Meg Roberts, general manager of operations at Hallam’s Porter Davis Homes, has been named as a finalist in the 2007 Telstra Victorian Business Women’s Awards.
By Callan Date
MEG Roberts’ story is one that reinforces the notion of hard work and commitment equalling success.
The general manager of operations at Hallam’s Porter Davis Homes – one of Melbourne’s many successful house and land developers – has worked her way up the professional ladder since starting as the company’s first employee nine years ago.
Now the 34-year-old has been rewarded for her work with a nomination as a finalist at the prestigious 2007 Telstra Victorian Business Women’s Awards.
Ms Roberts said she was excited with the recognition but was also quick to praise the whole team at Porter Davis.
And if anyone knows how most of the staff is feeling it is the current general manager of operations.
Since starting as the self-described “jack of all trades” in 1999, the Glen Iris resident says she has done the majority of duties at the company.
“I was the first official staff member and right from the start I was doing customer service, contracts, colouring of houses – you name it,” Ms Roberts said.
“It was a great way to get a good grounding in the businesses. I understand the different parts of the business and I have gained an appreciation of everyone’s role.
“You have a real appreciation of what people do.
“There were many people who were good enough to give me the time as I was working through my career, and I think it’s important to give that to the people who are making their way now,” she said.
Sharing her time between Hallam, Berwick, Pakenham and several of Porter Davis’ other locations, it is evident Ms Roberts has a real passion for her work.
“I am probably one of those lucky people that get out of bed in the morning and really enjoy going to work,” she said.
With the responsibility of creating and implementing operational strategies, business planning and resource management, Ms Roberts has been a key in establishing the business foundations and growing the staff to a team of 280 people servicing more than 1000 customers.
The awards, established to recognise women across the country for their inspiring work as entrepreneurs, corporate figureheads, innovators and community leaders, will be presented next month.
