Women in Trades Wednesday - Jen and Jax
This Women in Trades Wednesday, we are lucky enough to share the inspiring stories of two amazing women who work at Renwick Transport Spreading
Jen
Jen has been in the transport and ground spreading industry for the last 15 years after being inspired by her father. She was initially approached by her parents to join the family business in 2003 and then in 2005 but said no, but with the family business growing she decided to leave the hospitality field to be mentored by her father and learnt on the job as she went.
Being a female in a previously male dominated role was difficult, but a challenge she overcame, progressing from an administrative role to that of a co-owner alongside her sister! – which is also one of her proudest achievements, that, as well as an insurance advert for NZI Insurance (you can see the ad on YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7sgN0wYeHk). Jens long term goals are to continue to help run the successful family owned and operated business.
Jen's day to day work is varied – on any given day she can be planning jobs for trucks or driving trucks herself! She also tackles admin, finance and wages. Jen loves the people she works with, driving the spreader trucks and the teamwork involved, but she does wish she had known how long the days would be and that the rewards wouldn’t be instant –but they would come. Jen says, “It took a long time to find a work/life balance but it’s all about challenges and overcoming them” and she has met some amazing friends along the way – “and the kids love seeing the truck and guessing who is driving.”
If you are wondering if this might be a good industry for you Jen recommends going for a ride-along for a day or 2, so that you can get a feel for what it’s all about and how rewarding it can be. “Truck driving/transport isn’t just about a bum in the seat! You can drive, do logistics, admin – everyday can be different and you get to see so many places –especially ground spreading! There are so many rewards that aren’t just about the money”.
Jax
After 25 years working as a pharmacy technician Jax’s career changed after a shoulder tap from her father. Fast-forward 19 years and she is now the Managing Director/Co-Owner of Renwick Transport Spreading.
Jax has had a great mentor throughout her career that has impacted the success of her career. Inspired by her father “who could sell ice to eskimoes” she worked from the ground up. Starting in admin she worked her way to management and ownership. It can be challenging being a woman in the transportation industry, earning respect from work colleagues and building client relationships but Jax has taken it all in stride. Her day-to-day work starts at 6am checking paperwork and analyzing timesheets, she then oversees daily operations and managing staff, quoting jobs and setting rates.
Jax is very proud of the positive culture she has helped create within the company, as well as purchasing the family business alongside her sister as a 50% shareholder. She hopes to inspire other woman to join the industry while she keeps building a successful, family owned and operated company, and hopes that one day she can also mentor someone the way she was.
When asked what she loves most about her trade, Jax says “The people I’ve met, incredible people from diverse backgrounds. The relationships I have made have been very rewarding”. Her career choice has impacted her work/life balance and is something she is actively working on “Family time is very valuable and precious to me” Jax stated.
Jax’s children have been raised and grown up in the family business and have turned into fine young men. Jax says “The transport industry molds you and teaches you qualities about yourself you didn’t know you were capable of. It can push you out of your comfort zone and the knowledge you gain overtime is invaluable”.
Working in the trade has helped her learn to be a very independent, resilient woman but she does wish she’d known about the long-hours and that the rewards will come eventually. Her advice to someone else thinking about joining the trade? To give the transport industry a go! Ask to work for free for a day or two in the life of a transport company, be practical and enthusiastic.
I am so grateful to Jen and Jax for the time they took to answer my questions and share their unique perspectives. They serve as a pristine example for all aspiring women in trades. Their presence in the industry not only promotes diversity and equality but also brings about a much-needed change in perception. Their success paves the way for future generations, encouraging women everywhere to pursue their dreams fearlessly.