Introduction

Wes leads major projects for Kennards Hire across Queensland, bringing more than fifteen years of branch leadership and project delivery to complex construction programs across various industries. He excels at building the right team for projects, creating workable site compound and equipment plans to keep large projects moving safely, on time and budget.  

Career Journey

Born and raised in Brisbane, Wes moved to Townsville in his late teens and first worked with another hire business before starting at Kennards Hire.. He took that opportunity, progressed from Assistant Branch Manager to Branch Manager, and in 2023 returned to Brisbane to start his current State Major Projects Manager role. The move formalised what he had been doing informally for years; helping customers scale from everyday plant hire to the integrated compounds and specialist equipment that the largest of projects demand. Wes has been a key player for Kennards Hire’s established specialty equipment ranges across rail, renewables and construction in Brisbane and Southern Queensland. More recently Wes is building the same major project capabilities in Central and North Queensland branches. “I enjoy being part of a team that is structured to provide major projects with their equipment needs using professional specification and logistics systems throughout the construction planning and operations term.”

Areas of Expertise

• Building out specialist product lines and capability in new regions, including renewable energy generators, lifting, site facilities and a technical rail equipment range.
• Designing and installing site compounds from the ground up, including services, buildings and customised, ready-to-use fit outs.
• Supporting renewable energy projects at scale, from solar and wind construction to battery energy systems, now making up roughly two-thirds of his project work.
• Coordinating Kennards Hire project management services on major jobs so there is early-stage equipment planning and integration, clear communication and best practice delivery and logistics through to project completion.

Customer Impact

Wes’s favourite work is site compounds, because that is where planning, people and product all meet. A recent career highlight has been the delivery of a full civil compound for the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP) facility in Torbanlea which is tasked with manufacturing 65 new passenger trains for Southeast Queensland’s upcoming public transport demands, such as the 2032 Olympics. The buildings are situated on the 130-hectare site for access and efficient interaction, and were set up with furniture, fittings, walkways, roofing and services, so site construction activities could operate at capacity from day one. QTMP required two years of early engagement, zero-variation installation planning and budget, and close coordination with local trades to establish the high-performing temporary site buildings. Customers value that Wes gets involved early, introduces the Kennards Hire project manager to the customer’s team, and makes a complex long-term project straightforward and effective. 

How Wes works

Wes’s team is spread across the Southeast Queensland and Darling Downs Southwest regions, with branch capability and local project managers now also supporting projects in Central and North Queensland. He enjoys the travel and the challenge of building capability in new places. Wes actively supports local communities around each Kennards Hire branch by engaging trades and other specialists in the area for installation and servicing. 

What He Enjoys About Kennards Hire

Wes values that the culture feels like family, with genuine care for people and support across branches and specialist equipment divisions. “People from any part of the company always step up to contribute their expertise and resources to make sure a project, including any new challenges, is delivered to expectations.” Wes says. He appreciates the trust that the company puts in its people, because it lets him and his teams try new technology, rethink processes and deliver better outcomes for customers.

The Person Behind the Pro

Outside work Wes is a cricket and Brisbane Broncos fan who at one stage had a soccer career that saw him playing as a midfielder with the Brisbane Strikers. With two young boys, Wes now loves the beach, watching sport and mastering his steaks on the barbecue.

With almost 20 years in the industry, Wes relishes the opportunity to mentor his younger teammates and develop their skills, knowledge and experience. His advice to younger colleagues; “take every opportunity and challenge that comes your way, because that is how you learn and surprise yourself.”

“Progress is impossible without change.” Wes always makes time to consider the way that projects and processes are being done. Wes is committed to staying curious about the types of projects his customers are working on, staying on top of new technology in the equipment space and utilising project management best practise to deliver value to customers.