"Customers remember not only the quality of the repair to their vehicle, but how they were treated throughout the experience..."

For Heidi Ross, taking the helm of Southern Peninsula Panelbeaters represents far more than a change in title. It marks a new chapter in a business that has been an important part of her life for many years — and an opportunity to shape its future with renewed energy, purpose and a deeply personal commitment to its success.

As Owner and Director of Southern Peninsula Panelbeaters, Heidi is actively involved in the day-to-day running of the business, overseeing operations, customer relationships, insurer and supplier partnerships, financial management and, importantly, the people who make up the SPP team.

Her leadership style is hands-on and people-focused. She believes that customers remember not only the quality of the repair to their vehicle, but how they were treated throughout the experience. That philosophy sits at the heart of the direction in which she is taking SPP.

Southern Peninsula Panelbeaters has built its reputation through quality workmanship, industry relationships and years of service to the Southern Peninsula community. Heidi's vision is not to change what has made SPP successful, but to build upon it. Her focus is on strengthening the business for the future — developing a strong and accountable team, nurturing relationships with insurers and suppliers, improving the customer experience and ensuring that SPP continues to evolve with the changing motor repair industry.

She is particularly passionate about maintaining the personal service of an independently owned business. Behind every vehicle is a person who may already be dealing with the inconvenience and stress of an accident. Heidi believes customers deserve clear communication, honesty and the reassurance that someone genuinely cares about getting them back on the road.

Leading an automotive repair business in a traditionally male-dominated industry is something Heidi embraces with pride. Her approach to leadership is built on resilience, determination and a willingness to continually learn. Rather than trying to lead in the same way as those who came before her, she believes in bringing her own strengths to the business — strong relationships, attention to detail, empathy, accountability and an unwavering commitment to getting things done.

Taking full responsibility for the operation and future direction of SPP has required courage and adaptability, but it has also reinforced her belief that experience does not limit new beginnings. There is always another chapter to build.

Although vehicles are what come through the doors of Southern Peninsula Panelbeaters, Heidi believes people are ultimately at the centre of the business. She places enormous value on the SPP team and wants employees to feel recognised for their contribution, encouraged to grow and proud of the workmanship that leaves the workshop. The same philosophy extends to customers, suppliers, insurers and industry partners. Heidi believes long-term businesses are built through relationships, trust and doing what you say you are going to do.

Heidi's ambition for Southern Peninsula Panelbeaters is clear: to protect the reputation that has been built over the years while creating a stronger, modern and sustainable business for the future. She sees the coming years as an opportunity to strengthen SPP's position within the motor repair industry, develop new relationships, invest in its people and continue providing the high standard of workmanship and personal service its customers expect.

Outside of business, Heidi is a proud mother and grandmother of four. Family is an important part of who she is, as are her interests in cooking, discovering new recipes and interior design — all of which reflect the same creativity and attention to detail she brings to her professional life.

For Heidi, success is no longer simply about building a business. It is about building something she can be proud of.

“I want Southern Peninsula Panelbeaters to be known not only for the quality of our workmanship, but for the way we treat people. My goal is to build a strong, sustainable business, create a workplace our team is proud to be part of, and ensure that every customer knows their vehicle — and their trust — matters to us.”
— Heidi Ross, Owner & Director Southern Peninsula Panelbeaters