Ever wondered how some people started and what led them to where they are now? This month we asked some of the team at Complete Air and Power Solutions (CAPS) to share their journey.
Glen Camilleri – Mackay Branch Manager
Delivering solutions for clients in the tropical environs of North Queensland is a long way from the football fields of inner Melbourne for CAPS Mackay Branch Manager Glen Camilleri.
I grew up in Thomastown, north of Melbourne. VFL was my obsession and as my father was on the Fitzroy social committee we attended every Fitzroy game. Thomastown was a recruitment sector for Carlton and I was lucky enough to be selected to train with Carlton U19s. Unfortunately I got glandular fever which wiped me out for the season after being selected for the first game. The following year, through my father’s Fitzroy contacts I was cleared to play for Fitzroy. After doing my knee during pre-season practice game against Richmond, I knew that was it for me at that level and went back to local footy to play with mates.
My first role was an apprenticeship with Rockwell International as a fitter and turner, before moving into the compressed air industry as field service tech with Ingersoll Rand distributor, Air Supply, based in Melbourne.
After being in the compressed air industry for approximately 15 years, working with various compressor companies, I was offered the Service Manager role at CAPS Melbourne branch, then the opportunity came up for the position of Branch Manager in Mackay. After discussion with our kids, we made the call to move to Mackay and start as a Branch Manager there in 2021.
The journey since moving to Mackay has been rewarding, as we’ve won some major contracts and grown the overall business within the Mackay region. Don’t get me wrong it has been hard work, but I’m lucky enough to have great team in the Mackay branch. We focus on customer satisfaction and ensure we always deliver the best possible service. We’re lucky to have great and reliable products within our range that we can offer our clients.
Matt Broadbent – Sales Engineer
Based in Newcastle, CAPS Sales Engineer Matt Broadbent had a very different career outlook to begin with.
When I was a kid I wanted to be a policeman or a solicitor, I’ve always liked the idea of helping people. My first job was actually as an Apprentice Butcher, which I started while in High School. I couldn’t see myself doing that as a career, so I quit to concentrate on Year 12.
After school, I worked in the building and construction industry for 7 years, then changed to work for a major OEM as a Sales Engineer, for 5 years. CAPS managed to lure me away from that role, offering me something close to home. With a family and kids at home, my priority was to spend more time with them.
I’ve now been with CAPS for 14 years, it’s a great company to work for, I love CAPS, there’s nothing like it. It’s a family run business, but it’s large enough to do what needs to be done and still small enough to care. There’s been ups and downs in the mining industry, but Newcastle has constantly increased its offerings, allowing us to stay ahead of the curve. Back when I first started, the industry was a lot smaller and I’ve always believed the only way to survive is to do great work. I love offering the right solution for clients’ needs, it’s what keeps the job fresh.
Gary Kirchen – Rental Asset Controller
Childhood on field NRL dreams didn’t come to fruition for Rental Asset Controller Gary Kirchen, but during his 25 years at CAPS he has made his mark.
As a kid, I wanted to become a professional NRL player. My first job was working for a window blinds company, where my role involved making the actual blinds.
I first started my journey at CAPS as a Store Person in 1998. I managed to work my way up to a Technician, where I completed an Electrical Trade certification through CAPS. Eventually, I ran the Navy ships project CAPS had on at the time, before moving into a Service Supervisor role. Once that project finished, I was offered the Rental Asset Controller position and I’ve enjoyed helping customers and passing my knowledge onto others.
My journey with CAPS has been great – doing different roles, meeting new people and taking on new challenges is what keeps it interesting. My goal is to help more people and grow the rental side of CAPS, supporting our clients both current and new with our range products and service.
