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BUSINESS SNAPSHOT | Scorpio Screens & Blinds
How did your company begin?
Scorpio Screens was founded in 1980 by Cameron and Glenis Wood. Starting out as a one-man company that grew to larger factories in Ashmore then Nerang, the company now resides in a purpose built factory at Arundel on the Gold Coast. In 2012, the name was changed to Scorpio Screens & Blinds to incorporate the window furnishing side of the business.
To this day, Cameron and Glenis are still involved in the company along with their sons, Dyson and Joshua. I have been with the family business since 1998. I am currently the General Manager and sit on the NSSA Board of Directors. Joshua has been involved since 1996 and currently oversees Installation and our Builders Supply Division.
Tell us about your business.
We manufacture the premium ‘Ultra Stainless’ security system in our purpose built facility that supplies the retail, builder and wholesale sectors across south-east Queensland.
Tell us about your team and culture.
We employ over 40 staff, consisting of a road team of 13 reps and installers, 13 internal office staff and over 15 in the factory. We recently employed a new Sales and Marketing Manager to ensure the strategic growth of the business as we continue to expand and take on new challenges.
The Scorpio culture is a major focus of the business to ensure that all our employees are engaged, safe and enjoy working as part of the family.
Tell us about contributing factors to Scorpio’s growth and development over the years.
The growth of the business has been very organic over the years following the construction boom in south-east Queensland, by always being ready to capitalise on any opportunity or change in the market. By having good systems and processes, along with a quality trained team, it makes it much easier to take on new projects and opportunities.
What has been your biggest challenge in the industry?
Staffing would be hands down the biggest challenge as our industry does not have a clear pathway for staff to become accredited. This is changing with the NSSA’s work on the Certificate III in Blinds, Awnings, Security Screens and Grilles (R5), and we eagerly look forward to the next phase in our industry that offers valuable training opportunities.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the time our business has been around and the growth it has achieved – from my father leaving a great job at a window company to start a flyscreen business to the organisation it is today. It blows my mind.
What do you love about the industry?
I was basically born into the industry. I love being able to help protect family homes with great security products and, in more recent years, being able to offer a complete package to clients with the addition of window furnishings to our business. As we are often the last trade to complete work when people are building their dream home, it is great to see the smile on their face when the finishing touches are completed.
What does the future hold for Scorpio Screens & Blinds?
We are excited for the future with recent changes in our upper management team bringing on three new staff with over 60 years combined industry experience to help drive our business into the future.
What does it mean to be a member of the NSSA?
Being a member of the NSSA is a way to help give our industry a voice to government and other organisations. By combining the knowledge and years of experience around the country, it is great to see action and change from within the NSSA. This would not be possible otherwise. We strive for our industry to be heard by being an NSSA member and through our collective voice, we can help drive the security screen industry to be recognised as part of the Building Code of Australia.
Why did you put your hand up to be Board Director of the NSSA?
I wanted to put my hand up to help my fellow industry representatives by tabling the issues we face locally and to lift the industry nationally, so the consumer experience is more professional.
If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out in the security screen industry, what would it be?
Become a member of the NSSA and be a sponge, try to absorb as much information about the industry from other members as possible. The resources that the NSSA can provide new members is invaluable when entering the industry.
Scorpio Screens & Blinds | 28 Technology Drive Arundel, Queensland 4214 | 07 5574 4177 | info@scorpioscreens.com.au www.scorpioscreens.com.au
