| 71 T T Sue Russell Electrician open to all types of work Greg has been involved in organising data and audio-control systems in the food technologies area, as well as managing the day-to-day operations and teams on-site at a meat processing plant. Ruahine Electrical CONTRACTING An interest in industrial and commercial electrical, especially on control data systems installations, has led Greg Struthers of Ruahine Electrical, into some great projects since going out on his own three years ago. “Originally, I wanted to pursue a career in the concert lighting and sound industry, and managed to get an opportunity to work with Warren Harris from Upstage Productions as work experience, wiring up the newly built Hastings Intermediate hall,” says Greg. Since then, his portfolio has expanded in a diversity of industries. He enjoys working on his own, though acknowledges if he were to grow in scale he wouldn’t want to have a team larger than four. “If you’re looking after a larger-size team, as the boss you end up in the management role more, rather than actively out there doing it. It suits my personality to work the way I do.” Understanding how commercial and industrial machines operate is an important prerequisite, and Greg has been involved especially in organising data and audio-control systems in the food technologies area, as well as managing the day-to-day operations and teams on-site at a meat processing plant. He also makes himself available to help with projects for other electricians when called for. “Dealing with the meatworks provided me with so much understanding and experience, especially with specialised equipment these industries have.” When he started out, Glenn Cook Technologies (GCT) was gracious enough to help Greg out while he was finding his feet, and he has worked with them on a number of projects over the years – most recently, a large nurse-call system upgrade totalling eight-plus kilometres of data cabling. “Another company that has been by my side is Proton Electric, who joined me in the Monowai Station milk shed refurbishment and upgrades, out around Rangataikei.” With business as it is across the sector, Greg says he’s focusing on keeping as open as possible to the types of projects he engages in. “I also really enjoy working under pressure and finding solutions, my solutions, to complex contexts.” Ruahine Electrical is based in Waipukurau; however, it services all of Hawke’s Bay and goes further afield on special projects. While offering both domestic and commercial electrical services, Greg says he enjoys the company’s speciality of working in the rural sector and on large industrial electrical and control systems. “I’m also interested in wi-fi and audio-visual systems, and like nothing more than designing and installing one-off systems for commercial and large residential.” Greg is also proud of the fact that his father instilled in him high standards of integrity and workmanship. “It’s about taking pride in your work and outcomes for customers, and when you see something isn’t right, fixing it properly. It’s a pretty simple philosophy, and it’s what I live by with my work.” Those standards also extend beyond the work-face. Greg is a keen supporter of worthy causes, such as Ruahine Animal Rescue. “Since the Central Hawke’s Bay SPCA closed, a group of wonderful people, led by Gemma and Amber, got together a year ago to find “It’s about taking pride in your work and outcomes for customers, and when you see something isn’t right, fixing it properly. It’s a pretty simple philosophy, and it’s what I live by with my work.” a way to keep a space going where animals could be cared for. I’m a financial supporter of this valuable work.” Looking back on a year steering his own ship, Greg says his decision to knuckle down and make a name for himself, based on the quality of his work and engagement with customers, has certainly paid dividends. “It’s not always easy in business. Sometimes you have to make a few sacrifices to get yourself and the business heading on the right path. For me, I feel that the hard work I’ve put in is responsible for where I am now as an independent business operator.” Lately, Greg has been working with CHB college with their work experience programme to give interested students exposure to the industry to hopefully help build the next generation of electricians. • Our laboratory repairs and calibrates test instruments for nearly all of New Zealand’s major electrical companies • Fast turnaround minimises equipment downtime. • Can service and calibrate most makes and models of Electrical and RF test equipment. 04 2323 233 paul@nichecom.co.nz www.nichecom.co.nz Proudly supporting Ruahine Electrical with So ing NetXpert data throughput testing
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