DANIEL Mantell and Tristan Devantier finished work with RT Edwards Electrical Contracting Division last Thursday.
It was the last day of trading for this well-known Ipswich trading name.
As of today it commences trading as TriDan Electrical Contractors, as the two proud local boys take ownership of the enterprise.
Daniel and Tristan both commenced their electrical apprenticeship with RT Edwards & Sons after completing Year 12.
“I started in 1995 and Daniel joined us in 2003,” Mr Devantier said.
“We were both given a great opportunity. I still remember when Tom (Tom Edwards, former managing director) gave me a call to tell me I was successful.”
The story of Daniel and Tristan is a 2016 version of how it all began for RT Edwards with Roy Edwards riding his bike to the then-new Amberley RAAF Base to carry out electrical work, before starting his own business in 1931.
They served their apprenticeships and have grown with the business into management roles.
“The timing for us was right to make the move, our own history and skill development, being born and bred in Ipswich, we are both associated with sporting and other community organisations, we are ready for the challenge,” Mr Devantier said.
Both men have a deep sense of the history of RT Edwards & Sons and paid tribute to Tom Edwards and to the current owners.
“I was the project manager and Tristan was the contracting manager,” Mr Mantell said.
“We had very good training and we are both so happy with the support we have had over this move. Everyone have been so good to us.”
TriDan has moved from the East St office to Shed 3 at 31 Briggs Road, which is owned by Tom Edwards.
The new office maintains the same phone number and all of the existing staff.
TriDan Electrical Contractors will continue to look after their loyal clients and offer the same services to the domestic and commercial clients covering all types of electrical work, air conditioning and also data and communication.
“We offer all leading brands of air conditioners and we cover sales, service and installation,” Mr Mantell said.
“We have just come off working at the 88 Limestone Street project, the former TAFE buildings, working at a nursing home, servicing local hospitals, we have a diverse client base and we have a team who bring a wealth of experience.”
The data and communication part of the business is a growth area.
“We have just installed a number of data projectors for a school,” Mr Devantier said.
“Students all have laptops now so technology is a big part of education. We do have a strong association with three local schools and carry out this work for a number of our commercial clients.
“Tom Edwards was a great mentor to both of us.
“His personal touch and care for his clients as well as being a very loyal man gave us a great opportunity starting out and we want to ensure that we honour the business approach and bring that into our own business.”
Both Daniel and Tristan are enthusiastic and have a clear vision for what they want to achieve.
They agree that this is a time to step up into their new role, to keep their feet on the ground and value their clients.
“It has been a well respected business and we bring all that was great about the former into TriDan Electrical Contractors. It is a new era and we are excited about the future,” Mr Mantell said.
Originally Published On: http://www.qt.com.au/