About Us
Ricky O’Connell has 20 years experience in the motor vehicle repair industry.
Ricky started his career as a Spray painter & Panel beater in East Anglia, England.
After successfully completing his apprenticeship with an established Vauxhall (Holden) dealership, Ricky continued to hone his skills further, perfecting the skills required to be a top class painter/panel beater.
An opportunity arose for Ricky at a large Ford dealership, which would ultimately see him as the Assistant Manager. After a productive nine years at Ford, he felt the need to expand his skills further and took a position in a large peugeot dealership. Ricky then decided to explore his horizons and moved to Australia.
Ricky has had the opportunity to become the sole trader of Hervey Bay Smash Repairs and aims to establish the business as the leading repairer in the bay for quality and service.
Having spent 20 years in the industry, Ricky has the experience and knowledge in every aspect of the industry, employing a wealth of techniques which ensures the best possible repair for your vehicle.
The Crew
Paul Gilbert - Panel Beater
Paul is the man with many years experience in the smash repair industry.
Extensive experience and knowledge gives Paul a very important place in our team of Highly skilled, trade qualified and certified tradesmen.
Aaron Kensington- Spray Painter
Our newest member of the team we welcome Aaron as an experienced spray painter. Aaron is already establishing himself as a pivotal member of the Hervey Bay Smash Repairs team showing his flair for fine craftsmanship.
Aaron contributes significantly to Hervey Bay Smash Repairs notoriety in the community for outstanding levels of quality and perfection.
Born in New Zealand, Aaron fully completed his spray painting apprenticeship and went on to work with the same company for a total of 7 years. Aaron has attended and completed courses in Icar refinishing and Dupont refinishing. His experience in a modern panel shop and specialisation on working on mercedes vehicles makes Aaron an asset to the team.
Matthew Wheeler - Apprenctice Spray Painter
Matthew brings with him 2 years experience in plastic welding and refinishing. Matthew also has knowledge of colour matching and paint preparation, a great advantage for his apprenticeship.
Matthew is an automotive enthusiast and has been working on cars since the age of 15.
Matthew brings to the team a young vibrance that will hold him in good sted for a long career in the industry.
Together, the owner and employees of Hervey Bay Smash Repairs have collectively worked on nearly every make and model of car known to man. Ford, Holden, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Subaru, Audi, Volkswagen, BMW, Citroen, Renault, Peugeot, Mercedes, Bentley, Rolls Royce, Hyundai, Suzuki, Ferrari, Seat, Land Rover, Lamborghini, to name a few.
So whatever you have, you can be assured it’s in the best hands in the business.
Come and see us today for a free no obligation quote!