We love a success story when it comes to careers – and none more than when exceptional people are acknowledged and rewarded for their dedication and commitment to their work.
It’s something our employer partner, Middy’s Electrical, is passionate about, and their Deniliquin branch manager, Stacey O’Dwyer, recently had the pleasure of experiencing after she was recently awarded Victorian Region Branch Manager for 2022.
Building a Pathway to Success
After starting with Middy’s as a store person eleven years ago, Stacey was promoted to purchasing officer within 12 months and became a branch manager in 2018.
“I thoroughly enjoy my position with Middy’s and the people I work with,” says Stacey. “I have very supportive staff, colleagues and senior management people, which I very much look up to and respect. Above that, we have very supportive and loyal contractors, making my job worthwhile.”
Since becoming branch manager, Stacey has worked hard to maintain strong relationships with everyone she works with, in and outside of the Middy’s team. It’s this vital leadership skill that she attributes to her success.
“I’ve managed to build very strong relationships with the local contractors, their staff and in most cases their families as well, which I’m sure was a key factor in me obtaining this very honourable accolade,” she advises.
Challenging the Gender Norm
Despite the electrical trades industry being typically male-dominated, Stacey has been able to carve out a thriving career for herself with the support of Middy’s – and her family.
“I would not have been able to accept the branch manager’s role without my supportive husband and daughters. They not only believed in me but encouraged me to take on the role,” Stacey recalls. “I remember my eldest at the time, who would have been 16, said, ‘You have to do it mum; you’ll be the best, and you can show them what women are made of, my mum the branch manager’”
Stacey also remembers her early career days with Middy’s and being the only female in the region, but how this never stopped her from going after the career success she wanted. Again, her ability to develop strong relationships helped her be seen as an equal.
“When I first started at Middy’s, I was the only female in our region, so having a thick skin and fitting in with the boys was a must,” she says. “This came quite easy to me – have a bit of banter, don’t take things too seriously and holding your ground was the key.”
The award comes as a reminder that no matter your gender, dedication, hard work and passion will always pay off.
“For me, it is a huge achievement and, to be honest, a bit overwhelming considering we have so many great managers in our region,” Stacey says. “However, being recognised for hard work and effort is very humbling, and I’m very appreciative. It is definitely a career highlight, and I’m extremely proud.”
Find Out More
Middy’s is Australia’s largest independent electrical wholesaler, servicing electrical contractors and data & security installers with branches Australia-wide.
Middy’s operate in exciting sectors such as home & building automation, security & CCTV, data & communications, not to mention traditional electrical and industrial markets. All in all, this means an opportunity for staff to develop their skills and realise their potential.
Find out more about how to get involved over at their exclusive Explore Careers employer profile!
