Brad Williams won the 2017 TopGun awards and was presented with a trophy on April 7 at AkzoNobel's Melbourne cocktail party.
The TopGun program is a global AkzoNobel initiative to ensure employees have up-to-date knowledge on all current products, processes and industry practices along with skills development. The program is a combination of theory, practical tasks and presentation skills assessment. The TopGun is designed to assess the professional and interpersonal skills of its technical team.
The contestants had to battle it out for the day with a practical repair which was videoed, a theory exam and a presentation.The practical test involved a full repair (two guards and a bonnet). The criteria was straighforward – speed, accuracy and method. The color was tricky – a light metallic Toyota.
"As a Technical Sales Representative of AkzoNobel, you are expected to be well educated around practical test and theory," Williams said.
All contestants have to prepare a presentation on 'Process efficiency and productivity in the body shop.
"In my presentation I highlighted the importance of identifying the needs of the bodyshop first and foremost, and then, develop and implement appropriate SOPs," said Williams. "Efficiency comes with high performing products and colour process. And essentially, productivity is a by-product of these two processes."
What does winning the award mean for Williams? "I am extremely proud and see this win as a massive achievement, considering the calibre of our current technical staff at AkzoNobel.
"I was humbled and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside other technical guys, as most of the time we stay around our states, with exception of some national projects it is a huge honor to have my name amongst the past and future winners.
I also see it as a recognition for our efforts and my personal commitment to the job I do every day."
Williams will take part in the regional Asia Pacific TopGun in Japan later this year, as well as having his name etched in the perpetual TopGun trophy.