Blaine Stephenson

Hands-on operations and technical professional with over 15 years' combined experience across workshop management, commercial vehicle spare parts, mechanical repair, warehouse and inventory management, and technical sales. Proven track record managing multi-million-rand stockholding, supervising workshop teams, and driving sales growth through direct client consultation and social media marketing. Strong mechanical and diesel background covering engine rebuilds, spares stripping and panel beating, built on hands-on trade experience in South Africa and Australia.

Reliable, safety-conscious and adaptable, with a full Australian driver's licence and South African licence conversion in progress.

Workshop Supervisor & Truck Parts Sales Specialist at Custom Plant Solutions (2025-02 – 2026-08)

• Supervised a team of 7 workshop staff, managing daily workflow, job allocation and quality control across a busy commercial truck workshop.
• Oversaw engine rebuilds, complete truck and spares stripping, and panel beating and rebuild of accident-damaged trucks.
• Took responsibility for a stockholding of second-hand commercial truck spare parts valued at over R20 million, ensuring accurate stock control and availability.
• Built out a technical sales function alongside workshop duties: sold second-hand truck spare parts and electronic components directly to fleet managers, workshops and mechanics.
• Designed and ran the company's social media marketing and advertising, generating new followers and inbound leads that converted into new sales.
• Worked directly alongside an experienced senior engineer, building practical mechanical and engineering knowledge including component identification, diagnostics and technical specification.
• Coordinated sourcing, quality checking and distribution of parts to strict lead times, maintaining strong client relationships and repeat business.
• Enforced workshop safety, quality control and job-completion standards throughout.

Vocational Training & Trade Programme (2016 – 2025)

• Furniture & Woodwork: approximately six months manufacturing bed frames and bed base frames, developing practical carpentry skills.
• Powder Coating & Production: worked a production line, including preparation and finishing stages.
• Building & Construction: assembled house frames, installed roof trusses and timber roof structures, and hung drywall.
• General property maintenance including painting, basic plumbing and pool upkeep.

Forklift Driver & Warehouse Supervisor at Goss Bros Refrigerated Transport (2014-04 – 2016-11)

• Operated forklifts and supervised day-to-day warehouse operations in a high-volume yard, including loading and unloading trucks.
• Took on additional after-hours mechanical work most evenings, assisting the workshop owner with truck repairs and full rebuilds at a workshop across the road.
• Carried out routine servicing, inspections and minor mechanical repairs.
• Handled fault-finding, preventative maintenance and breakdown response, developing strong mechanical, safety and time-management skills.

Regional Spare Parts Manager at Lindsay Brothers Transport (2010-09 – 2014-03)

• Managed spare parts operations for the Brisbane branch, holding stock valued at over $1 million (AUD).
• Controlled inventory and parts distribution, running regular stocktakes across the full parts range.
• Supervised staff operations and task allocation, and operated forklifts in support of warehouse activity.
• Applied mechanical and diesel knowledge to support fleet operations and parts accuracy.

Steel Fabricator (Short-Term Contract) at Medallia Steel, One Steel Group (2010 – 2010)

Cut and fabricated steel to specified sizes for mining industry clients on a short-term contract, between roles at Surfside Buslines and Lindsay Brothers Transport.

Service Mechanic at Surfside Buslines (2008-02 – 2010-07)

First role in Australia. Carried out diesel fitting, servicing and mechanical maintenance on commercial buses.

• Performed repairs, fault-finding and roadworthiness checks, developing mechanical, electrical and diagnostic skills.

Trade Assistant at Custom Plant Solutions (2004-07 – 2007-12)

• Assisted qualified tradesmen with mechanical and workshop tasks.
• Performed general labouring and basic electrical assistance, gaining hands-on mechanical experience and strong problem-solving skills.

Grade 12 equivalent – Crawford La Lucia