3 minute read
McKenzie’s Electrical 2000
McKenzie’s Electrical 2000 is in exceptionally capable hands – that of its coowner Russell Keys.
He shares the directorship with wife Carrollyn, who runs the admin and marketing side of the business with Melissa Napier. From humble beginnings, starting with two registered electricians and an apprentice in 2000, today there are nine electricians on the road (including three apprentices), and a dedicated and experienced Security and Data technician, Keith Nielson. It’s all very e cient, high tech and thorough, just like you’d expect an electrical business to be. All are pro cient in everything from wiring hot points, to tting security cameras, installing solar panels, to operating modern technologies to help prevent electrical malfunctions. What sets them aside from regular businesses is the innovative way Russell and Carrollyn treat their team. They involve them in decision making which includes whom they employ. Current employees all get a say during the selection process, and it results in a hugely congenial work environment. Keen to foster a supportive and equitable workplace culture, Russell and Carrollyn o er exible hours and pay the Living Wage to apprentices. It’s clear this humanitarian ethos works. The McKenzie’s Electrical team are a tight knit bunch, sharing lots of inside jokes, hilarious nicknames, and a ectionate ribbing. “It’s an absolute no-brainer not to treat people well in employment. They are our biggest asset and should be cared for,” says Russell. “It’s a great team here. Loads of enjoyable banter,” according to quali ed electrician, Dillan Wyse. “We all look out for each other, whether it’s work-related, or not.” Thermal imaging has become an integral part of McKenzie’s services, and Dillan was encouraged and has quali ed as a registered thermographer. Ben Doyle came to McKenzie’s and has been instrumental in doing some large project work and assisting training apprentices McKenzie’s Electrical is in hot demand, providing electrical solutions for some of Wairarapa’s biggest commercial and industrial premises, as well as for small business and domestic homeowners.
The company is proud of its Site Safe Gold Status. Russell sits on the Electrical Works Registration Board – a national body which Russell Keys considers registration and re-licensing of electricians. It also acts as a disciplinary board. It has a strong governance component which sits happily with Russell who has been a Carterton District Councillor, deputy Mayor, and a White Ribbon Ambassador. A proud Cartertonian who has lived all his life in the town, Russell loves his community role as much as his professional work. He’s enthusiastic about many things, not least the training of young people into the trades. When in 2016, it took him nine months to ll a vacancy, he decided to always have apprentices on board in his business – hence the three in training now.
Dillan Wyse Ben Doyle Keith Nielsen
McKenzie’s Electrical – a company with a whole lot of heart as well as skill and experience.
ALL ELECTRICAL & SECURITY INSTALLATIONS SALES • SERVICES • ADVICE
