Key People
Smith Elements and Controls have a great team of people dedicated to bringing you quality service and advice.
Customer Service and Sales - Barbara Harris
I joined the team at Smiths in January 2008 after spending 26 years in the hospitality industry. During those years I worked in many places, both overseas and in New Zealand; met some great people, the rich and famous (including the Queen and Prince Philip) and the ordinary and had a wonderful time with all. Becoming a part of the Smiths team was a massive career turn-around, but one which I am glad to have made. I love the challenges we get presented with each day, and I still get to meet (although not in person) some great people.Technical Support and Customer Service - Andrew Smith
I started out working towards a degree in chemistry, but left to pursue a career in the electrical industry. Since then I have been involved in various roles within the industry including sales, customer service, warranty assessment and technical support.Warehouse Team Leader - James Harris
I left school after School Cert. in 1969 and joined the R.N.Z.N as a radio operator in 1970. After the Navy, I had a six-year spell in Telecoms with NZ Post Office, ending up in Post Office Headquarters in Wellington.I first started in stores with Mobil Oil in Paeroa, transferring to the position of stock controller for the Hamilton Depot. My first foray into electrical stores began with Bishop Electrical in Taupo; my position being one of purchasing and stores as we had a retail outlet, as well as a team of eight electricians and two refrigeration engineers. In the nineties a change of lifestyle was need. I started work for Huka Lodge, a luxury resort on the banks of the Waikato River, where I had the privilege of meeting the Queen and Prince Philip on their last visit to New Zealand.
We shifted to Cambridge in 2004, as my wife accepted a position of manager at the National Hotel in Cambridge, where we stayed until its sale in 2007. I started work for Smith Elements and Controls in June 2007. My responsibilities include Inward Goods, picking orders, packaging, dispatch, and associated warehouse functions.
Warehouse - Ted Irvine
I started at SEAC in August 2007 and have now been part of the team for 2½ years, learning all the skills and tricks of the trade needed to work in a busy warehouse and distribution company. After leaving school and before SEAC I tried various jobs involving carpentry, dairy farming and hospitality before SEAC and I found each other. I like learning new things and every day is full on plus James keeps me running.Administration - Valerie Eruera
A country girl originally from the Waikato, I relocated back to Cambridge in 2002, after spending most of my working years within the motor industry in Auckland. My nickname of 'Money-Penny' (James Bond Admin) at SEAC is very appropriate, as number crunching has always been my strength. I was trained in the days before computers, even before calculators were common; so correctness and diligence is part of my work ethos. I joined the SEAC team in 2005 as the Company Administrator, and thoroughly enjoy the variety my position offers.General Manager - Neil Bridgland
I joined the SEAC team in early 2008 after more years than I care to remember in the export meat industry management both in NZ and various localities overseas, looking after more than a few business units ranging from medium to large. After escaping from the meat industry and prior to SEAC I had the pleasure of being involved in various customer service, logistics and operational projects. I’m thoroughly enjoying the work life change and now being firmly settled in beautiful Cambridge, I must confess to being a committed Waikato-ite.National Sales Manager - Reiss Hardy
I left school and trained as an electrician at the New Zealand Refining company for 4 years. After training I worked as an electrician for a small electrical company before leaving for the UK where I worked in a number of electrical base jobs from contracting to supervising roles. I came back to NZ and worked as an electrical contractor before working for Danfoss as a technical and internal sales and service department manager. I left Danfoss to join the world of Smith Elements and Controls.Marketing Co-ordinator and Sales Executive - Stephanie Parry
Dreams of fame saw me explore the world of hairdressing after I left school, I had an amazing time working alongside creative and talented people dedicated to the end result. Always wanting to learn more, and use the skills I had developed during my years in the industry, I set my sights on marketing and sales, in an area where constant change and redevelopment is key. I came to Smith Elements in 2007 and am now involved in promoting and marketing the company’s products and services. The rapidly changing environment of this industry, keeps me motivated and always on the go.Sales Executive - Scott Jeffries
I started working life in Nelson with an electrical and plumbing wholesaler, A&T Burts Ltd. I have worked in the building, plumbing and electrical supply industry for over 25 years and also in the personnel Industry while in England. I have my Limited Electricans Certificate as well as National Diploma in Purchasing and Supply. I have enjoyed working for Alex and Cecile at SEAC since the beginning of 2002, not long after they shifted to Cambridge. My sales territory covers the lower North Island.Sales Executive - Jon Glanville
I am the newest member to the Smiths team. I have grown up in the electrical industry, my father has been a sales rep for the last 35 years, up until his retirement from Smiths in December 2008 – this is when I took the reins! Prior to working for Smith’s I have worked in the building industry, selling everything from timber, hardware etc through to power tools. I love motorbikes and simmerstats too! I have just recently bought my first big bike – my baby! A Suzuki GSF1200S 1200cc Bandit. Smith’s is a fantastic team of people and I thoroughly enjoy working with them. Want to know anything else? Or want to go for a ride sometime?? Give me a call!
