Australia has a continuing fascination with home renovating, design and architecture, Andrea Mayne, the Marketing Manager of Gunnersen Inspirations has broken into a male dominated market and survived.
Andrea's job enables her to be involved in projects from concept development stage to commercialisation and also gives her the opportunity to work with colour, fashion and lifestyle. Andrea played a key role in the successful launch of Gunnersen Inspirations in 2003 - the exciting new decorative surfaces division of Gunnersen Timbermark, Australia's largest independent distributor of timber and panel products.
Whilst recognising that the home building/renovation segment is seen as a male dominated sector, Andrea is philosophical about any gender imbalances. She is quick to encourage young women in the industry to create their own advantages in relation to their perspective, their people skills and their commercial acumen. Andrea believes the volume of female students completing interior design and architectural qualifications will result in a shift toward more gender balance in the industry over time.
Andrea is committed to the nurturing of women in her industry and she believes it would be a positive step forward to see the creation of a networking program for women. The establishment of such a program would encourage the sharing of ideas and provide a forum for like-minded people that may persuade more women to enter the industry.
A testament to her tenacity and commitment to the industry, Andrea is in the unique position of having worked solely in manufacturing and distribution companies. She has developed a reputation as a dynamic, motivated leader in her field.
As for the future of the Gunnersen Inspirations division, Andrea lists as a priority offering the integrity of choice and flexibility for consumers and designers. Their current range is focussed on innovative product alternatives and Andrea says ongoing advances in technology will only broaden the scope of innovation the division can offer to the design segment.