Bowens Warragul – Opening 19/09

Opening our 17th store in Warragul amidst a tough few years is a true testament to Bowens’ dedication to the construction industry and our builders. We can connect builders with our products and services over 100km out of Melbourne’s CBD, which alone is fantastic for the industry.

We strive to continue to be a market leader in the building supply industry, and committed to supplying the best quality products and advice to our loyal trades all over Victoria and now including Warragul. 

Image of Dean Armstrong, newly appointed Warragul store manager

With over 19 years of experience at Bowens, Dean Armstrong will head the expansion of the new store and the Branch Manager to ensure builders in the south east are equipped with the knowledge and tools to succeed. Dean has played a fundamental role in the Bowens community and has made an impact in the business across many levels.

“With over 19 years of experience at Bowens, Dean Armstrong will head the expansion of the new store and the Branch Manager to ensure builders in the south east are equipped with the knowledge and tools to succeed.”

Dean has given us insight into his career with Bowens so far. We are looking forward to seeing the expansion of Bowens throughout the state and we know Dean will help us to reach our goals with a can-do attitude.  

Walk us through your career journey from start to date?

I started my Bowens journey as a sales representative at the Croydon store for 12 months around 2003-2004, then moved into sales management at the Taylors Lakes store between 2004-2008. I developed fundamental leadership skills while there. Then, I moved across to Hallam where I was the Sales Manager for six months before being promoted to Branch Manager, a role I was able to stay in for five years.  

Moving on from Hallam was tough after servicing local builders and working so closely with the team for so long, but I was able to settle into the Phillip Island store as Branch Manager for another five years. Since then, I’ve been at the Pakenham store as Branch Manager for two and a half years, but I’m keen to be closer to home and establish the new Warragul store.  

What do you enjoy most about working for Bowens?

The people and culture have been a massive factor in my longevity at Bowens. I have had some amazing experiences with everyone across all of the stores I have worked in. I love purchasing cheesecakes for everyone’s birthday and hosting lunches for everyone to come together and celebrating the wonderful connections we have with each other.  

“The people and culture have been a massive factor in my longevity at Bowens.”

Some of my favourite memories include placing a horn under Jon Goudswaard’s chair in Taylors Lakes and watching him jump in surprise, as well as getting along to the Bowchella and Bowens Unearthed – here a mix of staff members took over the Gershwin Room at the Espy in St Kilda to rock the socks off their co-workers. The gig was not only a celebration of the rich talent amongst Bowens employees but an opportunity for colleagues to socialise outside of work. It was fantastic to see all Bowens employees support each other and have some fun after a few tough years.  

What’s your involvement with the local community as a branch manager?

I initiated a community program when I was Branch Manager at Hallam. We volunteered one day a week for a month at Secondbite, whose goal is to end waste and end hunger, where the team assisted with food preparation and delivery. This was a fantastic initiative that the whole store really got behind.

“We volunteered one day a week for a month at Secondbite, whose goal is to end waste and end hunger, where the team assisted with food preparation and delivery.”

I also helped to build a coaches box with wheelchair access at Phillip Island Football Club by supplying materials and labour. The community appreciated the work and support of the Bowens team which we value deeply.  

What are you most looking forward to about the appointment of Branch Manager at Warragul?

I am looking forward to working with the builders in Warragul as it has been my home for 11 years. Becoming a local Branch Manager means I can further engage with the building community, understanding their attitudes and priorities. We can also support local efforts and groups and make a real impact in the overall local community.  

“I can’t wait to employ locals and work more closely with local builders that might be new to the Bowens family or feel increased convenience since shifting from the Pakenham store.”

Mostly though I just know this is such an exciting opportunity for Bowens to continue servicing Victoria and keep Australians building better. The new Warragul store is an exciting step for the business and one I’m proud to be a part of and feel humbled that they have entrusted me to take on this leadership responsibility.