Solutions genius celebrated for 20 years of service

Described by some as a solutions genius and others as an automotive industry surgeon, Glenn Bradley this week notched up 20 years with Quality Roading and Services.

Glenn is an engineer, heavy diesel mechanic, panel beater and metal fabricator at QRS. He’s a terrific problem solver say the people who work with him.

“He’s a real thinker and has years of knowledge on how to achieve a solution,” says plant manager Rob Mayhead.

 Glenn, 54, has been with the company since 2001 and while he is quietly proud of his achievements, he reckons he doesn’t need any fuss. “Oh yeah, work is good, they have been very supportive.”

Glenn joined QRS after 15 years as a panel beater with North Clyde Panel and Paint.

Initially, Glenn worked at QRS part-time so as to share childcare duties with his wife Helen. Once he was working full time, he expanded his skillset and earned his diesel mechanic apprenticeship and welding tickets.

He remembers it was in the days when staff had to pursue extra education outside of worktime. Nowadays QRS supports staff to further their education with paid time away from work to attend class and it pays for the courses.

With the extra qualifications and the passage of time, these days Glenn diagnoses the symptoms of plant breakdowns, replaces parts, and administers preventative measures. Just before lockdown Glenn was rebuilding one of QRS’s long reach mowers. He’d pulled it apart, cut out the worn metal, replaced the rotor, and modified and strengthened the body. All that’s required now is to fit it into the tractor.

“All in a day’s work!” says plant manager Rob Mayhead. He says Glenn is held in high regard for his inventiveness and problem-solving skills when it comes to plant maintenance and design adaptations.

“Glenn takes his job and performance to heart and expects excellence from himself and his colleagues.  I’m unaware of anyone in the company who does not hold him in high regard.” 

This year Glenn tested his limits by signing up for an Outward Bound course. The famous extreme adventure courses are held at the top of the South Island. Each course pushes groups of people physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Glenn says the idea of completing a course with a group of strangers was terrifying and appealing in equal measure. He raised the idea at his annual individual training plan meeting and received financial support to do it.

“I think QRS are pretty supportive. There are opportunities there if you play your part. Who would have thought they would send me on that? It was worth a shot to ask, and it was great.”

The course lasted eight grueling days and featured plenty of cold water swims and tramps. One of the highlights was a solo expedition with little more than a carrot and a muesli bar to eat for 32 hours. There was plenty of time for reflection!

“I pushed myself and gave everything my very best shot not wanting to think back that I should have tried harder.”

The course helped him overcome a fear of public speaking. At QRS’s annual education celebration this year Glenn shared his Outward Bound experience with staff and invited guests. He told the crowd he came out with a renewed energy to upskill in digital technology, te reo Māori, and ….social media!

When Glenn isn’t working, he and his wife Helen run a few sheep and cows on their Marumaru lifestyle block. They get to Lake Waikaremoana as often as they can. Helen and Glenn own two Weimaraner dogs, one of which is part of the Department of Conservation dog programme, which Helen uses to help find whio (blue ducks).

QRS chief executive Jeremy Harker thanked Glenn for his outstanding service. “We have really appreciated your work and commitment. I’m looking forward to you continuing to lead by example at QRS and wish you, Helen, and your family all the best.” 

31 August 2021

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