Rick Slevison is our longest standing employee, approaching his 43rd year of service. He has watched the business start from scratch under the guidance of founder, Allan Kennedy. He has seen the business grow, diversify and transform into the Group it is today.
Rick commenced with Kennedys on January 20, 1980.
This was his first job, and he was hired as a plumbing apprentice. He was the second employee for the business, second only to Michael (Al’s brother).
On Ricks first day, he was working alongside third year apprentice, Michael. He requested Rick retrieve a pop-riveter to which Rick replied, ‘What’s a pop riveter?’. After a quick but stern barrelling, Rick was given his first lesson in the importance of learning the tools of the trade.
Rick worked alongside Allan for many years in Melbourne. Allan was not just a boss, but became a role model, advisor and lifelong friend.
In 1997, when Al decided to expand into Geelong. Rick was asked to help in establishing the Kennedys name out in the South-West. The early days in Geelong saw some of Ricks fondest memories. In particular, working out at Pilkingtons which saw the tipping point for the Kennedys name becoming highly regarded in the Geelong region.
Rick has been gifted the nickname, ‘ the Golden Spanner’. This comes from the younger plumbers suggesting that Ricks tools remain untouched, and in pristine condition.
“People will shake heads in amazement that I’ve been with the same company for 43 years. But it’s been a fantastic journey. To be able to say that you’ve watched the company grow from the very beginning and be successful throughout its existence, and you played a part in it, is something pretty amazing”
