Our latest commercials have been shown on TV screens right across the country and the real-life Auto Technician who is featured in the ads, Nat, from O'Brien® AutoGlass branch in Tuggerah, NSW, has been keeping busy!
We caught up with her to see how she is, from being recognised by strangers plus what she’s been doing for customers day to day.
Nat, it has been a while since we last spoke. What have you been up to over these last few months?
Hey!
My gosh, I’ve been super busy. The good kind of busy though!
Since we last chatted, I have become part of the O'Brien® Flying Squad, and so far, I’ve travelled to Sydney and Canberra to assist other Branches with their auto jobs. It has been a great experience meeting new Team Members from other branches plus I feel like I am helping others (and making a difference to both customers and the O'Brien® local branch team). It’s such a collaborative effort to get through the jobs together and I love that sense of teamwork.
I have also been officially signed off and hold my Cert III Qualification in Automotive Glazing! Since starting with O'Brien®, I have been working really hard and learning so much, so it’s a great accomplishment and nice to feel recognised for the effort I have been putting in.
What’s the O'Brien® Flying Squad? It’s an O'Brien® program that helps allocate technician resources to ‘Fly-in’ to branches that need extra support in peak times, to ensure continued service levels to our customers. Flying Squad Technicians not only get to work in different locations with other branch teams across our network, but they earn additional incentives for their extra work as well as pick up valued experience in their roles.
What new skills have you learnt and what training have you had?
One of my long-term goals here at O'Brien® is to be a Branch Manager. So, I have been working closely with my Manager to learn more about the admin side of the business. This has given me a better understanding of what happens behind the scenes, like stock, inventory and closing jobs. I aim to learn more and more and build up toward taking on a manager position in the future.
One of the many great things about working at O'Brien® is that we are learning something new every day. Technology is constantly updating, so in my role, we need to stay up to date with everything to do our job. It’s continually challenging – which is what I love.
So, you’ve starred in a couple of TV ads across the country. Have you been recognised?
One time when I was working in Sydney, a young boy was staring at me. His grandma said “He has seen you in the ad! He idolises you!” and that he was completely starstruck! We took a photo together so he could send it to his Dad. It was very cute!
It’s a bit strange being recognised as I am just a normal person. Yet to others, it’s very Wow. When I’m at work, customers are very impressed that O'Brien® uses real team members in their ads, so that’s a great feeling.
One time a lady came in and asked for the service that ‘the lady did in the ad’, then realised I was that lady! Then, of course, I did the job!
My family and friends are proud – they send me a notification every time they see me on TV! So, I always know when the commercials are being shown.
Behind-the-scenes of a recent film shoot for an O'Brien TV commercial
Your personal O'Brien® story is driving a lot of new job applicants – many of which are female – to join your company – which is amazing! How does that make you feel?
One of the reasons I was so excited about being part of the ad campaign was that I could show other females what I’m doing in my job and that they can do it, too! So, it’s great that this is being achieved.
When I was working in Canberra recently, there were several female trainees who had just joined the team, and they recognised me from the ad. A lot of them said that they joined O'Brien® because of seeing me in the campaign.
Although I don’t actively think about it a lot, when you hear these kinds of things, it’s such a great feeling that I am making a difference to everyday people (and to our company).
What message do you want to give those thinking about joining O'Brien®?
Just do it!
Give it a go and if you put the effort in, you can go far! There are so many good things about this job – you’re constantly learning, it’s a great team, you can work in the branch or out on the road, and so much more!
O'Brien auto tech Nat in action
Keen to start a career at O'Brien®? Start your journey and apply today.
To read more about O'Brien® and career progression opportunities, check out our blog.
Just in case you’ve not yet seen Nat in our latest O'Brien® commercials – check them out here.
O'Brien® Recruitment Come work with Us Ad
