STARTING her career in the paint industry as a delivery driver at age 23, Darby’s Paints Shepparton manager, Megan Brown, has seen expectations rapidly change.
“A long time ago, even though I’d been at the Geelong site for several years, we would still get that older generation of men that would look past you for a male. They’d blatantly say, ‘Is there a guy who can serve me?'” recalls Megan.
“Our boss has always fiercely defended us girls. He’d come out and tell them, ‘Well, ask her a question. If she doesn’t know the answer, she’ll get you the answer.”
Gender has nothing over experience. Megan, and other women in the industry, have a special superpower though. Research into how genders see colour shows several differences, with female respondents showing they are more adept at distinguishing between subtle gradations then men.
“Any feedback I get about female painters is that they’re quite often the best in the bunch. I think that comes down to attention to detail and girls being fussier, but it works and they generally nail it!”
Darby’s Paints have a strong female workforce. Darby’s technical sales representative, Sophie Lewis, is also a painter, whose talents have seen her become a finalist in the Women in Collision Paint & Panel Australasian category.
“This wasn’t something I pictured myself doing, but I really enjoy it. I enjoy the banter with the regulars. I think if you were someone who took yourself too seriously, you wouldn’t last too long in a trade, guy or girl,” says Megan.
From minor paint repairs to full restoration of your beloved vehicle, Darby’s Paints are your partner in refinishing needs. Head into Darby’s Paints, located at 12 Campbell Street, Shepparton. Call 5821 0111 or visit www.darbyspaints.com.au/ for more.
