Meet Allana: Succeeding in the Trade Industry with Skill and Dedication

As we celebrate International Women’s Day this month, it’s the perfect time to introduce Allana, a valued member of our team here at Our Town Fencing. Working in the trade industry comes with its challenges, but Allana has embraced every opportunity with skill and determination. In this interview, she shares her experiences, insights, and what she enjoys most about her role.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your role at Our Town Fencing?
   I’m Allana, originally from Port Macquarie and now live in Newy! I started off out the back in the warehouse, learnt the office and have also gone out on the road and done sales. My current roles is now Warehousing / Sales.
    
2. How long have you been with the company, and what do you enjoy most about your job?
   I’ve been with OTF for 2 and a half years. The thing I enjoy most about my job is all the opportunities that have come with it, such as moving to 2 different states to help open our new stores with my partner Aidan. I also love having a laugh with all our customers and tradies!
    
3. What inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?
   When our Yatala store opened, I was asked if I wanted to help out. I’ve always loved working in the trade industry and soon found my feet at OTF. My Dad was in the construction industry, so I think that’s where I get my love of it from.​
    
4. Have you faced any unique challenges as a woman in the fencing industry? If so, how have you overcome them?
   Being a woman in the trade industry definitely comes with its challenges. Some people can have misconceptions when they see me at the front desk or out the back driving a forklift and packing a job. I love being able to show people that I am just as capable as the guys I work with. I find it helps to build a good relationship with the tradies and also have a laugh with them!
    
5. What’s a project or achievement at Our Town Fencing that you’re particularly proud of?
   My favourite project or achievement would be helping open our Dandenong store. It was such a great learning experience and being able to help grow it from the ground up taught me a lot about the business.  
    
6. This year’s International Women’s Day theme was Accelerate Action. What does this mean to you?
   OTF has a great culture, and I believe it’s important that we continue to help build each other up and support the women around us in what is a heavily male dominated role.
    
7. Do you have a female role model or mentor who has inspired you in your career or personal life?
   Pretty cliché but my mum! She is the best and shaped me into the person I am today.​
    
8. What do you like to do outside of work?
   Outside of work I love to switch off by going to Pilates and the beach + hanging with Aidan and our two dogs.​
    
9. If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
   Motivated, Competitive & Funny