Ever wondered how some people started and what led them to where they are now? This month we asked some of the team at DGI Trading to share their journey.

Gerard Dillon – General Manager

My dad was a mechanic and I grew up on a farm mucking around on the tools. I always had a genuine interest in fixing things so when I left school starting a plant mechanic apprenticeship was a natural choice.

I worked in the mines for about 10 years, however in 2018 a mate told me about a position that was available at DGI to run the workshop. It offered great job security and a chance to settle down with my family so I went for it. I worked in that role for about a year before becoming Operations Manager, and then, with the support of the team, I moved into the role I have now as General Manager.

I really enjoy what I do, the buying and selling, travelling all over the world, and interacting with people. I would never have thought that this is where I would end up, but I am so glad I did. At DGI, everyone puts in the effort, but we can also have a laugh too. It’s a great environment to work in.

Jamie Barnett – Cabin Refurbishment Manager

When I was kid, I wanted to be Superman but unfortunately a lack of superpowers soon put an end to that dream. The next plan was to operate machinery. My dad had a farm when I was growing up and I got to play around on the dozers and other machines. Flash forward a few years and turns out I wasn’t destined to operate machines, but instead help keep them running.

I started with DGI when I was 23, not long after finishing my diesel mechanic apprenticeship and it’s been a great ride. The best part of the job is the people. I’ve grown up at DGI. Through the good times in my personal life and the not so great times, I’ve always been able to come to work and do a job that I enjoy.

It’s a great feeling when a cabin comes in that’s rusted and falling apart and then you send it back out to the client looking as good as when it was made. Or even better!

Jason Mitchell – Warehouse & Logistics Manager

I started my career in the mining industry in 1998 as an apprentice boilermaker where I worked for the same company for almost 20 years fabricating, constructing and erecting all aspects of steel work for the mining and construction industry both on new projects and time critical shutdowns. During this time I was also heavily involved in crane operating, rigging and transport which gave me the opportunity to travel to different mine and construction sites around Australia.

Expanding my skills and knowledge in the logistics field and thoroughly enjoying that field of work, along with having a young family, I decided it was time to spend more time in the Macleay Valley. I joined DGI Trading in 2017 as the Warehouse and Logistics Manager. It is a great challenge to organise the logistics of getting operational and non-operational mining machinery and components back to our Kempsey yard or on request, to our customer’s yard or worksite.

Being able to offer the customer a cost effective on time freight solution to have their machine or component delivered safely to their door anywhere in Australia or overseas is always my main goal.

Robert Russell – Inventory Coordinator

I started working at Bunnings as soon as I left school while also working a second job as a bartender. Although they weren’t my dream jobs, I enjoyed the experience and they helped me pay the bills. I was lucky enough to be referred to DGI by a mate and in March 2018 I got a job here and haven’t looked back.

When I was a kid, I was all about fast packed action and I imagined myself being a pilot in the Airforce or a professional motorbike rider. You could say my job now as an inventory coordinator is on the opposite end of the spectrum. It’s rewarding work and has taught me to be patient and diligent. The management team have always been supportive, encouraging career progression.

I see a good future here at DGI as there’s always opportunities to learn and grow. I also like working in the mining industry, I really enjoy the nature of the industry, plus there’s plenty of big toys to play around with!