Hire and Rental News - August 2018

WOMEN in HIRE How did you get involved in the hire industry? I was introduced to the hire industry at a very young age. My father Ray Kelsey was Managing Director of Wreckair Hire and worked there for 30 years. My first work experience was with Wreckair in the hire department as a school kid. It wasn’t until much later, however, and a couple of different career moves, that I got involved with Aim Site Hire. Q: How long have you worked in the hire industry? Aim Hire is a family owned business and my father Ray Kelsey invited me to join the company in 2009. I have been with Aim ever since. Q: What is your role now? and responsibilities? When dad passed away suddenly two years ago I took up the role of Managing Director. It was devastating to lose a dad who was not only a great father but my mentor too. Thankfully we had spoken about succession planning and what would happen when he retired so I knew immediately I needed to step up. As Managing Director I am responsible for a team of 70 employees from key management, office staff, truck drivers and toilet cleaners (or what we term portable toilet service technicians). I’m responsible for growing our business, ensuring we are meeting or exceeding our financial forecasts, overseeing operations, and planning for the future. Q: What other roles have you held – either in hire or other industries? After school I completed an Honours Degree in Economics. I then became a Project Manager for a Pharmaceutical Marketing Company and later did a Proving her dad's boots fit just fine Elise Kelsey – Managing Director – Aim Hire Growing up in a 'hire' family, Elise Kelsey got a taste for the industry at an early age but after gaining her qualifications, she went to develop her skills outside the hire industry. It was in 2009 she turned her attention to the family business, Aim Hire at her father's (Ray Kelsey – long time industry stalwart) invitation. Now Elise is Managing Director of Aim Hire and applying her considerable skills to continuing Aim Hire's successes. Q: Elise Kelsey BA Economics (Hons) Managing Director Aim Hire 16 HIRE AND RENTAL NEWS • AUGUST 2018