This time we chatted with Rikki from TJM Mackay - Mackay certainly has some eager female 4WD enthusiasts !! If you're in Mackay come in to the store and say hello. Rikki is one of the sales team ready to speak with you about your 4WD queries.
What drew you to the industry Rikki?
At a young age I was interested in the outdoors. 4WDing, fishing, camping and everything these hobbies had to offer were already my personal interests so it only seemed natural to pursue a career in that field.
What is your favourite part of your job?
A large portion of my job is consulting directly with customers and I really enjoy helping them achieve the vehicle of their dreams. It can be very rewarding to see a vehicle come in stock standard and watch it evolve into someones' perfect rig. I get a huge sense of accomplishment, like I have helped make a difference in someones' life. It's always fun to hear from past customers when they show their photos and tell us stories about their travels.
What is your biggest challenge within the industry?
I would have to say product knowledge. This industry is always evolving, with the release of new products and new vehicles. It can be hard to stay on top of the game and know all there is to know about the latest and greatest products and accessories. We cater to a very large customer base as well, from the family campers to the weekeend warriors, the extreme offroader the tourer as well as the tradesmen and the mines.
Would you recommend it to the females in your life?
A career in this field is not for the faint hearted and is best suited for a strong willed, passionate and committed female who has a genuine interest in the industry. Many of the females in my life would fit this profile, however there are only a small number of us who are willing to take on the guys and spend hours discussing which is better: Landcruiser or Patrol...and other never ending debates!
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This is me at work and loving it
This is one of the many Mangrove Jacks I've caught
Tell us a tale from your last 4X4 Adventure
My last 4X4 adentrue was in Yeppoon at Christmas. There were a lot of us, so we piled into three 4X4s CHristmas morning and went for a drive along Farnborough Beach. The drive wasn't challenging but it was a great morning spent with family out sightseeing.
OK, Now choose you ideal deck out
I currently drive a 120 Series Toyota Prado that I have been setting up for weekend camping and fishing trips as well as future longer trips across Australia. I love my Prado and I'm really excited about doing more to it over time. I wouldn't trade it for anything else!
However, I would also have a short wheelbase Landcruiser Bundera parked in the driveway. They are just so small and agile, they can bounce through just about anything. I would have it decked out with a bullbar, winch, side bars and steps, overhead console with UHF, a loud sound system, because we all need good tunes, and a rear bar. Under it would be a lift kit and Mickey Thompson tyres. Naturally I would have my swag in the back for those overnight trips.
This is me at Basket Falls in Banoo Banoo National Park down near Warwick.
