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Michelle Pepperall celebrates 20 years at Nova Crane Services

Michelle Pepperall, Office Manager of transport hydraulic specialist.

Michelle Pepperall, Office Manager of transport hydraulic specialist, Nova Crane Services has celebrated her 20th year working with the company.

With Nova Cranes now a part of Palfinger Australia since 2018, Ms. Pepperall’s memories go back to a time where the business was owned by Glenn Gaynor and consisted of only four staff including herself. Palfingers’ Marc Pisani worked out of the same small rented building at Wallsend complete with gravel driveway. Mr. Pisani’s son was the workshop apprentice.

Ms. Pepperall recalls the opportunity for her employment was due to the previous administrator throwing fruit at Glenn in a moment of anger. The girl’s mother was a referee for Ms. Pepperall in getting the job and even though she thought the role would only be temporary.

As time progressed the NOVA Crane team recognised Ms. Pepperall as an integral part of the operations and administration at NOVA. During her working years she also completed business management qualifications at TAFE.

Nova Crane Services developed, and staff numbers grew, then it came time to move to a new bigger location at Sandgate. It was less than two years after Ms. Pepperall had started, and NOVA’s move coincided with her own house move on the same weekend. The move added more opportunities for the business and added transport hydraulics with Adam Sanderson starting about a year later.

Changes to the buildings and yard and being able to service customers for a range of products and services in a modern environment developed the professional image of Nova Crane Services. Mr. Pisani had also moved the Palfinger office to the new location and initially worked in the upstairs room with Glenn and Michelle downstairs.

Relationships were built with customers and suppliers and the business grew. Ms. Pepperall fondly recalls the annual Palfinger Christmas Social in Sydney providing a popular and anticipated activity for all to be involved.

Ms. Pepperall said good people are always key to doing well and she mentioned long term business friendships with Palfinger staff and also partnerships that grew together with suppliers like Mega Pacific and long term customers Tom Lawler and Paul Harrison, some of who still trade with NOVA today.

As the years went by Ms. Pepperall’s responsibilities changed with greater involvement in business decisions and managing the increased volume of work. Change also with the gradual introduction of technology and sending invoice by email instead of envelopes, web banking and the increased efficiency due to the technology.

She says the biggest difference is NOVA now being part of Palfinger Australia.

“It’s really good being part of the Palfinger team having worked alongside them for so many years. It seems natural.”

Nova Crane Services was able to able to surprise Michelle on her anniversary with some banners, flowers and finger food lunch at work. NOVA Crane Services congratulates Ms. Pepperall on a great 20 years, an achievement through hard work and determination and an ability to adjust and never give up.

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