“Doing a Ridgy Didge Job”

Tamborine Mountain is such a beautiful, scenic location existing in such perfect harmony with the nature around it that it can almost slip the mind how much work goes into keeping things running smoothly. But when pumps break and generators fail, Ridgy Didge Electrical is there to help. Rowan Simpson has only been a part of the mountain community for two years, but he’s already made it his mission to be the man locals can turn to when things go wrong. We turn to him today to hear his story.

by Kyle Hitchmough

How long have you owned Ridgy Didge Electrical?

I’ve owned this business for two years. I’ve been an electrician for 8-9 years now, and I felt there was a niche in the market here. I wanted to take that next step and expand my horizons.

Do you have a particular specialty?

I do all types of electrical work, but I do specialise in pumps and generators. I noticed a gap in the market when it came to a focus on those things but even then, it’s everything to do with those. New builds, maintenance, callouts, repairs… I do everything under the umbrella of electrical work. It’s mostly commercial work. My whole career I’ve worked for big supermarket chains and shopping centers. But I do all kinds of electrical work: domestic, commercial and industrial.

Do you also supply and source the parts?           

I can supply, service, and install all parts. I talk to the client, liaise with them, and work out the best solution to what they’re looking for. I’ve got a few contacts, some wholesalers, pump and generator supply shops… I do have some really good contacts and suppliers in the industry. For the pumps, I just try to source the best ones I can. I do source the Grundfos pumps a lot, they are a big name in the industry, everyone knows them and they’re a trusted brand.

What are the most common problems you find you’re fixing in this area?

It’s mainly looking at the pressure pumps for people’s houses. Up here, there’s no town water, so if you’ve got no power, you’ve got no water. That’s a dire thing, so it’s a high priority job that needs fixing straight away. I do have a full selection of pumps on hand, so I’m always ready to go if someone’s got a problem. You can’t really do much with no water!

What goes into the average day here for you?

I’ve always got jobs coming and going. I try to have a really balanced lifestyle, taking my dog out for a walk or something like that. I love living up here, the main reason I moved up here was for the lifestyle. That’s been a big thing in the front of my mind. I’ve been through a lot of things recently. My partner recently passed away from cancer, which put a lot of things in perspective. It made me reevaluate what’s really important. That’s why I’ve been trying to source more work up here rather than spending hours every day going to and from Brisbane or down the coast. Every day is definitely different, it keeps my mind sharp.

Have you noticed any particular trends in your clientele?

I get all sorts of people! You meet a diverse range of people, and I really enjoy meeting them and listening to their stories, their take on things, where they’ve come from and what they’re doing. You learn a lot. I love learning, I think you should learn something every day. It keeps you interesting!

Where did the name come from?

I wanted something that would stand out and stick in people’s minds! It’s a very Australian saying, ‘ridgy didge’. It’s something I’ve always said on the job. ‘Make sure that’s all ridgy didge!’ And you hope anyone working on your property is doing a ridgy didge job!

Are you a local? What’s your opinion on the Tamborine Mountain area and community?

I love it! I moved up from Sydney two years ago. I was visiting my parents who live down in Currumbin, and every time I visited them, I came up here and fell in love with the place. I said ‘One day, I’m going to make this my home,’ and I did. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. I’ve got so many friends from diverse backgrounds, from 16 to 70. It’s lovely, being part of a beautiful community where you can be yourself and you’re just accepted.

What’s your favourite thing to do on the mountain?

I go to the bowls club on a Friday night. It’s the local stomping ground! We all meet up and decompress from our week. It’s a very eclectic mix of people, you see all sides of the spectrum.

What do you think Ridgy Didge Electrical really provides to the area?

It’s bringing in a young, fresh generation to the trade, someone who’s keen and willing to do the work, a friendly face. I’m part of this community now, I’ve got a vested interest in giving back.

What do you enjoy most about doing this?

Meeting the people! I love the work I do, but meeting people is the big one. I love learning about people’s perspectives and different takes on things.

What’s been your most memorable moment in your time doing this?

I’ve just met so many amazing people. I’ve really enjoyed the whole experience! It’s full of great opportunities.

Ridgy Didge Electrical
Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272
www.rdelectrical.com.au

We are always looking for new topics for our blog. If there’s something you like to see more of, send your suggestions to: social@professionalsserendipity.com.au, or email the writer at kyle.hitchmough@hotmail.com.