From Big Banks to Successful Local Family Business
Fri 22 Jun 2018
It is probably stretching the imagination to suggest Jaunita Mackay was born with a chainsaw in her hand. When your parents are the legendary small engine specialists Laurie and Fay Wright, it was never going to be long before Jaunita picked one up.
Laurie and Fay started business at Kangaroo Valley and moved the operation to Nowra. This is where they set up Wright's Chainsaws, now operating in Kinghorne Street.
After schooling in Nowra, Kangaroo Valley and Bomaderry, Jaunita did not go straight into the family business. She instead initially chose a career in banking.
In close to 20 years with the CBA and NAB banks, Jaunita broke a lot of new ground, being one of the first women in the Shoalhaven to hold senior lending and managerial positions.
What were the two most important thing she learnt in almost two decades in the financial sector ?
Firstly, if you can't afford it, don't buy it. Secondly, learn to say no.
Juanita’s Husband David joined the Wright's business in 1989. She'd left the NAB in 2000 and jumped on board one of the Shoalhaven's most successful small businesses a short time later.
Her father Laurie, still works in the business most days. When things are busy, Jaunita says she has no qualms about lending a hand to help with a service and carry out repairs.
Jaunita says she has inherited her dad’s diagnostic ear.
Her advice is listen intently to the sound of an engine. Most of the time it will tell you what is wrong with it.
Jaunita's philosophy in business is simple - greet the customer with a genuine smile, and make them feel important and valued.
After spending an hour with Jaunita Mackay, you will walk away saying, ‘now that was different, I have just met a lady who can manage a bank, and service a chainsaw.’
A very enviable skill set.
Click here for more information on Wright's Chainsaws