Employee Highlight - Bevan's Story
Bevan’s journey to Kotzur wasn’t a typical one. Having worked in commercial construction in Toowoomba, he first encountered the company while assisting with the town planning and design of Kotzur’s Charlton facility. Those initial interactions left a strong impression and Kotzur was a company he wanted to be part of. When the opportunity arose to step into a permanent role as National Sales Manager, he knew it was a challenge he wanted to take on. A few years on, Bevan has firmly established himself within the team, leading Kotzur’s sales efforts with a focus on long-term strategy and sustainable growth.
As National Sales Manager, Bevan plays a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth and ensuring Kotzur continues to provide high-quality solutions for clients across agricultural, mining, and manufacturing industries. It’s about ensuring Kotzur remains positioned as an industry leader, balancing the workload across the business, and anticipating what’s coming next. The key, he says, “is always looking six months ahead.” With a diverse product range catering to different industries, demand fluctuates. Some months see a surge in farm silos, while others bring an influx of commercial projects. Managing that pipeline effectively ensures the business stays strong, even when some sectors slow down.
Bevan is the first to admit that leadership is an ongoing learning process and isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about communication. He sees his role as making sure every part of the business stays aligned, particularly in an environment where different teams rely on each other to deliver on time. Sales, estimating, production, project management, engineering and design must all work in sync, and that only happens when people are on the same page. “I try to be a good communicator,” he says. “There are so many moving parts and keeping everyone informed is critical to making it all work.”
One of the biggest lessons he’s learned at Kotzur is how much variation exists in silos and conveying solutions. Coming from a construction background, he had assumed that silos were relatively standard structures. He quickly learned otherwise. “Every job is different. There’s no single ‘standard’ solution. Whether it’s a small farm silo or a complex commercial project, we tailor the solution to fit the client’s needs.” That level of customisation is part of what sets Kotzur apart. It also reinforces the confidence he has in the company’s products. Over the years, Bevan has had conversations with people who wish they had chosen Kotzur over a competitor. “We’re not perfect, and we always look for ways to improve, but at the end of the day, we know our product is reliable. And if something does go wrong, we make it right.”
Through periods of high demand or shifting market conditions, Bevan relies on the strength of his team. He credits the experienced people around him for helping Kotzur stay on track, no matter what challenges arise. He also believes that the diversity of Kotzur’s product range plays a key role in maintaining stability. “When one industry slows down, another picks up. That helps keep momentum going.”
For those considering joining Kotzur, or anyone new to the team, his advice is simple: be patient. “What we do is complex, and sometimes very difficult, and it takes time to get your head around everything. But there are great people here to support you. You’ll get there in the end.” There are always opportunities for personal growth and to move throughout the organisation.
Outside of work, Bevan enjoys motorcycles, particularly his KTM adventure bike, and spending time on the farm. And in a story that surprises most people, he once bought an old church in Toowoomba with a few mates, converted it into an office, and later sold it. The new owners? They turned it back into a church.