Echuca is home to Lance Oswald, so it’s no surprise the successful solar power businessman has decided to put down even stronger roots in his home town with the opening of his Ogilvie Ave Solargain store.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
It is the fitness professional-come solar power system designer’s first store, although he has had a hand in Solargain’s Wangaratta store during the past three years that has allowed him to officially open his own Echuca store tomorrow week (Saturday, October 16).
He, along with wife Anna, are enthusiastic about the opportunity of having a store in the rapidly expanding border towns market.
He plays the lead role in the design work and running the day-to-day operations for the business.
The 36-year-old grew up at Strathmerton and was educated in Numurkah before starting his initial career in the fitness industry.
He has been in the solar power industry for seven years
“I managed health and fitness clubs, more so club of franchises, developing their processes and procedures and training method’s that have held me in good stead for an easy transition into the Solar industry,” Mr Oswald said.
“I enjoy the management and operational side of the business to help individual’s plan, learn and further their careers and provide the necessary tools for them to succeed.
“I spent some time in Melbourne to fast track my experience and knowledge to progress to the position I’m in today.
“The started my journey in the Solar industry in a designer role, learning how to accurately design solar systems, identify quality of product, operations, network guidelines and how all components come together before moving into a store management role and eventually starting my own Solargain business.
“If you believe in something that works, are qualified to educate your customers and design system’s the correct way to help you believe in what you offer makes it rewarding.”
Solargain is one of the largest retailers in Australia and has 21 dealerships throughout the country.
As managing director of his Echuca company and continued involvement in the Wangaratta store, Mr Oswald said he was excited to be able to base himself in Echuca.
His wife Anna will control the accounting component of the business, which has employed three others to fill important roles in the setup of the store.
“We have an A-grade electrician, along with an apprentice, and a receptionist,” he said.
“So there will be four of us based at the Echuca store.”
Mr Oswald and his family, which includes 2 ½ year old Isla, have lived in Echuca for the past five years.
His wife and family are Echuca-Moama locals and the couple is expecting their second child in December.
He said there was much excitement about the Echuca business, with the amount of land development in the planning phase.
“Housing is booming both sides of the river at the moment,” Mr Oswald said.
“Having a presence here is important and customers appreciate walking into a showroom to create an idea and vision of the solar system designed prior to having it installed.
“Designing the right systems for the customer with both size and product suited to one’s power usage needs is very important after taking the initial step of completing a site visit is vital to go forward with an accurate design.
“We can then see how the power is running into the property, the switchboard and meter, roofline and the network restrictions to one’s property.”
He said the new showroom would allow clients to see firsthand the quality of the product they were investing in.
“It enables them to get to know the service before making the jump into the investment,” he said.
“Our post-installation service is very important.
“The customer needs to know how to read their inverter with a supplied monitoring platform and be educated and informed as to what they can expect.”
Mr Oswald said the Echuca business would have the huge advantage of having its own people, rather than sub-contracting services.
Echuca’s Solargain clients will have 26 years of solar experience at their disposal, among that skillset a devotion to giving customers the best product.
“Honesty and education is really important,” Mr Oswald said.
“We feel like providing a positive experience for the customer, from start to finish, is a key.”
Lance Oswald and Anna Oswald are not just going at this alone, they have Bryn and Brad Foletta, the Founders of the Solargain Dealership model, along for the ride.
With Bryn Foletta’s 18 years of experience as an electrician and a huge say in what the Solargain dealership has developed, implemented and further progressed, certain strategies have progressed Solargain to where it is today.
Bryn is an owner of five Solargain Dealerships, which is a key factor for the sustainability and quality of Echuca’s business approach.
Brad with his engineering background and knowledge from the past four years as one of the directors of the Wangaratta dealership means it is a quality team that has landed on Echuca’s doorstep.
Brad's wife Alice is the administrator behind the business.
“Brad identifies the best manufacturers in the industry to both install with and build long-term relationships with,” Mr Oswald said.
“His aim is to ensure a positive experience for the installation team and ensure the product is right for the customer.
“He implements the best procedures, researches all product manufacturers and our relations and does a lot of back-end research.
“He is also great at keeping up with rules and regulations and the necessary training that’s provided for each employee.”
There will be a free barbecue from 8am until 2pm on Saturday, October 16, and a $1500 bonus upgrade will be offered on any system purchased on the day.
● For more information, phone the Solargain Echuca store on 1300 739 355 or 0439 204 425.
Contributor