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Arriving in Esperance in 1995, David Rowe and his wife Melisa, unknowingly stumbled upon a path that would land them into what would become a twenty-eight year venture, successfully owning and operating a local windscreen business.
It all began in early 1996, when David was offered an opportunity to work with Colin & Sue Symonds - the owners of Esperance Windscreens O’Brien, who were looking to expand the business.
In 2006, when Mr. and Mrs. Symonds decided to retire, they sold the final share of their two businesses to David and Melisa, who truly care for their community and greatly promote the Motor Trade Association of Western Australia (MTA WA).
“We have been a member of the MTA WA since we began in both businesses. The MTA has always supported us.”
“During the COVID period, the information and advocacy that the association provided for our industry was instrumental in keeping us informed, ensuring that our industry and especially that our businesses - could continue to trade as an essential service.”
“Many times, just having access to the MTA WA’s employee and industrial relations service has been significantly helpful,” says Melisa.
The couple are particularly passionate about small business, regularly embracing opportunities to actively support new and young business owners in their town.
“We have seen a lot of businesses recently change hands which has brought a renewed enthusiasm to the industrial area,” she says.
“We continue to preach the benefits of being an MTA WA member to other local automotive businesses because the HR information provided to members and the association’s advocacy activities are a huge help for our industry.”
After nearly three decades, David and Melisa are now looking to a new horizon. Selling their Esperance Windscreen O’Brien business, they will solely focus on managing and operating Esperance Smash Repairs, which employs a team of fifteen.
“We look forward to fine tuning our business structure, spending more time training our five apprentices and retiring in ten years’ time! Five, if you ask David!” Melisa jokes.
David and Melisa would like to especially thank Global Auto Coat, for being a major supporter to Esperance Smash Repairs over the past seven years.
“Their commitment in providing training to our paint department down in Esperance has been a vital partnership for our business.”
We wish David and Melisa the best on their new direction.
