An Unexpected Path into Spare Parts
Nick’s journey into the machinery and spare parts industry hasn’t been a conventional one. From starting his working career as an apprentice printer in Mount Maunganui in the 1980s, to working overseas, operating a powder plant at Fonterra, and spending several years living and working in Japan, his career has taken him in plenty of different directions.
It wasn’t until returning to New Zealand that spare parts entered the picture. “On a whim, I applied for a Parts/Sales Support role with Croplands,” Nick explains. “I had no experience in the industry, but I was fortunate enough to be offered the role and soon found myself on an extremely steep learning curve.”
What started as an unexpected career move quickly became something he enjoyed. Working within a small team meant job descriptions only went so far, and everyone needed to be ready to help wherever required. “Spare parts found me more than I found it,” he says. “I loved the variety and freedom the role provided, and the connections I made with both customers and work colleagues.”
Joining the Trimax Team
Years later, while relocating from Hawke’s Bay back to the Bay of Plenty, Nick came across the opportunity to join Trimax and take the next step in his parts career. For Nick, one of the most important lessons from his time in the machinery industry is that keeping equipment running reliably starts well before something goes wrong. “Regular preventative maintenance and servicing, and fixing the small things before they become big things,” he says.
Getting the Right Part the First Time
When a breakdown does happen, getting the right information is just as important as getting a part out the door quickly. That’s particularly true when a customer is under pressure to get their mower operating again. “Often when in a rush, the temptation is to bypass the process of due diligence and make assumptions. By taking the time to understand what is actually required, we can get the correct part out to the customer as quickly as possible.”
That means identifying exactly what has happened, establishing which parts are required and, when necessary, asking customers for photos or measurements to make sure the correct component is identified. “In most cases we can ship small parts overnight, but that’s not helpful if we send the wrong part because we didn’t ask the right questions.”
The Reward of Helping Customers
It’s this problem-solving side of the role, along with the relationships he builds along the way, that Nick enjoys most. Joining Trimax has even given him the opportunity to reconnect with some of the customers he previously worked with at Croplands. And while customers often get in touch with the parts team when something has already gone wrong, being able to turn a stressful situation around can be one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
“When things aren’t going well, we are often not at our best. I have dealt with people in very stressful situations when they are under pressure, and hearing the relief in their voice when you are able to help them, or receiving the thank-you emails some take the time to send, is very rewarding.”
Life Outside of Trimax
Outside of work, there’s a good chance you’ll find Nick doing something involving motorcycles. With six currently in the garage, it’s a hobby he admits can get expensive – although having a wife who also rides doesn’t exactly discourage him. “For better or worse, she is perhaps not the handbrake I probably need when it comes to prudent spending.”
With a focus on asking the right questions, understanding what customers need and getting the details right, Nick is enjoying the challenge of learning the Trimax range and helping keep customers’ equipment up and running.
Get in touch with the Trimax parts team, or visit our Online Parts Shop
