Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Glen Rae. I am the Managing Director of Valley Maintenance Solutions. We supply maintenance solutions to the mining industry as well as labour support.

Where did you start and how did you end up where you are now?

I started in the mining industry as a Boilermaker over 20 years ago. I have had various roles with different contracting companies since then. I have been employed as a Supervisor, Safety Advisor and a Maintenance Manager. I started Valley Maintenance Solutions in January this year as my position as Maintenance Manager become redundant with my past employer and I felt that there was a market for personal, quality service within the field.

Describe a typical day at ‘The office’.

At this stage we are still building as a company so there isn’t a typical day for me just yet. I can be welding on site or operating a crane or even fabricating in our new workshop. The majority of my time though is spent talking to our existing clients and making sure that the service we are providing is above standard as well as letting potential clients know that we are here, and we can offer a professional, safe service at a cost efficient rate.

What’s the best thing about your business?

Our people. They have shown trust in me and VMS to leave long term employment and take a risk by coming on board to a new company within a highly competitive market. We have a good mixture of experience and youth that will help the business grow. Employing local people with the right attitude toward safety and work is something that we are proud of.

What is the big news in your part of the mining industry right now?

I’d have to say the opportunities that keep coming up with new mines opening and other mines in the planning stages.

What is the biggest opportunity for your business right now?

We are still very young as a company so every opportunity that comes up is big for us. In saying that we have the people to make the most of these opportunities and create ongoing relationships with our clients.

What are the biggest challenges facing your business?

Our biggest challenge is getting new clients to trust us as a new business. The clients we have now have been loyal as they know that they are getting value for money and work done to a high safety standard. Another challenge would be a shortage of tradespeople in the valley. Every contractor I talk to is struggling to find skilled employees.

How long have you been doing business and business in the Valley?

I have been involved in mining in the valley for 21 years. VMS kicked off in January this year.

Community or other causes close to its heart and values?

We sponsor a couple of local sporting clubs. I’m sure in the near future we will be on board in sponsoring any cause that helps the community and its people.

How big is the crew in the Hunter Valley?

We currently have 9 permanent and 4 casual employees at our Mt Thorley workshop. We are after boilermakers and riggers for permanent and casual roles now as we have more work coming up.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Being able to help someone through employment has a good feeling about it. The people that we have employed to date appreciate the opportunity and I’m finding the payback from this is loyal employees who will go the extra mile to get the job done.

The worst thing?

I’d love a holiday but at this stage of the business I think that is a while off, so I’d have to say the amount of time it takes to keep the business running smoothly.

What’s a funny story about work that you can tell?

I can’t think of anything specific, but I do enjoy a joke so most days at work there is a story.

Anything else you want to say?

Thank you to all of our current clients for taking a chance on us. To all of our future clients: Take the chance.