code of Conduct, my dislike is we still have a lot of people in the industry with a negative outlook - and that is on both sides of the industry. There really are so many opportunities for success in our industry we sometimes just need broaden our vision. I think you can see that with the younger new players in our game.
Who do you most admire in the industry?
Two people in the early days, a dear friend who has sadly passed, George Papillo, He owned a business in Adelaide and was an MTA board member. He taught me the value of patience and listening. The other is the former Chairman of AMBRA Jeff Williams who for many years gave everything for the industry. A lot of that is unseen but we all benefit from it.
Cars! First car, current car, dream car?
My first car was a V8 ZD Fairlane, current car is a Mercedes CLA 200 Shooting Brake and dream car would be a......too many to choose from!