23 May Keeping it in the family
Coming back into the family business was not part of new EPE General Manager Mason Deetman’s original career plan.
He was intimately familiar with EPE, which was founded by his grandfather John, then taken over by Mason’s father Bruce and uncle Peter.
But on completing high school, Mason headed to Queensland to study a Bachelor of Business and Masters of Finance, intent on pursuing a career in the finance and investment industry.
“After finishing my study, I spent three years working in Darwin, providing stockbroking and financial advice services,” Mason said.
“But when my employer was ready to retire, I had to make a choice to either invest in the business or move on.
“I wasn’t ready to make that sort of commitment and there was an opportunity to come back to Perth and join the family business, so that’s the direction I took.”
That was five years ago and over that time, Mason has built up his understanding of all aspects of EPE. As Manager – Exhaust, Thermal & Explosion Protection, he’s been involved in building the client portfolio and growing the company’s penetration into major industrial markets.
With the retirement of long-term Managing Director Peter Gardner, Mason knows he has big shoes to fill when he takes on the day-to-day running of EPE.
“Peter remembers me before I remember me,” Mason said.
“He’s been in the business longer than I’ve been alive and he’s been instrumental in building EPE’s offerings and loyal customer base.
“But perhaps his greatest achievement has been building a skilled and dedicated workforce, and that’s what I see as the most important element to keep driving the business forward.
“I’ve certainly learned some valuable lessons from working with Peter over the past five years and observing his way of operating, and I hope I can emulate that.”
Peter Gardner says he’s leaving the business in great hands.
“Mason has all the credentials required to continue growing EPE and ensuring the things that make it so successful are maintained,” he said.
“He’s grown up in the business, been involved in the day-to-day management for the past five years and has a valuable set of skills and qualifications.
“He also has the energy of youth and the modern business understanding that are a very good fit to take the company onwards to whatever the next level is.”
Mason says his priorities will be maintaining strong relationships with all EPE clients and supporting staff to continue their career growth within the business.
PHOTO: Mason and Bruce Deetman at EPE’s Bibra Lake premises.