When you think of marine spray painting and fairing, chances are you imagine a workshop filled with men. For decades, that’s been the reality—this is an industry traditionally dominated by males. But at Extreme Finishings, we’re proud to have Kellie steering the ship as co-director and business leader. 

From Newcomer to Leader

In 2018, Kellie stepped into the marine industry with no prior background. What she brought instead was sharp business sense, strong communication, and a drive to learn fast.

Alongside her partner and co-director, Tere, she has helped transform Extreme Finishings into one of Perth’s most trusted names for marine fairing and spray painting.

While Tere focuses on technical precision, Kellie runs operations, drives business strategy, and ensures every client feels supported from start to finish. She also manages the business’s social media pages (@extremefinishings), giving customers a real and relatable look behind the scenes of life at the workshop.

But don’t be fooled Kellie isn’t just behind a screen. She works hard on the tools, too. Marine fairing and spray painting is physically demanding, and she’s right there with the team, putting in the hard work.

A Leader at Work and at Home

Kellie’s strength goes beyond the workshop. She’s also a proud mum to two sons. Balancing family life with the demands of running a hands-on business hasn’t always been easy, but it’s shaped her into the determined, resilient woman she is today.

Leadership with a Personal Touch

What sets Kellie apart is her ability to connect. Clients consistently mention how approachable she is and how her open communication makes every project run smoothly:

? “Really pleased with how my boat turned out — better than I expected. Kellie and Tere were great to deal with and always had an open line of communication.”

? “Kellie and Tere are friendly and great communicators… 10/10!”

Her leadership extends to her team, too — she’s known for recognising effort, celebrating success, and fostering a culture of respect and pride across the business.

Changing the Narrative

Being a woman in a male-heavy industry isn’t easy, but Kellie has embraced the challenge with grit and confidence. She proves every day that leadership isn’t about fitting a stereotype—it’s about consistency, integrity, and passion.

Her story sends a clear message: you don’t need decades of industry experience to make a difference. You need resilience, vision, and the confidence to back yourself.

Why Her Story Matters

Kellie is more than a director—she’s a trailblazer who’s redefining what leadership looks like in the marine industry. Her presence brings balance, fresh perspective, and a personal touch that makes Extreme Finishings stand out from the rest.

Want to see Kellie and the team in action?
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, and LinkedIn or get in touch at info@extremefinishings.com.au