Celebrating 25 Years of Industry Collaboration: A Conversation with HSA’s Brisbane Operations Manager

Starting Out: From Melbourne to Brisbane and the Journey Along the Way

In early 2014, I was working for a competitor company in Sydney. It was during this time that I met HSA’s Director, David Blake. In our initial conversation, he shared his vision and direction for HSA and it left a lasting impression on me. Inspired and motivated, I packed my bags and moved to Melbourne, joining HSA in March 2014.

My first role at HSA was based in the Melbourne West store. Here, I immersed myself in learning the product and expanding my knowledge base. Despite having several years of experience in the industry, I quickly realized how much there was still to learn. Over time, I progressed naturally into internal sales, where I could apply my growing expertise in a more customer-facing capacity.

In 2017, a new opportunity arose with the opening of the Brisbane office. The branch needed an internal sales person, and I saw this as a chance to take on a new challenge. The branch experienced rapid growth and this necessitated the appointment of an operations manager, a role I have proudly held for the past five years.

Adapting to Industry Evolution: HSA’s Commitment to Change

Throughout my time at HSA, I’ve witnessed significant changes across the various industries we serve. Each sector presents unique challenges, driven by demand, necessity, or innovation. The mining industry, for example, has seen an increased demand for resources, leading to the production of larger equipment. This, in turn, has required a balance with environmental considerations.

For HSA, staying ahead means collaborating closely with industry leaders and incorporating their expertise into our global supplier network. This approach ensures that we have access to cutting-edge products, keeping us at the forefront of industry developments.

Leveraging Expertise: Navigating Across Sectors through Collaboration

HSA’s diverse client base requires us to remain knowledgeable and relevant across multiple sectors. We foster a culture of continuous learning and development, particularly among our senior staff. This is achieved through practical experience, modern media, and dialogue with industry experts. Moreover, we prioritize sharing this knowledge across the company. Our communal server acts as an open resource, making information accessible to all employees and empowering them with the tools they need to excel. With over 40 staff across the business, HSA has well over 250 years of combined experience.

Customer First, Always: Ensuring Convenience and Efficiency for Our Clients

In the past three years, we’ve undertaken a substantial effort to streamline the ordering process, particularly for aftermarket kits in the earthmoving and mobile equipment sectors. We identified a gap in the market where many clients felt underserved by OEMs. HSA stepped in to offer premium quality components with short lead times and significant cost savings. The implementation of our new website has made these kits easily accessible for all clients to order.

To further enhance our service, we offer customer-specific kits. These kits are tailored to the recurring needs of our clients, whether for routine or unplanned maintenance. By having these kits ready and listed in our system, we streamline the ordering process and minimize potential downtime. This proactive approach ensures that our clients can maintain their operations smoothly and efficiently.

Still Evolving: HSA's Dedication to Continuous Improvement

My journey with HSA has been marked by continuous growth, learning, and adaptation. From my beginnings in the Melbourne store to my current role as Operations Manager in Brisbane, I’ve witnessed first-hand the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation. As industries evolve, HSA remains dedicated to providing top-notch products and services, driven by a culture of shared knowledge and continuous improvement.