Northland, North Auckland Sales

Chris Skelton

Why do you work at MIMICO?
I am at MIMICO because I enjoy the industry and wanted to be able to sell a reputable range of products for a company that is prepared to listen to our customers’ demands and requirements, and then strive to achieve them.

When did you start at MIMICO?
I have been with MIMICO since late-July 2014.

Where have you worked previously?
I have been in the industry for 15 years, starting with hiring earthmoving equipment, transporting of machinery and shipping. Then I moved to running and selling the manufacturing of attachments and one-off specialized attachments.

What’s your favourite memory from your pre-MIMICO work life?
Tracking down and working with customers and design engineers to achieve an outcome on one-off attachments to carry out industry requirements. For example, converting golf carts to run on the old rail system for Forgotten Highway Adventures, Hi-Rail converted excavators and cleaning buckets for the new Auckland sewage line prior to completion.

What is the most important thing in this industry?
Building relationships with customers. It’s important to give the customer the truth from the start. If you can’t offer up an answer right away, say you can’t, but also make sure to get back to them when you have it (while knowing that your answer is sometimes not going to be the answer they want to hear).

How would you describe the atmosphere at MIMICO?
In the short time I’ve been with the company I have found everyone I deal with on a daily basis has been very friendly and  accommodating to any of the questions I need answered, particularly those I need to pass onto customers. The the staff I deal with at Head Office are great.

What do you do when you’re not at work?
With my partner, Shona, I have a lifestyle block close to the Hunua Ranges and enjoy working around the farm, rearing calves in the season and carrying them through to pass on to McDonald’s for patties. When not working around the farm I go on trail rides, camping away, and two-man endurance MotoX racing when time and fitness allows. Shona has also opened my eyes to travel and I’ve been ensuring we get to see more of the world.

What is the greatest thing you’ve achieved in your life so far?
Building my house from scratch. I cut in a driveway and house site to create my own little piece of paradise on acreage. A couple of good friends helped out with the technical answers, helping me see the vision I had and getting it through to completion. I believe this has made me a better person for the experience and influences the decisions I make in life now.

Waikato & Coromandel Sales

Anthony Billman

Why do you work at MIMICO?
We have great products and great people – MIMICO is just a great company to work for. I used Metso products and MIMICO’s service capability while working in the industry earlier in my career. It’s fantastic to now be able sell this these leading brand products and services to our customers.

When did you start at MIMICO?
I’ve been with MIMICO for nearly a year now. Time certainly flies!

Where have you worked previously?
Winstone Aggregates’ Tuakau and Hunua, Fulton Hogan Poplar Lane and JMC Ltd in Tauranga. I’ve been in the industry for a while now and it’s excellent to be able to bring what I’ve learnt from being on the customer side to my role with an equipment distributor such as MIMICO.

What’s your favourite memory from your pre-MIMICO work life?
I have some great memories from all sites I’ve worked on. Most are probably best kept to myself, though! Having said that, I’ve worked with some brilliant people through the years and they are who I remember the most.

What’s your favourite MIMICO memory so far?
I’m not sure if it’s a favourite memory but it’s certainly a, er, memorable one, and something I’m not too proud of. It involved a combination of petrol and a diesel ute… D’oh!

What is the most important thing in this industry?
Service and honesty. Quite simple really. We have to be there for our customers when and where they need us, because if we aren’t then their business suffers. And it’s important to be straight up with everyone. Most people respect someone who does what they say they’re going to do. That’s certainly how I try to operate.

How would you describe the atmosphere at MIMICO?
Fun and hardworking. We’ve all got a job to do for our customers, and we work hard to get it done, but the team at MIMICO don’t mind a joke or two when the moment is right. It’s a powerful combination and makes for a brilliant place to work.

What do you do when you’re not at work?
I enjoy a bit of family time when I can. We live close to the beach in Papamoa (near Tauranga) and it’s nice just to chill out together. If I’m being selfish, I don’t mind a bit of hunting when I can get away.

