Now, it’s time for our BOA 2024 winner, Jack Karssemeyer, to take his place on the global stage to compete against 29 other technicians from around the world at the Best of Belron competition
in Lisbon, Portugal.

The Best of Belron is a biennial global event held across the Belron Group designed to recognise and determine the best Belron technician worldwide. The competition will see technicians from 30 different countries worldwide showcasing their skills and expertise. Over the course of two intense days, they will complete a range of vehicle glass repair, replacement and Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) recalibration tasks, using Belron’s standard repair and replacement processes, known as the Belron Way of Fitting.

We sat down with Jack to learn about his journey, his preparations for the upcoming competition, and his experiences (so far) at O’Brien®.

Jack, you recently won the Best of Australia title. What has that been like since winning?

Jack: Winning the BOA has been a pretty crazy feeling. I have had my eyes set on it since starting at O’Brien® just over four years ago, so achieving it sooner than I expected was incredible. It’s been unusual to have everyone in the company recognise my face and name, but amazing at the same time; it just goes to show we’re all family here at O’Brien®.

I also think it’s made me more excited about my work at O’Brien®. This competition has reinforced to me the importance of the smaller aspects of our job, and I’ve found joy in paying attention to the little details that can really show how much we care about our customers.

You’re heading to the Best of Belron competition in Lisbon soon. Are you excited? How are you feeling about it?

Jack: Absolutely, I’m very excited. This is as big as it gets for our profession. The preparation has been so intense, but I feel ready. It’s a great opportunity to showcase my skills on a global stage.

Can you walk us through your training regimen for this competition?

Jack: Sure. So, I’ve been fortunate to be pulled out of my regular branch at Moorebank to undergo high-intensity training and with less than one week to go, we’re still going strong. It’s been a whirlwind, but incredibly exciting.

My training has been very focused. For the past two months, I’ve been working to perfect the intricate details of the windscreen fitting. With the support of the O’Brien Centre of Excellence Technical Team, we’ve been improving these minute aspects to ensure I can execute it perfectly on the day. It’s all about the small details that make a big difference both in competition and to our customers.

What sort of support have you received from the team at O’Brien®?

Jack: Since March, the support has been incredible from across the business, with everyone behind me to help me succeed at BOB.

Shout out to my branch manager, John Paton, he has been amazing (as have my whole Service Centre team). The entire Technical Trainer team have been there for me, with additional training and mentoring.

My coach in the Technical Trainer team, Phil Cole, who won the Best of Australia in 2022, has been with me in Sydney for the final two weeks of my one-on-one training as well. Overall, the commitment from everyone has been so great, and it reflects the strong team culture we have here at O’Brien®.

Learn more about Phil’s experience at the Best of Belron 2022 here.

What would winning the international competition mean to you and your team?

Jack: Winning would be indescribable, especially as Australia/O’Brien® has never done it before. It would be a huge accomplishment, not just for me, but for the entire team that has supported me. It would be a win for all of us at O’Brien®.

Do you think anyone at O’Brien® could achieve what you have so far? And what would you say to someone considering joining the team at O’Brien®?

Jack: Definitely. With a passion for what you do, perseverance and the right mindset, anyone can achieve what I have. It’s about putting in the effort and staying dedicated to your craft.

That’s why I think everyone should consider a career at O’Brien® – the opportunities are endless and it’s very rewarding. Outside of the competition, helping customers and seeing their relief when everything is fixed is a great feeling.

I’ve also made some of my closest friends here and after four and a half years, I still look forward to going to work every day. The people and the supportive environment make it a great place to be. If you’re thinking about a career here, I’d say go for it. You never know where (in the world) it might take you.

Finally, what are your plans after the competition?

Jack: After the competition, a few of my family members and partner are flying over, and we’re planning to make a trip out of it and explore a bit of Europe together. I’ll be away from work for about five weeks, but it’ll be a well-deserved break. I can’t wait!

The entire O'Brien® team is behind Jack as he represents the team in Lisbon – we’re proud of you!

Next time you need to get your windscreen repaired or replaced, think of the team at O'Brien®. We’re your trained experts in all things windscreen glass – book online or call 1800 059 829.

At O'Brien®, we’re proud to have so many outstanding Vehicle Glass Technicians, as well as many other team members, working for our company right across Australia. If you would like to be part of our technical expertise and service excellence culture at O'Brien® visit obriencareers.com.au for more information today.

The post Countdown to Best of Belron 2024 – a chat with Jack appeared first on O'Brien.

Hailstorms can result in damage to property, especially cars. The impact of hail stones can damage your car exterior, side and rear windows, and windscreen.

According to a recent report from the Insurance Australia Group (IAG), hailstorms are likely to become more frequent and intense in Australia due to climate change, with large parts of southern and eastern Australia most at risk.

With that in mind, you’re probably wondering what you can do or use to keep your vehicle safe in a hailstorm.

Here are some ways to help protect your car from hail and potentially prevent the resulting vehicle repair costs if you happen to be where one hits.

