Our Team

Gary Dyer

Director, Project Manager
I started my painting career by default, at the ripe age of 16.  I worked for local company Dansby Decorating who put me through my apprenticeship.  I am still thankful to this day for what Colin and Karen Dansby offered me.

Upon finishing my apprenticeship, I was unfortunately laid off due to lack of work. After doing a few odd jobs I found myself in business with a partner.  This was short lived with the difference being that I was trained and he was not, it was that simple.
That’s where the business starts and no major changes happened until I met my wife, Sue, at the age of 28.  This as it happened ended up being one of my better decisions.  I have and still do find my career choice an amazing trade to work in. As is the common theme, we like to move around and the finished product is something to admire and be proud of.  My personal favourite in my industry is to see clients using colour, for which I believe, has the ability to create mood, intimacy and warmth.

Sue Dyer

Manager
Hi there, I am from a very business orientated family background with my parents, brother and sister having their own businesses also. My career started as an office junior at a local garage and from there I went to work for my father in the furniture/furnishings industry. I started out in the office then moved to the showroom where I really enjoyed the people contact.

After having my first 3 children (all teenagers now) I returned to work as a receptionist/administrator in an office complex which eventually led to an administration manager roll for one of the companies based there.

I met Gary in 2003, a self employed painter working on his own. He grew the business and eventually formed the company in 2010, I joined the company later that year and since then we have grown to the largest painting and decorating company in Feilding and one of the larger ones in the Palmerston North/Manawatu area. We have 2 children together who may one day be the next generation of GDPD (we hope).

Isaac Quigley

Foreman
I am Feilding born and bred and now reside in Palmerston North.

I became a painter because I wanted to get a trade behind me. I knew this would be beneficial if I decided to venture overseas as it would make it easier getting a job. 

I like the fact that we are never in the same place for more than a couple of weeks, always getting a change of scenery.  I personally prefer papering to painting as it is a tidier, cleaner job.  Papering is a finishing job, once you have hung it, the job is finished. It’s great!

I finished my qualification early 2009, now I only have 40 more years to go.

Why do I enjoy working for Gary Dyer Painters & Decorators?
I enjoy the fact that I have good workmates who are always up for a laugh, we make a great team. My boss gets a good range of work from semi-commercial to residential (new and repaints). I enjoy the variety.

And finally I have this to say (tongue in cheek):- “If other painters were half as good as me, the painting industry would be much better off”

Duncan Smith

I have been a painter and decorator for 7 years. Throughout my time as an apprentice and as a tradesman I have been lucky enough to get to undertake a huge variety of work, from small residential jobs to large commercial and industrial jobs. This is one of the reasons I enjoy my trade! Also alot of satisfaction comes with being a painter as you get to complety change the look of a house etc, and you realy get to see that you have improved it!

Daniel McMillan

My name is Daniel and I have been working for GDPD since March 2011 so I am one of the newest members of the team.  I am originally born and bred in Matamata and I am now living in Feilding with my wife and 2 children.  I have been painting for the past 7 years; I am very passionate about painting and decorating and look forward to the future in this industry.

James Taite

Hi I am 23 years old and come from my hometown Otane in the Hawkes Bay

I was introduced to painting by one of my uncles who helped me get into the workforce.  I have been painting now for about 5 years and decided in my second year that I wanted to gain a qualification and have a career in this industry.  I finished my apprenticeship in 2009.

Deciding to leave my old company in search of furthering my skills and in the hope of gaining a leadership role, I joined Gary Dyer Painters & Decorators with the aim of achieving these goals.

Painting for me is a great career; I am always out and about, not stuck in the same place all day everyday. There is always plenty of variety in this type of work.  Painting is an art and everyday we are faced with different challenges. “Once you have your trade it can take you all around the world”

A word of advice to potential clients:- “Painting a home should not be left to the average DIY handyman.  Call in the professionals who know what they are doing and can guarantee their work to a high standard with the aim of satisfying your needs

Kristopher Scott

Hi I am Kris and I have been painting for 6 years.  I started with Gary and Sue in November 2010. I enjoy my job and look forward to it everyday.  I thought painting would be a great trade to have behind me as I could use it overseas if I chose.  I enjoy making something look good and that is the most satisfying thing about my job.

Les Martin

Hi my name is Les Martin. I started in the ‘Painting and Decorating’ trade as an apprentice paperhanger at age 16. After more than 20 years experience in the trade, a quality finish, a happy customer and a job I can be proud of is what is important to me.

Scott Sutherland

Hi I am Scott Sutherland. I began working for GDPD in November 2011 and all up have been painting full time for almost 4 years. I got into painting from a young age as my grandfather had his own business for many years which was a solid platform for myself to learn the basics. I am now in my final stages of completing my apprenticeship ad look forward to developing my skills and techniques further. I enjoy the variety of work that we do and meeting great people along the way. Its never a dull day when working with the lads!

Mathew Cameron

How I got into painting – work was up on my visa in the UK so partner at the time asked me to paint the interior of her house. I did a good job and was thinking about what I was going to do upon my return to NZ, that is how it started. My hobbies and interests are sports, rugby, cricket, golf, squash, fishing, travelling, my old school music and working on my house

Ryan Toki

Hi I’m Ryan. I have been working with Gary and his team since February 2012 and am about to begin my apprenticeship. A day is never the same. Everyone has experience in different areas and its great being able to tap into their knowledge. I love the people I work with and am always learning something new.

Tim Hunt

Information coming soon..