When experience matters
Interview by Sarah Schwaner
Rod Twitchin — the man with quite the resumé — has spent 13 years at sea, started as an engineer, then master, became an accredited surveyor, and is now the owner and operator of RTM located at The Boat Works.
For RTM, the client never stops being the client. Even when the work is done and the boat leaves the yard, the client knows they can ring up Rod on a Saturday or Sunday to say, “Hey, I’m headed out for the weekend. What’s the tide or weather like?”
Rod, with a big smile on his face, tells this story: A few years ago, they worked on a New Zealander couples’ catamaran that they turned into a fast motor cruiser. They then had the boat delivered to Hamilton Island where Rod and his wife, Renee (who is part of the RTM team) flew up and finished some final touches.
The couple had not seen the boat after the refit. When they flew over from NZ to Hamilton Island, Rod and Renee were there waiting for them at the airport with a bottle of champagne. “It was so lovely. Anything we can do for the client to make them enjoy their experience, we will do.” What customer service!
Rod encourages his staff to form a relationship with the client. He truly believes in the idea of empowering individuals. That is such an important component in a business: trusting your staff with the clients — this is what creates a healthy, motivating work atmosphere.
Not only has Rod spent over half of his life on boats, most of his team within the refit division are all boaties. When they are repairing something they understand the rigors of a boat and how they work on the ocean. The senior engineer at the company, Troy, is an accredited engineer, master, and marine mechanic. “No matter how big or small these projects, we treat every job with the same level of professionalism.”
Another really cool part of RTM is that Rod has no problem traveling overseas or locally to survey a boat. One time, he went to China for one day! He was signed up to sign off on the machinery and ancillary system installation on a new build but once he got there it was quite obvious that he was two months too early so he turned around and got back on a plane headed home. And another year he went to Thailand four times in five weeks. A trip up to Hamilton Island for a weekend was planned to inspect a client’s vessel, which also extended into a much needed holiday for Rod and Renee for a couple of days.
Recently, the team finished up a massive amount of work on a 70-foot-boat that came down from Hamilton Island. The project took around three weeks to finish. Working on the boat were some of RTM’s team and some outside contractors, but the client still had the one point of contact with communications and all things refit. A cool project they were working on was a custom hardtop on a 38 Mustang. Rod described it as “quite the journey!”
Another refit job is aboard the 135’ luxury Sovereign Motor Yacht Batavia utilizing their shipwrights and engineering expertise along with their very capable and professional associates.
RTM’s team consists of two engineers, five shipwrights, Thierry in the office with Rod, and his wife Renee. The company’s broad range of qualifications, expertise and services make them the business to call if you want everything conducted under one roof. Whether it is a 135-foot superyacht or a 10-foot sailboat, RTM is there to help. Their professional services include: surveying, consultation, project management, vessel valuations, refits, maintenance, and services, and so much more. They are also a great resource if you are looking to buy a boat and need a survey done. They are able to give you a list of defects, if any, and if you choose to buy the boat, they can help with any repairs in-house.
The 2020 pandemic has affected Rod’s business and he says that it has been tough. But their local, loyal clients helped them get through it and he would like to sincerely thank them for their support. Though things have been tricky, the work has been constant.
“Regardless of how tough it’s been through COVID, the highs and lows we’ve experienced, and the long days, I absolutely love what I do! I know that sounds corny, but I’ve been in the industry around 35 years and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
RTM is going into their 10th year and opened a refit division in 2019. Despite the year 2020’s struggles, the company is having a good time and is really busy.
www.rtmarine.com.au
Ph: (07) 5556 – 0035