4 tips to keep your car safe from hail damage

Thousands of Australian vehicles are damaged by hail every year. Depending on your circumstances, there are a range of options to help protect your car and keep it safe in the event of a hailstorm:

1. Check the weather forecast.

Prevention is better than a cure! Weather forecasts aren’t iron-clad but can often predict severe weather like hailstorms. Checking a dedicated app or website like the BOM Weather App can help you remain alert and aware, giving you more time to prepare or get undercover.

If your local council provides a weather alert system via SMS, it’s also worth signing up for. Plus, it’s handy to keep an eye (and an ear) on the news throughout the day, too.

2. Avoid driving during a hailstorm.

Driving during a hailstorm can be dangerous.

Not only can it be challenging to see, but the hailstones may cause damage to the body of your car, its windows or the windscreen. When going on an extended trip, always check the weather forecast to ensure no hailstorms are scheduled for when you’ll be on the road.

3. Park your car undercover.

The best way to protect your car from hail is to park your car in a secure undercover location, like a garage or carport. But this is not always possible.

If hail starts raining down while you’re on the road, help keep yourself safe by slowing down, turning your headlights on, and driving cautiously to a nearby covered car park or anywhere with some cover. If no shelter is around, when safe to do so, pull over to the side of the road and wait inside your car for the hail to stop. Make sure you don’t park your car under trees, by power lines, or near bodies of water that might flood during the storm. Stay aware of your surroundings and take the necessary steps to keep safe.

4. Use a hail car cover or blankets.

As the name suggests, a hail cover is designed to cover your car and reduce the impact of hail damage on the vehicle. While a hail cover may not completely prevent damage, it may reduce the severity of the impact that hail stones can cause.

Ideally, a hail cover should only be used as a last-minute option if proper shelter is unavailable. In place of a hail cover, another option is to use large, thick blankets draped over the car to minimise the damage done.

If nothing else is available, you can always use the car floor mats from your car to cover your windscreen glass, which may be the difference between being able to drive your vehicle or not.

Please remember that if you are caught up in a hailstorm, and your vehicle glass does get damaged, it can be dangerous to drive your vehicle as your vision may be impaired.

Call your O’Brien^® AutoGlass experts

Keeping an eye on the weather can go a long way in helping to protect and maintain your vehicle glass. In the unfortunate event of sustaining damage to your glass from hail, or you’re worried about a chip or a crack, the expert team at O’Brien^® AutoGlass will make it easy with our in-branch or mobile service.

At O’Brien^®, we have specialist technicians who can assist you whether you need a chip repair or a windscreen replacement. Not only does our vehicle glass comply with Australian and international standards, but no matter what make or model your car is, you can depend on us and drive away knowing the job has been done right.

For more information about our services, call us on 1800 059 829 or send us a message to speak with one of our friendly staff.

The post Tips On How To Protect Your Car From Hail Damage appeared first on O'Brien.

Fortunately, severe storms typically come with a warning, giving us time to plan ahead so we can protect our family, our homes and our vehicles.

To help you stay proactive, we’ve put together a list of quick tips you can use to ensure you’re prepared for any dangerous storms that may come your way.

7 ways to protect your home and vehicle from an oncoming storm

Of course, your top priority during a storm is always the safety of yourself and your family. However, it’s still important to look after your home and vehicles as much as possible as well, as severe weather has the potential to lead to costly destruction of property.

So here are some things you can do to help protect your vehicle and home:

1. Stay up to date with the latest forecast.

While we can see them coming on the radar, storms are still unpredictable. It’s best to stay updated to help maximise your preparation time. The weather forecast will keep you posted on a storm’s movement and strength, and news reports will also let you know about any flood-prone roads or other areas to avoid, as well as if it’s necessary to evacuate.

Remember: keeping updated with the latest information can help save lives in hazardous weather conditions.

2. Store or secure any outdoor items or equipment that could become a projectile.

Store all gardening tools, outdoor furniture, sports equipment, pot plants and so on, indoors to ensure that powerful winds don’t turn these otherwise harmless objects into dangerous flying projectiles that could cause considerable damage to glass windows, doors and car windscreens.

3. Trim or cut down hazardous trees and branches around your home.

During a severe storm, tree branches can snap, and entire trees can become uprooted. Regular trimming could help to limit falling branches so they don’t end up potentially causing damage to your home, vehicles, or any members of your family.

4. Check around your home for any needed repairs.

The best way to protect your home and everyone inside is to ensure that all parts of it are in good condition. Check for cracks, loose panels, broken windows, damaged roof tiles, etc. It’s also a good idea to clean your gutters regularly and check for leaks anywhere that water might get in.

At O'Brien^®, we have a team of local experts who can provide glazing, electrical, plumbing and roofing services to address any issues your home may have before the next big storm. Visit our location pages to see what O'Brien^® services are in your area.

5. Park your car in a safe spot.

If you don’t have a garage, look for areas with temporary covered parking or make sure that wherever you park, your vehicle won’t get caught in the event of a flood such as a parking place on a road that is up a hill

As an added measure, you can also cover your windscreen with thick blankets, in an effort to help protect your car in a pinch.

