Fantech founders Glen Harries and Jack Pirie would often call on Glen’s neighbour Simon, a self-employed electrician, for electrical advice before persuading him to join the company in 1986.

Simon was aged 45 when he joined Fantech, has retired twice, and each time been enticed back for his technical expertise. “I have travelled throughout Australia and Asia during my time at Fantech. In the early days I would troubleshoot any issues out on site; I have also worked in the R&D area and later in quality assurance when it was introduced to the company.”

Simon (also known as ‘The Guru’) mentors staff showing them how to spot electrical problems and what can go wrong with fans on site. Simon said “every day has been interesting and different” and it was “the great bunch of people” that had kept him working for Fantech for over 30 years.

Now 75, Simon works one day a week, and spends time at the Newhaven Yacht Squadron at Phillip Island in South East Victoria.