This month’s edition of the Oomiak Crew Spotlight series takes us to QLD Customer Service team!
Our team is filled to the brim with enthusiastic, experienced, and skilled people – we’re excited to share their stories.
My Role in Oomiak
An integral part of Oomiak’s Queensland Customer Service team, Shanae Houlden has continually risen to the occasion in the time she’s been with Oomiak.
“Oomiak have always ensured that we have the training we need to do our job effectively and safely and upskilling is always encouraged,” says Shanae.
After completing her apprenticeship, Shanae was ready to continue upskilling and developing.
“The transition was seamless for me, it was a relief to finish my apprenticeship and continue trying to build on my skillset as a fully qualified technician,” says Shanae.
Since starting her journey with Oomiak, Shanae has been a part of some remarkable projects and sites from the get-go.
“I was lucky enough to come into Oomiak as the Arnott’s Virginia R22 upgrade was commencing. This opened my eyes to the industry and the amount of work that goes into providing a new ammonia plant.
Another noteworthy site for me was the LaManna Banana Ripening Rooms project. I particularly enjoyed being able to be a part of the installation process and seeing a plant come together and then be able to continue providing quality maintenance thereafter,” says Shanae.
Never, a dull moment, Shanae loves the spontaneity of the industry and building great rapport with Oomiak’s local Queensland client base.
“No workday is typical and that’s why I love it.
Building positive relationships with clients is the most important part of providing good service. I always go the extra mile to foster good communication with clients. I believe it helps build mutual trust and understanding,” says Shanae.
Best Thing About Working at Oomiak
“For me, the best thing about working at Oomiak is the same thing that challenges me. I love working on a wide array of equipment, but this also means that no two jobs are the same and this can be challenging.
Working for a company like Oomiak that takes pride in themselves, their work and workplace culture is a great benefit also,” says Shanae.
My Career Tips
“I always try to see things from both the company and the client’s point of view. I think this empathy makes me a better technician and holds me accountable for the quality of work I provide,” says Shanae.
With an ever-evolving attitude, Shanae constantly looks to develop both her technical skillset and her mindset.
“During one of our recent leadership programs, I heard the quote The standard you walk past is the standard you accept. This was impactful for me as I am working on being more assertive with my values and holding others to account for them as well,” says Shanae.
Meeting a consistently high standard, Shanae knows the importance of adaptability and being ready for anything.
“Our job is all about adaptability, each client, project and task will come with its own set of needs, and we need to be able to adapt and overcome on an individual basis and throughout the company as a whole,” says Shanae.
One of the latest extensions of this adaptability and development was Shanae being featured as one of Climate Control News’s top 20 women in HVACR.
The article celebrates and recognises women in HVACR, highlighting those making positive change in the industry – demonstrating leadership, vision and most importantly, passion.
“When I first got the news I was a bit taken back and blasé about it all. But once the reality set in, I was really excited, it’s obviously great to be seen and acknowledged. It’s a really cool moment and milestone in my career so far,” says Shanae.
Great work Shanae, we’re all excited to see you continue following the great standard you continually set!
