Get to know more about TRG’s Luke Elson
1. What inspired you to join TRG, and what excites you most about your new role?
I joined TRG after having a chat with Kenton regarding the direction & the openings of the company. They have some exciting opportunities in the pipeline which will benefit progression & development for not only myself but anyone else within the team.
2. Can you share a bit about your professional background and experience in the industry?
I have just started my 11th year in the tyre industry, where I have worked both underground and in surface mining environments. When I first got into mining, I was in the civil construction department, but I found I really wanted a physical, hands-on job, so I took a few years off and went back to my roots in the farming industry for a break. I was soon convinced by a friend to complete a training course in Perth, where I was soon deployed to an Underground mine in the Kimberley. That’s how my tyre industry life began.
3. What motivated you to pursue a career in OTR Tyre Management?
I pursued a career in OTR tyre management after a friend who was a supervisor at a company said, “ Do this course, you’re a farmer & can pull your weight, they love farmers”. Safe to say they didn’t like me the first time due to my farming “Habits”, but I persisted and got my chance, which from the outset I have thoroughly enjoyed. I think what I get most out of the industry is the variety of equipment you get to work on, the diagnosis & respond to a breakdown, learning each day from all the crew you work with & just meeting new people. Those conversations you have are great & you never know who you will meet.
4. How do you plan to contribute to TRG’s mission and goals in your new role?
I want to contribute by being that person who a client can rely on to turn up & do what’s asked of them in a safe & professional manner. I think I bring a wealth of experience where I can meet trainees & pass on knowledge, which I know benefited me when I was learning. If there is an opportunity down the track to progress & develop, that certainly is something I have always strived for, as it shows you must be doing something right.
5. What do you hope to achieve or accomplish during your time with TRG?
I hope to work with fellow fitters in the industry, no matter where I land & continue to learn & make new friends. If I can learn something each swing that I can implement into my routine down the track, I take away those interactions as worth it.
6. Can you describe a project or achievement from your previous experience that you’re particularly proud of?
I think I’m most proud of all the courses I have had the opportunity to do while employed in the OTR industry. These have been an asset to my resume, which benefit myself down the track, but also I am able to pass on knowledge to others learning in the industry. I think I am also really proud of having the knowledge that I can take to a site, where I can suggest tooling I have used in the past that makes jobs easier & improves safety for everyone. Those small 1%ers can make such a difference to everyone on-site.
7. What attracted you to TRG as an employer, and what sets it apart from other companies in the industry?
I was attracted to TRG after chatting with the staff regarding the opportunities for such a variety of sites to work at. We have all worked at places in the past & may not have liked them, TRG simply put it” if you don’t like it or it’s not for you, we will find you somewhere else”. Having that flexibility keeps the mind fresh & keeps you switched on as a fitter in a high-risk environment. They have a great pipeline of work & exciting projects on the horizon, so no one should worry about being bored or unhappy.
8. How do you plan to collaborate with your new colleagues and team members at TRG?
I hope to meet similar-minded fitters onsite where we can learn & teach each other daily, but leave work at the bus doorstep, then go for a beer & compare lawns or cars. If you can establish that connection, then work becomes so much more enjoyable & less serious. You become excited to turn up & everyone is stoked to be there, contributing.
9. What do you hope to learn or develop professionally while working at TRG?
I hope to work under some experienced personnel so I can continue to learn each swing. If I can make any suggestions onsite or within the company that are taken on board, to me, that’s a massive win. I hope to continue to develop as a person & any leadership opportunities that arise, I will grab so I can lead from the front, putting my best foot forward while wearing the company shirt.
10. Is there anything else you’d like to share with the TRG community or LinkedIn audience about yourself or your aspirations?
Just a big thanks to Kenton Bull and all the office staff for the opportunity and continued support. It is really refreshing to get messages each week, checking in and asking how things are going.
