Being a former apprentice and the owner of a successful business providing heavy diesel mechanical and auto electrical solutions of two decades – Flex Industries – might not be what you expect of someone who struggled academically and with self-confidence.
But enduring challenges early on gave Mark Wilson the perseverance that he says has been essential for business success.
Driven by determination and a humbled learning spirit, Wilson is now taking on apprentices, an ode to vocational training that got him started as an apprentice.
Flex Industries is a one-stop-shop for all mechanical and auto-electrical solutions, based in Kalgoorlie and Kwinana.
A young teenager on the tools
At age 13 and living in the outback town Leonora, Wilson started work experience at the earthmoving business his father worked for.
“It was 46 degrees on the first day, in the middle of nowhere and hardly anything green due to the heat and lack of rain. What a shock!” he says.
The business also managed their own equipment, giving Wilson “many opportunities to not only operate earthmoving equipment but also to assist in the maintenance”.
“This was something I found that not only I enjoyed but was good it and picked up quickly. We spent three years in Leonora before moving to Kalgoorlie,” he says.
Taking the leap to business ownership
His academic struggles growing up and leaving school at age 15 had a “big impact” on his self-confidence into his teenage years.
After seeking apprenticeship opportunities for some eight months, a business eventually offered Wilson an apprenticeship in Kalgoorlie. Despite the business being bought out 3 1/2 years later; at this point an opportunity opened up with Cummins Kalgoorlie where he completed the remaining 6 months of his apprenticeship. Mark continued working with Cummins Kalgoorlie for nine years in various roles from field service technician, leading hand and workshop foreman.
“Through work experience my confidence and interest in starting my own business became stronger,” he says.
“While I enjoy working with people, the ability to mentor others to fulfill their goals is equally important to me.
“In 2004, I started Flex Industries with a focus on building a good business and opening opportunities for others interested in this field.”
Lessons in business
Twenty years on, Wilson says having “good supportive advice” from the start was crucial.
“Other important steps were to establish my own client base and not to become a competitor to Cummins who invested in my growth and ability,” he says.
“This meant I had to take on anything that came my way and to be affordable as I was working from my ute or in my client’s workshops or on mine sites.”
However, the biggest challenge was being away from family for extended periods of time and working long hours without rest.
“It took a lot of hard work to gain the confidence of our clients and establish strong foundations,” Wilson says.
“I had to wear many hats: secretary, parts adviser, accountant to technician. Starting a business from scratch requires a lot of perseverance, humble beginnings and learning from mistakes.”
“And we’re proud to see that Flex Industries is now an authorized maintenance service provider for some of the global truck brands including Volvo and Scania,” he continues.
Apprenticeships and vocational training are ‘essential’
Wilson says vocational training is essential in opening the opportunity for young people to experience what it’s like to work in the heavy-duty mechanical or auto-electrical industry.
“There is a plethora of opportunities in these fields but it’s also important to note that this trade isn’t for everyone,” he says.
“I would suggest anyone who is interested to give it a go and see if for yourself why this program is so important to our industry.”
Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
While building a business is exciting, Wilson says there are many challenges and the heavy-duty industry is ever-changing.
“Establishing good relationships and support networks, particularly through Apprenticeship Support Australia and CCIWA who are instrumental in supporting small businesses and pointing you in the right directions, are some of the lessons that I have learned throughout the years,” he says.
“Whether it’s a career or an apprenticeship, pursue it wholeheartedly and learn new skills and knowledge whenever you can.
“Anything we do in life requires perseverance and an ability to rise above. Don’t give up on your dream.”
Powered by CCIWA, Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA), can facilitate employment, manage training and offer support and advice to companies seeking apprentices to boost their workforce. Contact ASA at [email protected] or phone 1300 363 831.
