We love supporting local businesses! Each issue, we have a yarn with a customer from one of our wholesale members.

Meet Rob Martin from RLM Electrical in Oakleigh, VIC. He is a regular at his local Middy’s and spills the beans on his career, fixing DIY jobs and dealing with tennis Australia.

What do you like most about your local wholesaler?

They offer really good service and are always happy to help out, no matter what kind of equipment we need.

Has there been a standout moment they’ve helped you out?

They gave us a hand in organising a lighting/lux plan for a tennis club court lighting LED upgrade we completed last year which was great. Their specialist met us on site, completed all the measurements and calculations to ensure the light and glare levels were within the Tennis Australia tolerances and specified/supplied the fittings and new crossarms.

What’s the most difficult job you’ve ever had?

I actually can’t think of one that sticks out. I’m sure there are plenty I have forgotten (and don’t want to remember!).

What has been your most memorable day at work?

I think the first day I started working for myself – it was a big jump, pretty scary but also very exciting.

Who’s the worst apprentice/ colleague you’ve had, and why?

Oh, I might take a pass on this one…

What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened on a job?

I once got stuck in a boom with a co-worker for a while. It stopped working suddenly while we were slewing over to a pretty high car park light pole and we couldn’t emergency lower as we were over a parked car. All we could do was watch the storm roll in, the mechanic eventually made it but unfortunately he didn’t beat the rain!

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever encountered?

I remember a DIY special, I pulled the cover off a switchboard only to see most of the CBs had extension leads/flex cables connected. Up in the roof there were cables thrown everywhere and power boards for the downlights.

What’s the biggest %&$* up that someone else made that you’ve had to make right?

I once got stuck in a boom with a co-worker for a while. It stopped working suddenly while we were slewing over to a pretty high car park light pole and we couldn’t emergency lower as we were over a parked car. All we could do was watch the storm roll in, the mechanic eventually made it but unfortunately he didn’t beat the rain! A colleague wired up a brand new commercial oven to a three phase supply and couldn’t work out why it tripped the CB instantly when he reset it. It didn’t take long to work out that the oven was a single phase unit. I still can’t work out how he managed to do it.

What’s the best nickname you’ve ever heard a co-worker have?

I don’t think any of the good ones can be repeated!