Tell us about your business.
Brooks Hire was started by my dad, Doug Brooks, in 1979 when he was just 23. At the time, he was working in the mines while running his own mechanical business on the side. With a bank card and a vision to succeed in business, he bought two disassembled air compressors, fixed them up himself, and began hiring them out to the mining industry. He ran his hire business from a shed in the outback town of Eneabba.
It was during this time that Dad met my mum, Roma, and by 1987 the business had grown large enough to open a branch in Perth.
Growing up, my brothers Keith, Stuart and I were always around machinery. We were part of the business from a young age. Keith gravitated towards the mechanical side, completing an apprenticeship as an HD Mechanic. Stuart started in the hire room, developing a strong focus on operations. I joined Brooks Hire in a business development role after completing my Commerce degree. Today, we serve as Service Manager, Managing Director, and Chief Business Officer, respectively.
From the beginning, Brooks Hire was built on excellent service. We stand behind our business, offering our clients genuine support and a willingness to go the extra mile. It’s how Dad built the business, and it’s what still drives us today.
What has been your greatest success?
One of the greatest successes I’ve been part of is the growth of Brooks Hire, from a remote, one-man operation, into one of Australia’s largest privately owned hire companies. A defining moment came in 2020, when we expanded beyond our traditional hire model into multiple specialised divisions servicing the mining and construction sectors.
That shift began with the launch of Brooks Transport, which allowed us to move beyond transporting our own equipment to providing transport solutions across the broader industry. Since then, we’ve opened new divisions in access equipment, mining equipment, fleet hire, site services, parts, equipment sales, and even an airway service offering FIFO and corporate flights. That expansion fundamentally changed the scale and capability of our business.
From a personal perspective, my greatest success has been ensuring that growth is matched with meaningful impact. I’ve been heavily involved in the community side of the business, supporting sponsorships and driving initiatives that raise both funds and awareness for important causes. One of the most significant early projects I led was the Big Blue Digger Project, where we painted an excavator blue and donated a portion of its hire revenue to Ronald McDonald House Charities. That project is still operating and donating funds today.
More recently, I led the development of a joint venture with Aboriginal-owned mining company Olive Branch Resources - forming Brooks OBR MAIA. The goal of this partnership is to create a genuine alternative in plant and machinery hire, while delivering real opportunities for Aboriginal communities through education, employment, and business pathways.
For me, success isn’t just measured by business growth - it’s about building something that creates long-term value for both industry and community.
What do you value about FBA?
Our decision to join the Family Business Association came from a desire to better understand how other family businesses operate, particularly how they navigate and strengthen their businesses through succession.
Being a member has delivered exactly that, and much more. Through FBA, I’ve built a strong network of like-minded business owners who are open and generous in sharing their experiences. It’s created an environment where we can compare challenges and learn new ways to approach and resolve them.
From a team perspective, FBA has also reinforced the importance of culture within our business. It’s helped us further embed the idea that when you’re part of Brooks, you’re part of the Brooks family. One way we bring this to life is through our annual “Family Business” lunch, where staff from all branches come together.
We were also honoured to receive the ‘Established Family Business WA’ award at the FBA Excellence Awards in 2023, something we’re incredibly proud of and a meaningful addition alongside our other achievements.
What advice would you give to other family businesses?
Harmony is the key to family business success. As with any team, individuals have different strengths to offer. It’s important to recognise everyone’s differences and find a way to use them to achieve a common goal.
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