What is the greatest thing you’ve achieved in your life so far?
Raising my kids. This probably isn’t news to all the parents out there and I’m sure we all feel the same. It’s rewarding to see the kids grow and learn. There’s usually something new every day.

South Island Manager, Otago & Southland Sales

John Alexander

Why do you work at MIMICO?
I applied for the position of South Island Manager in late-2013 as I was looking for a new challenge. I started here at the beginning of January. The role appealed to me as it was a combined leadership and sales role. I have been selling mining and construction machinery for over six years.  Previous to that I sold farm machinery for ten years. MIMICO appealed to me as I have always admired the Kobelco brand and am looking forward to increasing our profile in the South Island.

Where have you worked previously?
I have previously worked at Diggalink and Eagle Equipment (part of the Porter Group) as a Sales Manager and prior to that at Power Farming and WE Gander & Sons as a Salesman. I’m a qualified mechanic by trade.

What’s your favourite memory from your pre-MIMICO work life?
While working at Porters I sold an Articulated Dump Truck to a contractor in Southland. This was the first ever sale of this machine in New Zealand.

What’s your favourite MIMICO memory so far?
Travelling to Japan to visit the Kobelco Factory in Hiroshima. It was great to see where the machines are made and the clients we took with us were very impressed. The hospitality from Kobelco was fantastic.

What is the most important thing in this industry?
Our customers. Without them we would not have a job! My main focus is on growing our customer base in the South Island along with looking after MIMICO’s existing clients.

How would you describe the atmosphere at MIMICO?
I’m working with a small team in the Christchurch Office who are knowledgeable, experienced and supportive. They are keen to see the company to grow in the South Island. We now have Lynn based in Gore and he’s looking after the Deep South.

What do you do when you’re not at work?
My partner and I own a Classic Car and belong to several car clubs. I enjoy motor racing and rugby. We have Labrador Retrievers and occasionally have puppies.

What is the greatest thing you’ve achieved in your life so far?
My lovely daughter Brooke. This is her last year at school before starting training for a career in nursing.

General Manager

Chris Gray

Chris began his new role as MIMICO’s General Manager in mid-July, 2016, and has hit the ground running. We sat down (briefly) with Chris to find out a little bit more about him.

Why do you work at MIMICO?
MIMICO has grown consistently in the time I have known the business, and I believe there is great potential for this business going forward. Wanting to be part of this exciting period for the company is what drew me here.

When did you start at MIMICO?
On July 11, 2016, so not long ago.

Where have you worked previously?
I’ve been involved in the heavy building industry for 29 years. This has taken me from working for Pioneer Asphalt, RMC Aggregates and Cemex in the UK, to Hazell Bros and Rocla Quarry Products in Australia, and recently Winstone Aggregates in New Zealand.

What’s your favourite memory from your pre-MIMICO work life?
Most of my favourite memories would have to be some of the great people I’ve worked with. If I had to choose a favourite achievement it would be turning around the transport division of Hazell Bros. I was given the transport division as an underperforming business. In less than ten months we’d managed to secure a few key contracts and increased the profitability nearly tenfold. This was a very rewarding experience and taught me the value of having faith in yourself when you believe strongly in something.

What’s your favourite MIMICO memory so far?
It would have to be the MIMICO lunch at this year’s Institute of Quarrying conference in Blenheim. The South Island guys did a great job getting the venue ready, and it really helped promote the brand. We’ve received a lot of praise following this event.

What is the most important thing in this industry?
A strong customer focus. Too often you can get caught up with your own internal issues and lose sight of why the organisation exists. We want customers to work with MIMICO because we offer unrivalled service, quality and support. To achieve this it is important we constantly challenge ourselves to view the business from a customer’s point of view.

