We’ve had a chat with Maddie, from our Mackay store, about life at TJM and as a 4WDing fan.
Here is what she says:
What drew you to the Industry?
MB: My passion to travel. I wanted to see and experience everything Australia has to offer and that led me off the bitumen and into the 4WD world.
What is your favourite part of your job?
MB: Whether it’s off to the Cape, to the Simpson Desert or around Australia, it’s an amazing feeling helping people set up and design there vehicle layout for their big adventure.
I love it when a client gets back and shares all the stories of the amazing places, lovable larrikins and the crazy adventures they’ve had along the way.
What is your biggest challenge within the industry?
MB: Information and knowledge. I think people under estimate how large and varied the 4WD industry is. We cover a large base of products and accessories, from camping, touring set ups, extreme offroading, mine fit outs, trade fit outs to simply making the family car safer.
On top of the ever-expanding range and evolving technologies of our products and accessories we also have to keep up to date with the constantly updated vehicles that come to us. It’s a big part of the job.
Would you recommend it to the females in your life?
MB: It’s hard to say; this industry is one that involves a certain level of passion and commitment. While a lot of the ladies in my life wouldn’t shy away from an off road adventure, I’m not sure they’d want to talk about the Landcruiser V Patrol debate for eight hours. I would encourage anyone with enthusiasm in the 4WD community to get involved in the industry though, it’s not an easy job, but it’s certainly filled with lots of reward, laughs and mateship.
Name your Ideal Deck out.
MB: I’m partial to the odd Toyota, so a new 79 series Dual Cab Ute with Bull Bar, Side Bars and Steps, Winch and a set of H.I.D spot lights on the front. A Lift Kit and a Locker underneath and an Alloy Body with a set of Drawers, Fridge and Roof Top Tent on the back should get me to most of the places I want to go.
But at the moment, I’m happy with my 100 series Landcruiser and will keep asking Santa for a turbo.
The picture is of me driving my Cruiser through Mungo National Park in NSW.
Where was your last 4WDing adventure?
MB: My last trip was a while ago (I had to repair my vehicle afterwards!!), but I finally ticked the Simpson Desert off the bucket list.
I travelled over hundreds of sand dunes, had a bit of fun on Big Red and Little Red, stopped at Poeppel Corner, had a swim at Dalhousie Springs and saw many a Dingo and Wedge tail Eagle.
It was, without a doubt, an experience that I will never forget and a trip I can’t wait to do again.
