THOMAS WALKER
- 20
Years in Business
- 33
Years in Tech Support Roles
- 10
Years of Solar Experience
Introduction
Hi! I'm Thomas Walker. Born in New Zealand and currently living in Australia. I've been working predominately in the tech industry since 1991. But in 2010 I decided to make a difference, one panel at a time, by becoming an off-grid Solar Installer.
Aquaponics
A.I.
The Mini
Technology
Family
Solar
INTERESTS
Previous Job Roles
2004-2012
Taking a leap into first time business ownership with a Computer Shop and my wife as the backbone. At the same time, we were juggling the joys and challenges of raising four children. We wore many hats: from accounting to marketing, sales, stock management, repairs, and even deliveries and installations. If it could connect to a computer, we had it, fixed it, and knew all about it. While we catered primarily to individual buyers, our ties with regional schools brought in bigger sales and mini-projects.
Areas of development and experience gained
(How important to the role)
2010-2018
Started a Solar Off-Grid and On-Grid installation company where I obtained my Off-Grid certification. The early days was involved in small home residential system of about 1kw in size. As the solar market matured here, our average home size was 4.5kw. Our commercial market expanded and peaked. Our flagship install is completely off-gid with 352kw of solar panels and 739kw of battery storage supporting 240 000 chickens.
Areas of development and experience gained
(How important to the role)
2006-2023
A Substantial amount of my time has been spent working part and full-time for the Department of Education in Victoria. Eventually I have handed down the reins to my son who is now working in this role. Extensive trouble shooting, problem solving and challenges with Teacher, Parents and Students. The environment is difficult to enact change. Due to my field being in technology there is no choice but to embrace the path. Providing directions to schools to guide them into the future.
Areas of development and experience gained
(How important to the role)
2002-2004
Deciding to expand my skill-set I became a technical trainer where I developed my public speaking. Every week 12 new students would walk through the door. All new interactions, different learning abilities and after one week, hopefully better educated students. My initial employment introduced a new Project Management course into the organisation. This lead to heading up the new courseware for CISCO, involving lots of expensive equipment purchases and challenges to solve so each course could run smoothly.
Areas of development and experience gained
(How important to the role)
Aquaponics
Aquaponics is an innovative farming system that combines aquaculture (raising aquatic animals like fish) with cultivating plants in water in a symbiotic environment. In this system, fish waste provides a natural nutrient source for the plants, and the plants help to purify and filter the water, which is then recirculated back to the fish tanks. This creates a sustainable loop where both plants and fish can thrive.
My interest grew and as such I underwent some commercial training. Still loving the idea and to see where I could possibly take it to in the future!
The Mighty Mini
Having close to ten Mini’s of varying age and abilities, they are just part of my blood. Currently the proud owner of the ever so non-reliable 2008 Mini Cooper S with lots of mods.
Hopefully the near future will bring an electric version my way bridging all the interests in my life together.
Artificial Intelligence
Enjoying the experimentation and A.I. to do things such as:
- Create bits of computer coding.
- Re-order data.
- Get information instantly without a list of non-answers
- Create unique web images for websites.
There is so much more to this then we all know…..
Technology
Having the first iPhone to a digital SLR camera. I have embraced the growth and opportunities it has given me. I am not techno crazy having every latest craze but enjoy a few modern cons. This industry has been my bread and butter for many years.
Family
I have been very fortunate to have been married to my loving wife – Kathy, for over 27 years now. In that time, we have four wonderful children.
Alyssa who is an aspiring writer currently working at the local paper. Having a truly gifted creative flair for pen and paintbrush.
Lachlan enjoying life as much as can, also having undergone permaculture training.
Brannon who has only just left school but is bright enough to do anything he puts his mind too.
Callan having the best, quickest and quirky sense of humour to make you laugh.
Solar Power
Being interested in having an impact on the environment through solar has led me on a wild ride. It’s been an enjoyable experience where I have met so many people and enjoyed so many times.
Getting our first sale, to enjoying the weather, to not enjoying the weather! Doing crazy things like checking if panels can produce power on a full moon.
I am still quite passionate about the differences we can all make and I am glad I was able to contribute in some small way.
THOMAS WALKER
Aptitudes
I'm very lucky and can put my hand to almost anything!
- Mechanical
- Financial
- Structural
- Musical
- Bilingual
- Technological
Financial Aptitude
Working for a software company that developed financial ledger software allowed me to get a greater understanding. Having these skills as I went onto my own business adventures was just…..gold!
Mechanical Aptitude
At an early age my love of the Mini gave me a passion to learn about cars and anything that would make my little beast go faster.
Building Aptitude
Working my early years in the building industry gave me the ability to build just about anything. From custom cabinetry, full house renovations to building sheds to the odd chicken house.
Musical Aptitude
Starting in a Brass Band at the age of 10 lead me into having obtained 3x Australian titles, along with many other regional and local awards. Giving up the Batton at the age of 21 with a big move out of home.
Bilingual Abilities
Sadly – no. But my wife has spent the last twelve months learning Spanish. If only I had joined her in the learning path this would be a happy face!
Technological Aptitude
Wanting desperately to work in the Computer Industry at a very early age due to movies like “The Last Starfighter”. Enjoying the world of A.I. developments and experimentation ATM.
THOMAS WALKER
Traits and Abilities
These are just some of the things that makes up what I am today!
Innovative
Thinking outside the box is my playground!
Astute
A savvy thinker ready to connect the dots and innovate.
Extremly Self Motivated
Fueled by coffee and ambition, I’m my own best cheerleader!
Very Hard Working
Work ethic stronger than my coffee!
Relentlessly Persistent
Hold onto goals tighter than a cat to a new couch!
Creative
A twist that colors the mundane with unique ideas!
Creative
Relating to or involving the use of the imagination or original ideas to produce something new or artistic.
This is best used with combinations of my other abilities and traits to produce fantastic outcomes.
Hard Working
Diligently putting in effort and commitment to complete tasks or achieve goals, often beyond what is required.
Being on top of a roof, installing solar panels from the comfort of a carpet sounds a bit cushy. But add working in the sun, on a 42 (C) degree day puts some meaning into just how hard working I can be.
Astute
/əˈstjuːt/
adjective
- having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one’s advantage. ”an astute businessman”
I’m slightly dyslexic, could not for the life of me spell CAT one day, but we all have our moments
Innovative
Innovation is the art of finding improved solutions to age-old challenges and having the agility to address unforeseen problems in real-time.
I’m always thinking about multiple perspectives on an issue to create a better outcome.
Self-Motivated
Possessing a personal drive or initiative to pursue goals or tasks without the need for external encouragement or reinforcement.
The most significant journeys begin within and that one’s determination can overcome any challenge. Getting the job done is taken on with a passion and another opportunity for me to innovate and excel.
Persistent
Continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.
Challenges are what you make of them, you can simply jump over a hurdle and just keep going.