Panel Work With Purpose With Andrea McCarthy From McCarthy Panel Works
From growing up with minimal knowledge of cars to now driving success behind the scenes of the workshop floor, Andrea McCarthy is hammering stereotypes and repairing trust at McCarthy Panel Works.
“I knew very little about cars, the repair industry or insurance…but I had to be determined and I learned fast.”
It wasn’t until after welcoming her firstborn with husband Craig McCarthy that she entered the family business. Since then, her fascination for the automotive repair industry has kindled a passion for innovation and change.
“So many repair shops do things ‘the way they always have’ without asking why.
“I have developed into a very outspoken industry representative who will challenge a preconceived normal…if there is no logical reason for it.”
For Andrea, a regular day at the panel shop involves consulting clients, liaising with assessors and insurance companies, attending online industry meetings, and managing the business’s finances.
“Like most business owners, I wear a variety of hats!”
“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt in business is that people do not always say what they mean, nor do they mean what they say.”
“Yet I still find the industry fascinating.”
Knocking down stereotypes and delivering quality service is the main focus for Andrea and the team.
Andrea understands the loss, grief, and financial pressure that often looms long after the accident, that’s why McCarthy Panel Works is dedicated to providing quality service with care.
“Having an accident is never planned.”
“It comes with a sense of loss or grief and financial pressure, so guiding clients through options and explaining what to do is what I love most about my job.”
As a woman in the trade, Andrea has faced her own challenges but values the different strengths men and women bring to the industry.
“I still get the odd few people that make assumptions based on gender, but it says more about them than me.”
“Men and women think differently; sometimes it’s the different approach that reshapes outcomes.
“A cross-section of industry leaders is important to achieve a more balanced approach.”
With Andrea fuelling innovation at McCarthy Panel Works, the automotive repair industry is being reshaped, refined, and steered toward a new future.
Must have accessories?
“My Dog!! He comes to work with me every day – he is never sad to either.”
Mid-arvo pick me up advice – what’d your go-to drink or snack?
“I’m a Coffee till noon gal.”
What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
“I run a community choir for Women called the Bella Mammas - They are a completely unruly bunch of the most fantastic women.”
mccarthypanel.com.au
