The professional team at Hobson Air Conditioning and Electrical. Riley, Jake, Will, Chappy, Dean and Casey.
Michael Chapman, owner of Hobson Electrical, has been part of the business for nearly two decades, starting as an employee before taking over the reins nine and a half years ago. What began as a local electrical company has grown into an essential part of the community, providing not only reliable electrical services but also supporting local sports teams and residents in need.
“It’s a local family business,” Michael says. “I’ve owned it for nine and a half years, but I worked for the previous owner, John Hobson, for ten years before that. I’m born and bred here in Young I did my trade locally and I’m married with four children, it’s a true blue family business.
As a proud local, Michael takes great pride in ensuring the business remains connected to the community. His commitment to employing local people and supporting the area is evident in the relationships he’s built over the years.
“A couple of the blokes who work for us play footy with Riley Powderly for the Young Cherrypickers, Casey Wall plays for the Harden Hawks, and Will Munday is the captain of the Young Yabbies Rugby Union Club,” Michael explains. “We sponsor the Pickers whenever we can throughout the year. Riley’s been with us for a couple of years, Casey for about three years, and Will for about six or seven years. It’s great to be involved in the local community in that way.”
Hobson Electrical’s work focuses primarily on domestic electrical services and air conditioning installations. Their day to day operations involve serving families and ensuring homes are safe, comfortable, and functional.
Whether it’s a routine electrical repair or the installation of a new air conditioning system, the team is there for the people of the town and surrounding areas.
“We go to Grenfell a couple of times a week, as well as Coota, Boorowa, and Harden,” Michael says. “Since the hailstorm, we’ve been in Harden almost every other day, working to fix things up. We were in Harden doing a lot of ‘make safes’ after the storm, making sure properties were safe for people to get in and start repairs. It’s about ensuring people can keep living in their homes while things get sorted.”
In the years since Michael took over the business, he noted the way the industry has changed, embracing modern technology to streamline operations. Hobson Electrical has transitioned from pen and paper to a computer program that helps allocate jobs, track progress, and manage parts and invoicing in real time.
“We’ve upgraded to a computer software program that allows us to allocate jobs and track everything in real time,” Michael explains. “It means our staff can fill out reports on-site, and office staff can get parts ordered and invoices processed without having to wait for the guys to return to the office. It keeps things running smoothly.”
But despite the technological advances, Michael’s core values remain unchanged. His primary focus is on his team and ensuring they are happy and supported.
He understands that when his employees are satisfied, they do their best work, and that benefits both the business and the community.
“I’m really big on making sure the boys can succeed here,” he says.
“If they’re happy, they’ll work harder, and that keeps the business thriving. We’re like a team, and we all have to do our part to make it work.”
Before entering the electrical trade, Michael spent 14 years at IGA, unloading trucks and working long hours. It was a job he stuck with during his school years, but when the opportunity came to transition to the electrical trade, he didn’t hesitate.
After working for John Hobson, Michael eventually took over the business, continuing the legacy that had been built and growing it further. Now, with a trusted team and a solid reputation in the community, Michael is focused on the future, constantly looking for ways to improve the business and serve his customers better.
“We’re currently in the middle of an extension at one of the medical centres in town, and we’ve got new houses with air conditioning and electrical work going in. We’ve got plenty of work on our plate and are kept busy,” Michael says. “It’s all part of the job. We’ve always prided ourselves on supporting the town, and we’ll keep doing that as long as we can.”
For Michael, running Hobson Electrical isn’t just about business it’s about giving back to the community that has supported him throughout his career. Whether it’s providing top-notch electrical services or supporting local sports teams, Michael Chapman is committed to making sure his business remains a vital part of the town for years to come.
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