How did you first start working at Steamatic?
It all began during a downturn in my painting and plastering career. I was working on a commercial site in the CBD when work dried up, leaving me searching for a way to stay busy. Joining a labour hire agency seemed like the best option, and that decision led me to Steamatic. Initially, I was placed there on a casual basis, but it didn’t take long for me to realise that this company—and this industry—was something entirely different. After several months of consistent work, I was offered a technician role that I eagerly accepted.
Walk me through your career to date with Steamatic.
Before Steamatic, I had no idea this kind of work even existed. Starting as a casual hire, I discovered an industry filled with challenges, variety, and an incredibly supportive team. My colleagues made me feel welcome from day one, and their enthusiasm was infectious. I remember one staff member encouraging me to come in daily, even if the agency hadn’t scheduled me. That sense of belonging and purpose made it easy to return each day.
Once I officially joined as a casual, I began exploring new types of work—mould remediation, structural fire cleaning, and even trauma and crime clean-up. These weren’t just jobs; they were opportunities to learn, grow, and take on responsibility. I supervised jobs, travelled interstate during catastrophic events, and saw firsthand how rewarding this industry could be.
There were moments of doubt—times when I considered going back to school or starting an apprenticeship. But my Operations Manager saw something in me and reassured me that I had what it took to succeed here. Two years after joining, I was offered a full-time role as a Supervisor, and it felt like a natural next step.
As a Supervisor, I continued to grow. I managed larger restoration jobs, participated in international training, and worked interstate. A pivotal moment came in 2016 when I was sent to Tasmania following a flood. After seven weeks of working across the East Coast, I returned to Melbourne with glowing feedback from the Tasmanian Branch Manager. This led to my promotion to Team Leader—a role I took on with great pride and determination.
What motivated you to progress in your career?
Personal growth has always been a driving force in my life. At Steamatic, I found endless opportunities to learn and grow. My peers, family, and mentors constantly encouraged me to take the next step. One mentor, in particular, played a huge role in my development. His guidance and belief in my potential gave me the confidence to move forward.
What advice do you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Take every opportunity that comes your way, and don’t shy away from challenges. Some of my greatest lessons came from the toughest jobs. Understanding your industry and loving what you do will take you far. Be proud of where you work—it shows in everything you do.
What has been some of your favourite Steamatic memories?
Two moments stand out. The first was working during the Newcastle floods. It was a heartbreaking time for the community, but knowing we were bringing help and hope was incredibly fulfilling. The second was the Steamatic Annual Golf Day. I’d never played golf before, but my team won, and I even scored a helicopter ride over Melbourne.
What’s the most interesting job you’ve worked on?
One that stands out is a fire in a community building in Epping. It was a massive project involving everything from structural decontamination to coordinating multiple crews. Working so closely with the builders and managing such a complex job was both challenging and rewarding.
Where are you now?
As of August 2021, I’m proud to say I’ve progressed to Branch Manager of Steamatic’s Sydney branch. It’s been an incredible journey from those early days as a casual hire. Each role prepared me for the next, and I’m excited to continue growing with Steamatic.
Jason’s story is a testament to what’s possible with hard work, resilience, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. His journey reflects the values at Steamatic: teamwork, learning, and always striving for excellence.