How would you describe the atmosphere at MIMICO?
I’d have to say there is a strong feeling of pride in the business. This comes from the quality of the equipment we sell and being part of a growing business. This gives the sales guys the confidence to challenge clients with strong affiliations to other brands knowing they have great products and support.

What do you do when you’re not at work?
I enjoy fishing, shooting, riding motorbikes and DIY around the house.

What is the greatest thing you’ve done in your life so far?
I’ll keep away from the cliché answer of the birth of my children. Motorbike racing would have to be the greatest thing I’ve done. I road raced in the UK and Australia.

Business Development Manager

Peter White

The man in charge of developing MIMICO’s new Auckland service centre has 35 years experience in the heavy machinery industry. Peter White started his career servicing heavy machinery with Ward Hill Ltd in Rotorua, who held the Komatsu dealership for New Zealand.

Around 1980, Ward Hill added the JSW excavator and Timberjack skidder dealerships and Peter took on a technical servicing role. In 1984 the company moved to Auckland and had changed its name to Motor Holdings Machinery Ltd, with Peter as Technical Services Manager. He then worked in sales, marketing and as General Manager through the nineties. In 1999, Peter left and formed his own company importing used heavy equipment, primarily out of Japan. From 2007-2011, the company was contracted to market a range of Japanese mini-excavators in New Zealand.

Peter moved out of the importing business in 2011, looking for a fresh challenge. When MIMICO managing Director Rex Davies mentioned the new service centre development in Auckland, Peter was immediately interested. “MIMICO is a company with people that have a passion for machinery, the industry and the business, and I like that. The corporate owned and operated companies don’t give you the chance to exhibit that passion and desire. The business here is very relationship-driven in how it does business and deals with people.

“At MIMICO I have the chance to get involved and develop something right from the grass roots.”

When he’s not working, Peter follows a number of sports, plays golden oldies rugby through winter and touch through summer. He would like to be diving and fishing a lot more but the Auckland summer has failed to front this year.

Crushing & Screening Business Manager

Garth Taylor

Why do you work at MIMICO?
After spending twelve years in the USA working for Metso it was time to move back to New Zealand to be closer to my family. It was a natural fit to use the experience I gained in other markets and apply it to the business here. When the opportunity arose to join the team at MIMICO it was a perfect chance to come on board and try the other side of the fence after working for an equipment supplier for so long.

Where have you worked previously?
I spent eighteen years with Metso/Svedala, including the last twelve in the USA. I started out at the Barmac VSI facility here in Matamata back in 1996 as a mechanical draftsman, then worked in R&D and technical support. I then moved to the USA to support the Barmac VSI product line. Over twelve years my focus in the USA widened to include sales support and technical support for other Metso products. And now I’m back home and based only a few metres down the road from where my working life began.

What are your favourite memories from your pre-MIMICO work life?
During my time with Metso I enjoyed visiting plants throughout North and South America. Commissioning a Barmac XD120 VSI in a copper mine in Chile was an amazing experience. I sold and installed two Barmac B9100SE VSIs with IC3000 automation, which was the first such installation in the USA. I also sold and installed a Metso NP1313 impactor with IC2000 automation, which was also a first for North America.

What’s your favourite MIMICO memory so far?
We have just demonstrated the Metso Lokotrack LT220D mobile plant for some of MIMICO’s customers. It was great to get this piece of equipment up and running and show off its capabilities, as well as having the opportunity to meet a number of customers.

What is the most important thing in this industry?
Delivering on your promises. It’s short and sweet, I know, but so very important.

How would you describe the atmosphere at MIMICO?
After spending so many years working for a multi-national company it’s great to be part of a smaller, more dynamic, organisation where you can actually talk to the person in charge. There’s more of a sense of being in control of your own destiny and having a personal impact on the success of the business, which I like.

What is the greatest thing you’ve achieved in your life so far?
I would have to say my family. I met my wife in the States and we had our first child, a daughter, in May last year. They’re a big part of the reason why I’m back home in New Zealand.

