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AfPA Member Profile
AfPA
MEMBER PROFILE
TRENT GREENSHIELDS, GENERAL MANAGER OF THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN COMPANY ACTIVE ASPHALT, SHARES SOME INSIGHTS FROM HIS EXPERIENCE IN THE PAVEMENT INDUSTRY WITH ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE.
Trent Greenshields, General Manager, Active Asphalt.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU/YOUR COMPANY BEEN AN AFPA MEMBER AND WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME ONE? We have been AfPA members for approximately three years. We will continue our membership in the years to come.
HOW DID YOU START YOUR CAREER IN THE ROAD CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY? I started my career at Active Asphalt in 2006 as a 16-year old general labourer keen to learn as much as possible about what the industry had to offer. I have learnt so much already and I always strive to lean more about the industry and the people involved in it.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE AND WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE? My current role is General Manager. I do estimating, operations and invoicing. I also look after both the paver and handwork crews, along with handling the day-to-day interactions with subcontractors and the general running of the business.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR CURRENT ROLE? I really enjoy the challenges and opportunityies to learn from others. Every day is different, it’s great catching up with clients to discuss the industry and have a general chit chat. The flexibility this role offers is great for my family and I try to juggle the work-life balance.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT IN THE INDUSTRY? One that stands out for me is having the opportunity to become the manager of Active Asphalt after 12-13 years of laying asphalt with the crew. My other highlights include: making the shortlist for Trainee of the Year at the Civil Contractors Federation SA Earth Awards, completing certificate III in Bituminous Surfacing and being involved in many large projects with various clients. Delivering the Bridgestone Reserve running track in Adelaide for Davison Earthmovers and Polytan is one of the best projects we have been involved in as a company. WHAT IS A RECENT CHANGE YOU HAVE SEEN IN THE INDUSTRY AND HOW ARE YOU/THE COMPANY PREPARED FOR THAT? I think one of the biggest changes of late would be the volume of work in the industry. We are moving with the high demand of work and currently have a fulltime paver crew, a second paver crew and a handwork patch crew running three to four days a week.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS MOST INTERESTING ABOUT THE ROAD CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY? The most interesting thing for me personally is the ability to keep learning. There is so much to learn about this industry and it can be for anyone.
HOW HAS BEING A MEMBER OF AFPA BENEFITTED YOU IN THE INDUSTRY? The knowledge on offer and meeting new people in the industry is always fun.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE? My future goal is to continue the growth of Active Asphalt where I can continue to learn, take on many challenges and additional responsibilities in the highest role possible. I will always continue to contribute as much value as possible to the Active Asphalt team, in any position that may be.
