Gemcell Australia

When he worked for another electrical wholesaler, Greg Roffey sometimes dreamed of running his own business. Now the dream has been a reality for seventeen years, and all Greg can dream about is an occasional day off.

Back in the early 1990s, working in a job that stressed him out daily made Greg’s decision to strike out into the business world himself just that little bit easier to make. So after many years of long hours, headaches and frustration with poor management decisions, Greg decided that if he had to tolerate all the pressure of being in the hot seat, he might as well benefit from it. So after many discussions with his wife Dale and other family members, Castle Hill Electrical Wholesalers opened its doors for the first time in 1992.

Since the very beginning Greg has been supported in the running of Castle Hill Electrical by Dale, who took on the job of handling the accounts, and his brother Ian in sales. “Both Ian and I felt that service and reliability was a major shortfall within the larger multi-nationals so we set out to have a business that could pride itself on just that,” said Greg.

Not long after opening they welcomed Michael Arnold as a delivery driver. “Michael was to be the first of 12 staff members, many of whom have been with us for a number of years,” Greg added. Michael remains with the company today and has been given the title of ’Minister for Transportation’.

After renting their shop for a period of time, Greg had the chance to buy the premises, then as luck would have it, the unit next door became available and he purchased that as well. After knocking down the dividing wall between the two, they set about turning the units into the showroom and offices that are there today. Greg now has a third unit in the complex that is used for bulk storage. “I was lucky to be in the position to buy them quite early on,” said Greg, “and they have turned out to be one of the best investments I have made”.

Castle Hill Electrical Wholesalers now has 3 vans on the road, with Michael, Damian and Darryl sitting at the wheels. The sales team, led by Greg, now consists of Ian, Graham, Rose and Ken, and along with part time clerk Linda, they have a combined 150 years of experience between them. Helping Dale out in accounts are Sharon and Warren. “Our staff are all easy going and get on well together whether at the office or a social evening out,” Greg said.

“Shortly after joining the Gemcell Group in 1996 we went to our very first Gemcell conference held in Hong Kong, and since then we have not missed one,” emphasized Greg. “Actually, I don’t think Dale would let us. It’s always a good opportunity to catch up with the other members and discuss what’s been happening within the industry. And, it’s usually the only chance we get to have time together without having to deal with a desk full of paperwork at the same time.”

“The Gemcell family would have to be one of the most ‘social’ groups around,” said Greg. “Both Dale and I have made some very good friends and while Dale and a few of the girls talk on the phone, they always look forward to catching up in person over a glass of champagne.”

“As we move into 2009, many of us (myself included) will be wondering what will be happening to the economy. Things are getting tighter for everyone and that’s why we need to support every Gemcell member,” explained Greg. Greg called upon members to lend their full support to help everyone in the Gemcell family through tough times that may lie ahead. “Gemcell is about joining together and working with each other. Without the full commitment of all its members, Gemcell wouldn’t be where it is today, and frankly some of us wouldn’t be either,” Greg concluded.