Our People
The team here at Colorex are a highly focused team obsessed with top-notch customer service.
We’re known for our legendary customer service, humour and technical savvy. Oh and our “pie day” trade days!
Kelvin Whiteman
Finance Manager / DirectorInitially trained as a motor mechanic and highly skilled in the conversion of petrol vehicles to CNG and LPG back in the day when this was popular, Kelvin’s career changed dramatically after leaving the trade and working for a large nationwide cleaning supply company.
Kelvin then built up an extensive knowledge and career in purchasing and stock control including importing from various countries.
As a director of Colorex for over 20 years Kelvin now handles all aspects of finance, budgeting and forecasting, asset management etc. and works closely with the sales and purchasing managers to ensure the sustainability and profitably of the company.
Vern Whiteman
General Manager / DirectorAfter working on precision engineering projects as a toolmaker Vern’s career morphed into sales roles. He has spent many years serving customers in both the cleaning and painting industries.
Vern has a passion for the painting industry and for the customer service that has overseen the growth of this business from a small two-man business to the thriving business it is today.
Overseeing the sales and marketing team is the highlight of Vern’s extensive involvement with Colorex.
Daniel Whiteman
Sales Team / Sales ManagerWith a passion for sales and customer satisfaction Daniel looks after the sales team and key accounts within Colorex.
Daniel enjoys keeping up to speed with all aspects of Health & Safety products such as PPE and Height Safety in the workplace .
Daniel also looks after procurement for our wide and growing range of imported products.
The only staff member that enjoys Sushi.
Tim Sandford
Sales Team / Customer ServiceTim has over twenty years of experience in shop sales and over ten of these have been with Colorex.
Tim oversees customer’s needs both in the shop and over the phone. He ensures the process runs smoothly from initial contact right through to delivery.
At the weekends Tim can be seen walking the many lovely bush walks surrounding Wellington.
Hamish Whiteman
Sales Team / Business Development ManagerHamish is our new Business Development Manager with a new found passion for sales. He’ll be working with both new and existing customers to ensure customer satisfaction.
Hamish has had various roles at Colorex whilst working up to his new role in Business Development such as deliveries and customer service.
When not working Hamish will be running the streets of Wellington or washing his Nissan Leaf.
Api Moeau
Sales Team / Customer Services RepresentativeWith many years in the painting industry and serving in paint shops Api joins us at Colorex Trade & Hire.
Api’s energy, enthusiasm and sense of humour coupled with his extensive knowledge of both the customers and their needs makes him an ideal fit for our busy trade shop.
On a journey to become fluent in Te Reo, Api is the only staff member intelligent enough to greet customers in their native tongue, regardless of their nationality!
At the weekends Api enjoys tennis, cycling and spending quality time with his lovely family and grandchildren.
Tim Rhodes
Sales Team / Customer Services RepresentativeHaving been in the paint industry for many years as a well-respected sales rep, Tim now joins us at Colorex Trade & Hire as part of our busy sales team in the shop.
Tim’s knowledge of the industry and customers, along with his eye for detail and thirst for knowledge makes him a good fit with the Colorex team.
In his free time Tim loves to thoroughly test video games to ensure the quality is up to scratch.
Tim will happily challenge anyone to a Rubik’s cube speed solving challenge.
David Whiteman
Operations Team / Operations & HR ManagerOne of Colorex’s earliest employees David has been with the company for many years.
Originally doing deliveries in the very early days for the company David then moved into a sales role and then into Operations & HR.
David’s practical skills coupled with his extensive training in various aspects of the trades including height safety makes him the go-to person for challenging problems requiring solutions.
At the weekend can regularly be found 4-wheel driving around the Wellington’s rugged South Coast.
Darren Whiteman
Operations Team / Warehouse ManagerHaving spent the first few years expertly delivering goods and services to tradies within the greater Wellington area, Darren’s role has morphed into a much needed Warehouse Management role where he keeps our overflowing warehouse under control.
At the weekends, when not out running, Darren can be found inside standing over or crawling underneath some sort of vehicle as he puts his impressive mechanical aptitude to good use in restoring or repairing vehicles.
The only vehicle he hasn’t owned is a Nissan Wingroad.
Daniel Callaghan
Operations Team / StoremanDaniel has many years of store experience under his belt, starting in 2009 at a Pharmaceutical company in Palmerston North to a Commercial Curtain Wall and Glazing Company.
Daniel’s sense-of-humour and friendliness make him a great fit for the team.
Daniel was the vocalist for a band a Horowhenua College called “Pandemik”, who won the peoples choice award at the 2006 Rockquest Manawatu Regional Finals. 2nd best achievement after becoming a father.
Mike Charles
Operations Team / DeliveriesMike is the new friendly face of deliveries within the Wellington area. He has been around the construction industry for many years which makes him ideal for this role.
Mike is very efficient and has a solid work-ethic that our customers appreciate.
After hours Mike can be found gaming, hiking up the hills surrounding the Hutt Valley or riding his scarily fast electric skateboard.
Hayden Whiteman
Procurement & I.T. ManagerOriginally coming from a marketing agency as a website developer, Hayden joined the team in early 2016. Hayden brings his technical skills to all aspects of the company and has bought Colorex’s internal systems into the 21st century. His feats, among others, include developing the website and managing the companies’ transition to NetSuite.
Hayden has now transitioned into a purchasing role and is looking forward to expanding our range and sourcing the best deals for our customers.
During the weekends, Hayden can be found working on various renovation projects.
Maree Foulkes
Admin & Accounts Team / Office ManagerWith many years of experience in office management Maree expertly manages many areas of Colorex’s busy office. With attention-to-detail nothing escapes her watchful eye which ensures accuracy and efficiency in all aspects of administration she handles.
Accounts, phone answering, being Daniel’s PA, and debt collection are also part of Maree’s extensive involvement with Colorex.
At the weekend Maree can be seen riding her e-bike or walking the lovely streets and walkways within the greater Wellington area.
Kari Lewis
Marketing Team & Admin Team / Office AssistantKari has joined the team at Colorex in an administration and marketing role. Along with and assisting with general office and clerical duties she puts her creative skills to work designing marketing material for digital and print mediums.
Being a quick learner and having attention to detail makes Kari a great fit for our busy trade store as the office only gets busier!
Outside of work, Kari can be found socialising with friends and family or walking the many trails Wellington has to offer.
Wendy Whiteman
Admin & Accounts Team / Office ClerkWendy has vast experience in office administration and clerical duties – Wendy is the one who’ll likely answer the phone and steer you in the right direction.
Accomplishes a variety of administration and clerical duties in a friendly and efficient way.
Makes awesome cheese balls!
