News & Blog Article November 6, 2026

An Unexpected Career Journey - Adrian Rumble Reflects On 20 Years at WesTrac

Twenty years ago, Adrian Rumble joined WesTrac looking for an opportunity to build a better future for his young family. Two decades later, he leads Geraldton team as Branch Manager. A career defined by continuous growth, challenges and plenty of adventure.

For Adrian, the key to career success has always been maintaining the right mindset.

“It’s been an adventure since day one,” he said, “It’s always been about that and being surrounded by good people. Every role has pushed me to grow in some way.

“There have been tough days, great days and plenty of lessons along the way, but I wouldn’t change it.”

How did Adrian’s WesTrac Journey Begin?

Adrian credits a good friend and former colleague with helping him get his start at WesTrac and kick-starting what would be a multi-decade career – seizing the opportunity to develop both professionally and personally.

Working in the Light Vehicle industry at the time, Adrian says it didn’t take much for him to be won over.

“I was on $19 an hour at the time and stepped into $25 an hour, I thought I’d hit the bigtime,” he said.

“I was a new dad with all of the commitments that come with that responsibility, so I grasped every opportunity I could to improve.”

What drove Adrian’s career growth?

Starting as a trade upgrade in the workshop, Adrian moved into field service a year later. He spent the next three and a half years expanding his technical expertise, building customer relationships and experience across the business.

His performance and commitment to learning led to his promotion as Field Service Supervisor. This was followed by a series of leadership opportunities that helped shape his understanding of people, operations and business performance.

Ten years later, he stepped into his biggest role yet, Geraldton Branch Manager – a position he’s held for the past five and a half years.

What does life look like as a Branch Manager?

Today, as Geraldton Branch Manager, Adrian draws on two decades of operational experience to lead a team of 37 while supporting customers across one of Western Australia’s most important regional areas. No two days are the same, and his team must ‘cover a fair bit of ground’.

Reflecting on the biggest shifts throughout his career, Adrian said the only real constant has been change.

“We’ve gone from paper, fax machines and a lot of manual follow-ups to smartphones, digital systems and much faster information flow,” he said.

“The branch has to adapt to whatever is happening around it.”

From using more online processes to increasing safety standards, branches have had to work hard to keep up with the evolving times.

“We aren’t just a workshop or parts counter, we support customers through field service, rebuilds, parts, technical issues, breakdowns, and everything else that comes with being a regional branch,” he said.

“You also see the impact quickly. If we get it right, customers keep moving. If we get it wrong, they feel it straight away.

Over two decades, Adrian has built strong relationships with customers and colleagues across the Mid-West. Connections that have become the foundation of his leadership approach. It enables honest conversations and collaborative problem-solving when challenges arise.

“The working relationships I’ve built with our customers allow for open communication, so when something goes wrong, we work it out together. Having a team that understands that and takes pride in supporting the Mid-West is a huge bonus.”

Who helped shape Adrian as a leader?

Throughout his career, Adrian has been supported by mentors and colleagues who challenged him to think differently and helped shape the leader he is today.

Good leaders don’t just give you answers, they help you see things from a different perspective.

One of the most influential was colleague Dave Bergin, whose calm and measured approach left a lasting impact.

“I’d come in with a head full of steam, and he’d listen before saying, ‘So, we’d be better positioned if …’ That approach taught me to slow down and think things through.

It’s a lesson Adrian now carries into his own leadership style as he supports the next generation of WesTrac employees.

What Advice would Adrian Give the Next Generation?

Adrian said one of the most important things you can do is stay true to yourself as a person and professional.

As WesTrac continues to invest in its people and future talent, Adrian’s career demonstrates how ambition, resilience and a willingness to learn can open doors to long-term success.

“Give everything a go and don’t let the fear of failing hold you back,” he said.

“Ask for help when you need it and speak up when something matters.

“Your experiences will shape you, both the good and the hard ones, so my advice is simple: pick the adventure, always.”