Page 29 - Australasian Paint & Panel May-June 2021

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achieve our reputation and people want to work here. I find when you are hiring people you can teach skills but not attitude or aptitude. We hire good people and then invest in training.”
As well as all of the I-CAR online training Todd sent his panel techni- cians to Brisbane for the practical weld- ing tests. They are now also booked in for the Tesla welding training. He also sends his painters to PPG’s Sydney training centre every quarter to ensure they are up to date with their skills.
Now here’s something you don’t hear every day - the business was in- undated with applications for appren- tices, so they have had plenty to choose from. Doubling the team means dou- bling the wages bill of course but Todd isn’t phased. “They all earn their mon- ey,” he said, “We have the best staff, we’re blessed.”
As well as their loyal following of customers the business also under- takes a lot of fleet work. Even though Dubbo isn’t chock-a-block with Teslas, Todd sees becoming part of the ap- proved network as an investment in the future. “We enjoy the exclusivity of being part of the network and we’ve been so impressed with their high standards and professionalism.”
Geoff Richards Panel Beating has been an MTA NSW member for 45 years and Todd explains why he values his membership: “We get a lot of support from the MTA - their human resources
Even though Dubbo isn’t
chock-a-block with Teslas, Todd sees becoming part of the approved network as an investment in the future.”
expertise is fantastic. We have also uti- lised them for the apprentice training which has been great for the panel beaters especially. They invite feedback and the training of apprentices has been a positive experience.
“They were also right on the ball during lockdown with advising what we should be doing. Tracey was on the phone to them daily as everything was changing from hour to hour. We split the staff into two teams and alternated
them so that if someone got sick we could still operate,” he said.
“We feel part of the MTA community - they come out and visit a lot, they keep us up to date with everything we need to know to run the business - changes in regulations or legislation that affect us. They are always open to suggestions of how they can assist us better. We feel very welcome.”
The couple are constantly evolving the business and have tackled each step forward in stages. One of the big- gest issues now facing them is the challenge presented by ADAS. Many cars have to be trucked to Orange as the dealers in Dubbo don’t offer recali- bration, one vehicle had to be trucked all the way to Sydney. Creating a local solution is something that Todd, no doubt along with many other regional repairers, is now considering.
LEFT: From left; son Lewis, with Todd and Tracey Richards.
BELOW: Modern building with plenty of kerb appeal.
OPPOSITE PAGE: Great workflow with a classic
U shape.