Sales & Technical Support (Crushing & Screening)

Ben Hopkins

Ben Hopkins is the Service Manager at MIMICO. He leads a team specialising in the service and maintenance of mobile and static crushing and screening equipment.

Ben has been at MIMICO for three years. He joined the company following a couple of spells at Rocktec, where he was involved in onsite plant installation and maintenance work on static crushing and screening equipment. "This gave me an excellent grounding in the industry with plenty of practical hands on experience," explains Ben.

By joining MIMICO’s service team Ben has been given the opportunity to work with mobile as well as static crushing and screening equipment, primarily Metso brand equipment. He has been factory trained on Metso’s equipment and now has a wealth of experience and expertise from his ten years in the industry. Ben has also completed his training as a mechanical service and maintenance engineer.

Ben was appointed to manage MIMICO’s service team in 2013. "We've got a great team of guys here and they're very good at what they do," says Ben. "The bottom line is we want to provide the best service available to MIMICO's crushing and screening customers and I believe that's what we achieve."

Rex Davies, MIMICO’s Managing Director, is pleased to have Ben on the team. “Not only is he extremely knowledgeable about the equipment, he’s also very customer focused and motivated to do the best job possible,” says Davies. “He’s a real asset to our team.”

When not onsite with MIMICO Ben enjoys hunting, fishing and duck shooting as well as a spot of 4 Wheel Driving. He’s married to Robyn and they have a young daughter.

Service Manager - Christchurch

Phil Watson

Phil Watson is MIMICO’s Service Manager based out of our Christchurch facility. Tough Stuff briefly spent some time with Phil to find out a little bit more about him.

Why do you work at MIMICO?
We distribute good brands and have good people working at MIMICO. Both make for an enjoyable workplace.

When did you start at MIMICO?
August 2015, so I’ve been part of the team for just over a year.

Where have you worked previously?
New Zealand Equipment Group.

What’s your favourite memory from your pre-MIMICO work life?
Problem solving. The day to day work was important but I enjoy getting my head around challenging problems.

What’s your favourite MIMICO memory so far?
Fuelling the rumour that the Sales Team were going to be using electric vehicles. We managed to keep it running for a while...

What is the most important thing in this industry?
Relationships. Having great brands is important, of course, but we have to really know our customers so we can provide them with the best solutions.

How would you describe the atmosphere at MIMICO?
Upbeat. We’ve got a good team which is enjoyable being part of.

What do you do when you’re not at work?
I love my motor racing.

What is the greatest thing you’ve done in your life so far?
I’m still working on that...

Parts Sales - Matamata

Peter Dean

Peter Dean doesn’t have a lifetime of experience in heavy machinery parts but he’s a fast learner.

MIMICO’s Parts Coordinator started his working life as a coach builder, then became a painter, then spent more than 20 years in retail management and sales. He managed an RD1 store for 10 years, then moved on to manage a book store and appliance store.

What he brought to MIMICO was a strong customer focus formed from 20 years in the retail game.

After two-and-a-half years selling and sourcing parts for MIMICO, Pete says he’s still learning.

“I love the variety in this job. We deal with big corporations and single machine operators, so each day is never the same as the last. I try to add value to the customer relationship.

“Often customers will ring up to order a specific part, but once we know what they’re trying to achieve, we can let them know about other things they’ll need to get the job done. And the industry’s always changing – new models, new technology. So there’s a lot to know.”

When Pete’s not working, he loves to fish. Not the energetic kind of fishing – the relaxing kind.

Pete has a 4WD geared up to travel to some of the most remote beaches and rock-fishing locations in the upper North Island.

“I’ve got rod holders welded onto the front of the 4WD, so I like to drive right to the spot, throw out a bait, put the rod in the holder, then get back into the cab and relax.” Somewhere out there is a 20 pound snapper with Pete’s name on it...