Jaden Rodgers, son of Tommy Rodgers of TC Panelbeaters, explains how he naturally found his way into the family business, proving that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
“My journey started without me even realising it. I was around 12 years old when I began going to the shop after school, unless I had sport. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but being there every day slowly pulled me into the world of cars. I started helping out with little things – sweeping, passing tools, watching my dad work. If you know my dad, you’ll know pocket money wasn’t handed out – you had to earn it. After graduating from the UFS with a marketing degree, I joined my dad taking on the management and marketing role in the business.”
Jaden currently works in marketing and is a workshop manager. He says they are tirelessly working on growing the business each day. “For me, it’s all about pushing TC forward. I want to see our shop grow, improve, and keep getting better. Every job is a chance to learn, to prove ourselves, and to make sure our name stands for quality. It’s not just about doing the work—it’s about doing it well and knowing we’re building something solid.”
Jaden echoes his father’s views when it comes to building strong relationships with clients. He believes that nothing worthwhile comes without effort, and that the way you treat your customers is key to a successful business. He also emphasises his goal to grow and build on the foundation his father laid. “Success, for me, is simple: it’s about growth. Seeing TC expand. Personally, it’s about being able to provide and knowing I’m building something solid for the future. But more than that, it’s about making my dad proud. He’s put in so much hard work over the years, and I want to build on that – to honour what he started and take it even further,” he mentioned.
Jaden still carries the hard work ethic his father instilled in him, he says he wakes up every day at 04:00, then hits the gym to clear his mind before heading to work and starting his day.
Jaden remains committed to the disciplined routine his father instilled in him. Every morning, he’s up by 4 a.m., starting his day with a gym session to clear his mind before heading to work and diving into his daily responsibilities.“Early in, check jobs, help where needed, chat with my dad about the day’s work, write quotes, and follow up on car progress – including parts,” he concluded.
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