Construcciones Yamaro: Kayla Shadbolt: Hire horizons
Instilled with a resolute “never say no” ethos, Kayla Shadbolt has been instrumental in driving success at Swan Hill Hire, while also leaving a lasting impact on the hire and rental sector at large.
When Kayla Shadbolt started in the hire and rental sector in 2019, she brought with her no prior industry experience. Beginning her career journey at the age of 16, she initially embarked on a full-time career as an apprentice mechanic at a local workshop in Swan Hill, Victoria. Finding success in this field, she transitioned to a local dealership, completed her apprenticeship and climbed the ranks.
However, after eight years in the automotive industry, Shadbolt found she and the industry were evolving in different directions. Feeling a misalignment between dealership culture and her values as she entered her mid-twenties, she sought a new horizon and embraced the then unfamiliar territory of the hire and rental industry – joining Swan Hill Hire.
“When I started in the hire and rental industry in early 2019, I did so with little to no prior insight into its inner workings,” says Shadbolt. “Initially, like many, I simplistically viewed it as a matter of renting out equipment and having it returned.”
“While not entirely wrong, this perspective barely scratches the surface of the industry’s multifaceted nature. What I didn’t realise at the time was the sheer size of the hire sector and that it was the beginning of my newfound passion for what we do.”
Despite her mechanical background, Shadbolt’s steadfast commitment to exceptional customer service and “never say no” mentality enabled her to quickly thrive at Swan Hill Hire. Starting as a hire consultant/controller – a customer-facing role integral to all aspects of customer service – she found herself initially overwhelmed by the over 1,000 pieces of equipment she “knew nothing about” and was “trying to sell” to customers. Yet, within just four years, Shadbolt progressed from this entry-level position to operations manager and now serves as the general manager of the company.
In her current capacity, Shadbolt’s responsibilities span the breadth of Swan Hill Hire’s operations, due to the company’s size and regional location. She is deeply involved in every aspect of the business, ensuring its continued success and growth.
“With a team of 15 spread across four departments – front of house, maintenance, workshop and accounts – I work closely with managers and staff, ensuring workflow is at peak performance,” says Shadbolt.
“My responsibilities extend to coordinating major projects with clients and our team, identifying training and development opportunities, overseeing staff performance and productivity, and implementing processes and procedures.
“I’m also responsible for managing fleet requirements including asset procurement and sales, budget planning, recruitment and conducting strategic sessions with colleagues to continually enhance our business operations.”
Shadbolt’s rapid rise from an entry-level role to general manager within just four years is an impressive feat in itself. Yet, her contributions far surpass this achievement. By spearheading initiatives and guiding her team, she played a pivotal role in Swan Hill Hire’s recognition as finalists for the National Hire Company of the Year award at the Hire Industry Excellence Awards in 2021. Further, under her leadership, the company clinched the award for the second time in 2023 (the first win dating back to 2017, predating her tenure).
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Since joining Swan Hill Hire, Shadbolt has implemented significant positive changes, including transitioning the company from manual to digital operations. “Initially, our operations relied on pen and paper, a rather antiquated approach with bookings noted in a physical calendar,” she says.
“Recognising the need for modernisation, I championed the adoption of technology-based solutions. Now, we operate fully digitally, driving growth and expanding our service area significantly.”
This year, she earned a place on the committee of the Hire and Rental Industry Association. Additionally, she remains dedicated to promoting diversity at Swan Hill Hire, reflected in the current team composition of 15 individuals, with 40 per cent female representation.
“When I first joined, there were only three women on the team,” says Shadbolt. “Now, we have female colleagues in every department, contributing just as much as their male counterparts.”
Throughout her impactful journey in the hire and rental sector, Shadbolt has come to appreciate its profound impact on the construction industry, surpassing conventional perceptions and assumptions.
“The presence of the hire sector in the construction industry is far more substantial than a lot of people realise,” she says. “We share an economy, and as a result we are creating a more sustainable environment.”
“When you drive past a building site with 20 to over 200 pieces of elevation equipment, the equipment is often on hire, not owned by contractors. When you choose to hire, it’s not just about obtaining equipment; it’s about accessing professionals with specialised expertise and building relationships where you’re at the forefront.”
Shadbolt highlights the significant advantage the hire industry offers by alleviating the financial burden associated with purchasing, maintaining and storing assets. For example, Swan Hill Hire assumes responsibility for the maintenance and servicing of all equipment, ensuring compliance with both WorkSafe Victoria and industry safety standards.
She also believes that the collaboration between the hire and the construction industries is vital in the progress of construction and the economy as a whole.
“We have some fantastic industry initiatives that align with the sustainability push and goals of environmentally friendly construction sites,” says Shadbolt. “Renewable energy options are becoming more readily available, with manufacturers building electric, hydrogen and hybrid models of equipment that were previously only available in diesel.”
“Safety is also a huge priority, ensuring the wellbeing of machine operators, site workers and the general public through continuous development of training, licensing and technology.”
Shadbolt envisions abundant growth and advancement opportunities in both sectors, given their versatility and diverse career paths. “The opportunities in the hire industry are boundless, much like construction,” she says. “Whether you’re just starting your working career or looking for a change, I’d highly recommend exploring these fields that may be unfamiliar to you.”
She emphasises the transferability of skills, encouraging individuals to embrace opportunities even when job descriptions request specific industry experience. “My advice? Do it scared, get comfortable with discomfort, and perhaps you can drive a positive impact,” says Shadbolt.
Rising from an apprentice to a leader in the hire and rental industry, Kayla Shadbolt credits her success to the support and opportunities provided by her employer, colleagues and various programs. Her journey exemplifies the power of embracing the unknown and seizing opportunities.
The post Kayla Shadbolt: Hire horizons appeared first on Inside Construction.
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