Industry legend

Peter Maxwell’s career journey at Resene

From ColorShop staff to rep to Area Manager, Peter Maxwell has been putting Resene customers first for 30 years. He shares some key moments in his journey.

Area Manager Peter Maxwell has just celebrated 30 years at Resene and says it is – and always has been – a “people’s job”.

Area Manager Peter Maxwell has just celebrated 30 years at Resene and says it is – and always has been – a “people’s job”.

You’ve got to be able to relate to people and get on with them,” he says. “It’s not about the money for me. I love the environment and I love the job.”

After 10 years, Peter took another step up the ladder by becoming a Resene rep. “I used to go out in my own car and I remember John Gerondis saying to me, ‘You do a million dollars in sales and I’ll give you a car.’ He reminded me recently that I did it in four months!”

People first

These days, as Area Manager, he’s still putting those people skills to use every day. “But I see more clients and put out more fires now, you might say. I’m still in the same ColorShop, but it’s a big flash shop now.”

Peter says his 30-year career has taught him how fundamental building and nurturing relationships are and believes it to be one the key secrets of Resene’s success.

“Resene is very, very customer focused. I like going to a shop and being greeted and looked at and spoken to with respect, so it rubs off on you.”

As there is so much choice and a multitude of products available to customers now, Peter always goes back to the old philosophy: must ask questions. “You must find out what the customer’s wants and needs are and what their expectations are.”

His commitment and dedication to his clients has made him a beloved member of the Masterton community. “I walk downtown and people will say, ‘There’s the Resene man!’ Or I’ll go out for dinner and get shouted a meal or a drink, because I looked after them and they remember it.”

Need for speed

Peter cites a specific accolade as his career highlight to date. “I went to a Resene conference a few years ago and was awarded ‘Top Dog’. From a little old shop that started off being viewed as a joke, to then winning that award, I thought, ‘I got there.’”

He puts his determination and resilience down to representing New Zealand at sport overseas when he was young.

“I did tours through Australia, North America, South America and Europe, and I won several medals at the World Speed Roller Skating Championships so I’ve always had to work hard,” Peter says. “It’s that discipline and perseverance. You put in the hard work and you’re going to get the rewards, and I find the same thing here.”

Support network

Peter says the job is not all about selling paint. “You get to build so many close relationships and I’ve got a lot of clients who expect me to come and see them every week. They’ll have a breakfast or cup of tea ready for me – every single week.”

He says these relationships are particularly pertinent at the moment, as times are tough.

“I’ve got good clients out there and if they get into a spot of bother, I say to them, ‘Please ring Resene and Accounts and talk to them. It’s not in Resene’s interest and it’s not in my interest for you not to be able to get the product. We’ll get it sorted.’”

Confidence boost

Another aspect of the job that gives Peter great satisfaction is instilling confidence in painters, especially young ones.

“I went to a job just recently where an apprentice was left alone and he was lost. He rang me and we got the problems fixed and the job ended up beautiful,” he says. “I made a point of going back and telling his boss how good his job was and the fact that he’d listened and it worked.

“Nobody sets out to do a bad job, but if they get themselves into a spot of bother and they ask questions, we can fix it. I had to go and ring the technical guys to get a bit of advice to make sure I was on the right track – I also learn every day.”