Managing people will always have its difficulties. Finding a way to engage and connect with every individual is a good indicator of a healthy leadership style.
With a strong focus on building a positive and community minded culture, in his short time at Sheen Panel Service, Joshua Hewlett has already contributed to the improvement of the Bellarine Peninsula workshops.
Creating a positive work environment for Joshua, starts with engaging staff with an upbeat and friendly persona.
Joshua’s goal is to make everyone feel important as an individual, but to also bring everyone along as one unified team.
Originally from Heyfield, a small town in Gippsland, Joshua has brought the small town community spirit and culture to the other side of Victoria in Ocean Grove.
Joshua’s first management role began with Sheen Panel Service in 2021. Quickly ascending the ranks, Joshua became Area Manager of Ocean Grove and Drysdale three years later.
His first introduction to the industry, however, was in 2007 while on work experience, after a school guidance counsellor suggested he try panel beating.
“Before I started work experience, I wasn’t even sure what they did at a panel shop. I started my apprenticeship soon after and I haven’t looked back since,” Joshua says.
“From the get go I always wanted to perfect my craft.”
“When I felt ready to leave the technical side of it, I set my goal on getting up as high as I could in the industry.”
“Being more of a shop front and a decision maker is where my enjoyment lies.”
Having over a decade of knowledge in the panel beating role has given Joshua a great foundation to be a manager.
“It has been great to have that background. It’s made transitioning into the office space much easier.”
“Starting off as a branch manager was rewarding, and when the opportunity arose for my now job as area manager, I grabbed the opportunity with both hands.”
Leaning into his role as area manager, Joshua highlights how no two days are the same.
“Working and creating a good culture throughout the multiple shops and having a team environment is all essential to making everyone feel included and part of something bigger,” Joshua says.
“We all work together to achieve our targets at the end of the month.”
To promote a healthy workplace culture, leading by example is crucial in creating an environment where people want to come to work every day.
“Making sure everyone is on the same page and that everyone is getting along is paramount,” Joshua says.
“We do a lot of team bonding exercises, and activities outside of the workplace.”
It is not unusual for Joshua to organise a Monday morning barbeque, or a Friday afternoon lunch.
“Making a good environment goes beyond the walls of the workshop.”
“I try to get some of the guys to join me on golf days and events.”
Hard work pays off
Sheen Panel Service has 27 stores across Victoria, and each year they hold an awards ceremony to celebrate workshops that have performed well throughout the year.
In 2022, Ocean Grove placed third. In 2024, Drysdale and Ocean Grove came in second and third place.
“It was a big achievement, and we had great results as a collective,” Joshua says.
“We have had apprentices nominated for apprentice of the year awards too which is always rewarding to see.”
Joshua also sponsors a golf club, where they host the Legend Pro-am series which won the best pro-am series in Victoria last year.
“That was a very rewarding ‘outside of the shop’ achievement,” Joshua says.
Leadership
Leading by example and creating one cohesive unit are attributes that underpin Joshua’s leadership style.
“I try to engage with everyone on a personal level,” Joshua says.
“I like to have a connection with each individual, rather than being that person that walks around, makes all the decisions and barks the orders.”
Ensuring that the emphasis is on the team and growing together, is also a culture Joshua aims to promote across his workshops.
“We are always looking to tap into things that are community orientated, whether that be with our golf sponsorship, or with the bowls club,” Joshua says.
“I feel like growing up in a small community has really helped with connecting to the community.”
Joshua learnt the managing ropes from his former area manager, David Farrugia.
“He was a great mentor for me for a couple of years,” Joshua says.
“We still keep in contact every few days. He’s always checking in to see how I’m getting along. The ongoing support has been great.”
Transitioning from panel beater to manager
Growing up in the small town of Heyfield in Gippsland, finding opportunities often meant uprooting his life and starting fresh in another town.
“Coming from a small community, having any sort of growth can be restricting,” Joshua says.
“It wasn’t a decision I took lightly to move four hours away to progress my career. I also have a young family so that added another layer to it all.”
“It felt risky to start afresh where we didn’t know anyone. It was a big challenge, but it has paid off.”
Joshua isn’t unfamiliar to taking risks and moving around, he has worked in Maffra, Sale, and Geelong.
Before managing, Joshua had completed training to become a trade school teacher in hope to discover a new area of the industry. However, with the pandemic, jobs were hard to come by. Instead, he applied for a position by Sheen Panel Service listed on Seek.
“I enjoy getting up in the morning and coming to work. It is a very welcome change,” Joshua says.
“There are different challenges and tasks everyday, I love it.”
Becoming a manager has also been a learning curve for Joshua.
“Being able to address everyone as an individual and be on their level when you speak to them is something I have learnt along the way,” Joshua says.
“I didn’t know much about managing people or a business before starting this role in 2021.”
“I have done a lot of research and reading on what makes a good leader and boss, which has helped me a lot.”
“A lot of it has been learning on the fly, but it’s worked out really well.”