Get To Know Glenn Wilton

What is your full name & where did you grow up?
Glenn Wilton, I grew up in Woronorah Sydney. It's in the Sutherland Shire but I don't know if I should be telling people that! I've been in Newcastle a long time though; I moved here in the late 90's so I feel like a Novocastrian.
How did you get into electrical & where did you start your career?
I assisted my dad when I was a kid around the house, he was an unqualified electrician from the 70's, Glenn laughs fondly. I finished year 12 & decided to do a trade instead of going to uni for the ability to work outdoors & using my brain & hands.
I started in 1988 with Hodgson & Lee in Surry Hills, Sydney. It was mostly commercial & fire safety. Tried my hand at apartment blocks, oven repairs & maintenance but then, like everyone else, in 1993 I was retrenched due to the recession. I went straight into subcontracting; this is where I found my passion for domestic work.
In 1995 I left to go travelling & used a travel visa to work in London where I met my partner Kim & we came back to Newcastle together.
What is your favourite aspect of electrical & being the Director of Wilton Electrical?
Easily my favourite part of electrical is fault finding & trouble shooting. I genuinely love helping our clients, so I'm always looking for solutions to fix problems.
Being part of a team is great, that's why I wanted to expand Wilton Electrical beyond a sole trader. I also love seeing apprentices become tradespeople & have a new skill for life!
What are 3 facts people might not know about you?
1. I love music, you know if I'm home because there's always something blasting out of my record player (usually Sunny Boys).
2. Sharks' supporter but I don't know if I should be splashing that information around here in Newcastle he laughs. And I love being part of the soccer community here in Cooks Hill.
3. I'm allergic to almost all animals; dogs, cats, horses.. you name it!
Lastly, where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Still very involved in Wilton & hopefully still on the tools! Electrical is always advancing so I'm sure it will take us into new areas of work which is exciting.
Our 2 daughters will both be finished their HSC by then so hopefully a little more travelling & surfing too!







