Tribute to David Haymes- a long-standing advocate for Australian manufacturing

With the death of David Haymes last week, Australia has lost one its champions of local manufacturing, writes Phil Roberts.

David Haymes at the Haymes paint factory in Ballarat in the 1990s.

David Haymes made a magnificent contribution to both his local community and to Australian manufacturing. His passing last week is a sad loss for his wife Jenny, his family and the Australian community.

During 2015-16 when I authored the 300-page coffee table book: Haymes: Paint Flowing Through The Veins I came to know David well.

Born in August 1943, he was appointed managing director of Haymes Paint before he was 30 years of age.

The company founded by his father, Henry, in 1935.

When David was CEO during 1974 to 2008, Haymes Paint grew to become Australia’s largest family-owned paint company.

In competition with large multi-national corporations, it had outlets across Australia and was very successful.

David, an astute businessman, became a household name through the television ads depicting ‘paint flowing through his veins’.

He was ‘big’ on marketing and had mantras ‘we never take shortcuts on quality’ and all customer enquiries should receive an ‘immediate response’.

He looked after his staff very well believing staff should “share the rewards, the hurts and the challenges”. A recent marketing adventure was sponsorship of the Melbourne Football Club with Haymes Paint printed on game-day footballs.

Ballarat author Phil Roberts. Photo: Terry Hope

He was a strong advocate for domestic manufacturing in the Victorian corporate sector and as a past-president of the Australian Paint Manufacturers Federation was a leader in the Australian paint industry.

He was very family orientated and during 2005-09 was the third National Chairman of Family Business Australia. He was very conscious of succession planning. In remaining Chairman of Haymes Paint, he ensured the next generation of family members were closely aligned to the business.

He loved Ballarat and did all he could to advance the community. He was a member of many local organisations and mentor to others.

In his later years, he was an engaging guest speaker as he regaled audiences with a fund of stories. A favourite was holding up his hand to point out:

the thumb – tell the truth, be straightforward

pointer finger – be passionate in everything you do

middle finger – motivation, work hard and as a team

ring finger – respect, ability to stand in someone else’s shoes

little finger – listening, lifelong learning, clear communication.

David was a person with many qualities and it was a privilege to know him.

Ballarat-based historian Phil Roberts is the author Haymes: Paint Flowing Through The Veins.

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