International Women's Day - Kelly Hyland

Kelly Hyland

Owner & General Manager
Alex Hyland Plumbing Ltd

What do you do in your current role?
Attempt to manage 10 males! At the moment I am doing the usual daily administrative tasks- including job bookings, customer communications, wages, paying the bills etc. I keep in touch with the team throughout the day so we can tweak the calendar or send them off to any urgent call outs. I regularly keep track of our workload so we have a good balance by not under or over committing ourselves, which is a challenging task! We are also still working a lot on the business and setting systems/processes up.  

What do you particularly enjoy about it?
I really enjoy testing the backflow prevention devices- it provides a nice break from the office work and I am planning to do the course this year. My type A personality also means I enjoy working on the business; thinking about what we can do continuously better our company for our staff and customers.

How long have you been with your organisation?
We started in Sept 2021 and I came onboard fulltime end of December 2021. (14 months)

How do you find working in a male dominated industry?
The table talk is certainly different than what I am used to! We have a great staffing pool so I don’t notice any issues here. Some of the customers I am still working on to win over. I think there is just that natural pull that they see Alex as the boss and only want to deal with him. Many are learning though, if they want something done best to come to me.

Have you encountered any specific challenges?
Working with Alex! We are like chalk and cheese when it comes to the business. We have been told our differences will make a great team once we learn to compromise and see each other’s views.

Please share any standout moments in your life.
Representing New Zealand on a World Stage for Cheerleading and Sport Aerobics.

What does your organisation do for inclusion and diversity?
We have a fantastic team all from different backgrounds/ethnicity, ages and expertise.  

What or who inspires you?
Alex! He is incredibly hardworking and always puts others above himself.

What do you wish you had known before you started in your profession?
Sarah Jamieson’s (BOP Plumbing & Gas) advice reminding us that we are not working in our husband’s business, but as an equal partner in our business.

What would you tell another woman interested in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry?
There are some amazing people in our industry and if you can find those people it will make the world of difference.

International Women's Day is about a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality.

Find out more: www.internationalwomensday.com