6. Remove any non-essential items and secure loose objects around your vehicle.

Detach any magnetic signs, removable aftermarket add-ons such as flags and other exterior car accessories when preparing for a storm. This is to ensure these items don’t become fast-moving objects in strong winds.

7. Don’t forget your routine car maintenance.

In the event of a severe storm, you may need to evacuate, meaning you’ll need to ensure that your car is ready to get you and your family to safety.

Regularly check your tyres, your oil and your battery, as well as your windscreen for chips and cracks. When you know there’s a storm coming, make sure your fuel tank is full and ready to go.

If you do need windscreen repairs, you can rely on your local experts at O'Brien^® to repair or replace your broken glass and get you back on the road fast.

While severe storms can cause stress and discomfort, a bit of forward planning and preparation can help you to protect your home, your vehicles, and most importantly – the lives of you and your loved ones.

Take your storm safety to the next level with O'Brien^®

At O'Brien^®, we are always ready to deliver vehicle glass, glazing, electrical and plumbing services to your home or business.

Contact us today and we can help you prepare and protect your home and vehicle against severe weather and storms this summer.

For more information about our services, call us on 1800 059 829 , or send us a message to speak with one of our friendly staff.

The post 7 Safety Tips to Help Protect Your Home and Vehicle from an Approaching Storm appeared first on O'Brien.

After a busy year of work, school and so much more, with the summer break underway for many, it’s always wonderful to escape the everyday and explore your own backyard.

‘Cos nothing beats a great Aussie road trip!

There’s just one problem… “ARE WE THERE YET?!”

How do you keep the kids from tearing each other’s hair out in the back seat on those long drives to your next stop? Well, we’ve got some great screen-free ideas that just might help.

Put the devices away and let the kids play

We all know the drill.

You’ve got your eyes on the road, the wind in your hair and the world at your feet. Then a small voice cuts through the serenity… “I’m bored?” Ah, the dreaded call of the restless child!

Unfortunately, the back seat crew usually aren’t as impressed with the scenery as you are, and the iPad’s nearly out of juice. Fortunately, we’ve put together a list of family-friendly car games that will keep the kids entertained for hours… or at least until the next bathroom break.

5 games you can play in the car with your kids

1. I Spy

A road trip classic! Plus, if you’ve got younger kids who haven’t learnt to spell yet, it’s easy to switch the game up from letters to colours and shapes.

For example, say “I spy with my little eye, something round and red” for a stop sign. Just remember, I Spy works best on roads with interesting scenery. If you’re stuck on the freeway, maybe try another game.

2. Spot-o!

Each player takes turns choosing a colour, then everyone looks out for a car of the same colour. The first player to say ‘Spot-o!” and point to the coloured car gets the point for that car. After the agreed-upon time limit, the player with the most points wins the round.

To keep it interesting, choose an uncommon colour. There are plenty of white cars on the road, and the players tally could get too high to keep count. Try yellow, or green, or even purple!

3. Name the Celebrity!

This one is great for older kids. One player starts by saying a celebrity’s name. The next player must then think of a celebrity whose first name begins with the same letter as the preceding celebrity’s last name.

For example, a player might say, Dwayne Johnson, meaning the next player has to think of a celebrity whose first name begins with J, like Jennifer Aniston. If a celebrity’s first and last name begin with the same letter (e.g. Kim Kardashian), you then reverse the order of who goes next.

To make it more fun, add movie and cartoon characters into the mix as well.

4. Movie Buff

This game is about connecting actors with the movies they have starred in. One player starts by saying the name of an actor or actress. Then, the next player has to name a movie they starred in. The following player must then state another actor/actress from that movie. And so on.

For example, the first player may say Chris Hemsworth. The next player can then say ‘The Avengers’. The next player must then name another actor/actress from that movie, like Robert Downey Jr.

5. Alphabet Categories

Start with a category like food, bands, cars, etc. You can try a broad topic or get as specific as you like, depending on the age of your kids.

To start, the first player will name something within the category starting with A, then the next player will do the same using the letter B, and so on. For example, if the category is fruit you could start with Apple, then Banana, then Carrot and so on.

Keep the family entertained and safe

While playing games with the kids on a long drive is great, it’s important to stay focused on the road and minimise any distractions. Safety should be everyone’s top priority.

It’s also a good idea to check your windscreen and windows for cracks or chips before you leave. If you do find anything, give your local O'Brien^® AutoGlass team a call so we can get your glass repaired and get you on your way.

You can find your nearest O'Brien^® AutoGlass branch here.

Have a safe journey with O'Brien^®

At O'Brien^®, we’re here to make sure you have a safe and memorable family road trip this Summer. With over 95 years of experience, our expertise and quality service make us Australia’s leading vehicle glass repair and replacement company.

We understand our clients more than anyone else. Plus, if you ever find yourself in a regional town needing urgent vehicle glass repairs, the O'Brien^® team are just a phone call away.

For more information, contact us on 1800 059 829 or explore our website.

The post How To Keep The Kids Entertained On Your Next Road Trip appeared first on O'Brien.