When it came to securing the Contractor of the Year Award, Brad Wiseman said it didn't take a magic formula to win.
In fact, the 2017 winner and proprietor of Airepair Air Conditioning Services Pty Ltd said he took a pretty straight forward approach to the business of contracting.
“We are a family owned business and always strive to provide good old fashioned service to our clients. It's all about providing successful outcomes for customers,” Wiseman said.
“It is small businesses like mine that are on the front line of the industry, it really doesn't get more front line than this.
“We are the grass roots of the industry, the very heart of HVACR.
“Small businesses are still the backbone of the Australian economy.”
Wiseman has spent his entire career in HVACR and began his apprenticeship at the age of 17. “Getting my apprenticeship was a thrill. I will always remember the day my indentures were signed,” he said.
In his third year of training, he won Apprentice of the Year while working at Haden Engineering. That was back in 1985 and the industry has changed a lot since then.
“HVACR is an amazing industry. There are so many pathways and opportunities but we need to expose our industry to more people to attract more apprentices,” Wiseman said.
“There are many challenges facing the industry right now, from a shortage of technicians to training problems, red tape and a drop in the number of locally owned and operated businesses.
“The TAFE sector needs more funding to provide quality training and we may need to provide greater incentives to apprentices,” he said. Wiseman started Airepair 17 years ago and it is still going strong.
Even after almost two decades in business, Wiseman is working on plans for the future.
“I am keen to grow the business further and maybe even have a national presence,” he said.
“I always try to keep abreast of the latest technologies to ensure we are providing quality workmanship and successful outcomes for current and future clients.”
In addition to running his business, Wiseman has spent many years supporting the industry through his membership in the Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association (AMCA).
In 2014 he was elected to the Victorian Board of AMCA and is currently chair of AMCA's OH&S Committee.
If he could make changes to the HVACR industry what would they be?
“I would create one major body or association that would speak for the whole industry,” he said. “Also I would dismantle Cert II and upskill our apprentices to achieve Cert IV.”
The Contractor of the Year Award was presented by the sponsor, Airefrig Australia. The company's general manager, Stephen Cross, said Airefrig Australia is proud to sponsor this award.
“Airefrig Australia was proud to be the sponsor of this new category of Contractor of the Year and to acknowledge the people who are an integral part of our business," Cross said.
"I would like to congratulate Brad and the team at Airepair Air Conditioning Services on their win and setting a high standard for contractors within our industry.”