MEET THE TEAM
Locally owned and locally managed, the team at Jenkins Rubber Shop pride themselves in their extensive knowledge of their product range and their helpful customer service skills. A small set of employees who bring with them varying backgrounds and varying set of skills and knowledge; but most of all they all do their job with a helpful smile. Our team consists of a husband-and-wife duo ownership, our floor and office manager as well as our office and shop assistant all-rounder and our shop assistant.
Andrew Barnes
Raised in a regional town in country Victoria, Traralgon, Andrew slowly made the 3000-kilometre trip up North, to call Cairns his forever home (he’s been in town over 30 years). Working in various business roles, he took on the ownership of Jenkins Rubber Shop in 2005, bringing a management skillset and an eagerness to expand and adapt the business with the ever-evolving society. Having been in this industry for a very, very long time he brings with him a wealth of knowledge to our customers.
When he is not ordering stock in, putting out ‘fires’ or controlling the herd of employees, you’ll mostly likely find him getting his handy toolbox out and finishing off the to do list from his wife or kicking back and eating delicious food at a local restaurant.
Tracey Barnes
A Victorian by heart, Tracey was raised in country Victoria. She made her way up North in 1998 and met her forever person, had a family and bought a business. Mrs Barnes is our resident account manager and owner; she brings forth her knowledge with accounts and administration skills and is a blitz with the numbers.
Did you know she once owned a pub, in one of her many adventures, and she’s had a few, she is after all our resident ‘travel agent’ having caught the travel bug many years ago, travelling through Europe and even hiking the Kokoda trail.
When she isn’t jet-setting on her next adventure or isn’t punching numbers into the calculator, you’ll find her tending to her gardens, attending book club or relaxing with a wine or two.
Teagan Pitman
Teagan has been employed at Jenkins Rubber Shop for nearly half a decade, she brings with her a varying range of skillsets, previously learnt from her retail, tourism and marketing background. If you haven’t already called the store, she is the first voice you hear when the phone is answered, and she is willing to go above and beyond for your rubber and foam needs.
Most of the time you will find her behind the camera or computer, taking photos and videos for our social pages and updating the website. Her working day also includes creating quotes for all our customer’s needs.
When she is not busy working, she is busy running a household with her two little boys in tow, in her downtime you’ll find her head in a good book or binge watching the newest tv show or movie.
Cody Worrell
Cody joined us after working many years in management roles in the retail industry. He brings forth to the team many hardworking skills from his various retail roles. We consider him a jack of all trades, spending his days between helping in the office and helping on the floor. He is our number one all-rounder.
If you haven’t already had a conversation with him on the phone, you’ll see him buzzing around the store, greeting our customers with a friendly smile, putting away stock and keeping the store in a presentable state – tidy and organised, just the way it should be.
In his downtime you find him keeping his house and lawn maintained and organised, he is also a computer and game wiz at heart – his downtime consists of much needed gameplay on the latest computer game.
Dave Frymuth
Our very own David is your first point of contact when you walk through the store, he spends most of his days serving and greeting our wonderful customers when they walk through the door, plus also keeping our shop floor running. He is our walking salesman of the team, be careful he may just talk your ear off or give you some handy tips for your next lunch, dinner or coffee outing.
Little known fact about Mr David is he was born in Holland, and migrated to Australia with his family in 1980 and can speak both English and Dutch and has travelled to many areas in Europe.
If you haven’t already recognised his face from years in hospitality, he is also well known for his coffee van at local events during his spare time, where he runs the Bearded Barista, or racing the steps kids to school or extracurricular activities.
Talan Bown
Talan started with the Jenkins Rubber Shop team as a rookie school-aged junior, he has since completed with us a Certificate IV in Logistics Supply and Warehousing. His knowledge for the products is forever growing along with his working skillsets, you will see his friendly face during the week and on the occasional Saturdays. He spends his days serving our lovely customers, topping up the shelves, unloading stock and general duties.
Originally born in Geelong, Victoria. He moved with his family when he was a young whipper snapper. Throughout his school years he was a skilled AFL player, even branching out and playing for the reserve team for North Cairns Tigers after finishing high school. This came to a pause when he injured his ACL, it’s a story for another day. His love for football hasn’t diminished though as he is a big Geelong Cats supporter, (start a chat with him next time you’re in, if you have time).
The Juniors consist of school aged high school students (between the ages of 15 – 17 years), we have had various juniors employed at Jenkins Rubber Shop throughout the years. Many of whom who have gone on to become bigger and better things, including carpenters, engineers, schoolteachers, security officers.
Nelly and Lucas are the junior faces you will see on Saturdays and during the school holidays. They are young and ambitious with a friendly smile and are slowly learning to come out of their shell. They also have great knowledge of our products as they have been very heavily trained by our Monday to Friday team. Remember to keep it friendly and give them heaps of compliments next time you’re popping in on a Saturday.