Meet the Team
Chris Cullen – Owner & Head Mechanic
Chris has over 23 years of experience in the marine industry and is up-to-date with all the latest service and training qualifications required by the manufacturers.
In our local area, Chris is known as the man to see if you have any boating issues. Our competitors even ring him for advice and guidance, and he is more than happy to help. He has a strong rapport with our customers and they often return for Chris’ experience, knowledge and advice.
A Marine Mechanic is responsible for maintaining and repairing marine engines and other related mechanical components. This includes diagnosing and repairing mechanical and electrical problems, replacing parts, and performing routine maintenance such as oil changes, lubrication, and tune-ups. Chris’s extensive knowledge in marine mechanics makes him your go -to guy for all your mechanical needs.
Kate Cullen – Sales & Marketing Manager
Kate worked in the finance industry for 4 & ½ years with Credit Suisse and the retail industry for 5 years with The Laminex Group.
Most recently, she worked for local accountants, Rekenen, before joining her husband Chris at Reef Side Marine.
As the sales and marketing manager she determines annual and gross-profit plans by forecasting and developing annual sales quotas for regions. Accomplishes marketing and sales objectives by planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating advertisements. Identifies marketing opportunities by understanding consumer requirements.
Kate’s wonderful demeaner means you get the personalized understanding when purchasing your new motor she believes in her local supporting local attitude and gives her all when promoting both Reef Side Marine and Bowen.
Tab Buckley – Parts Interpreter
Tab joined the Reef Side Team in May 2023 and assists customers with all their parts enquiries.
Tab has a can-do attitude and will help to the best of her ability. She is key person providing the workshop with everything they need to get the job done.
Tab has had over over 20 years experience in part interpretation services her skills and knowledge are immaculate.
Tabs can determine customer requirements and advises on product range, price, delivery, warranties and product use and care. Selling a wide range of products such as parts, trailer parts, lubricating oils, batteries, marine products and marine safety gear.
If you cant find the product your after Tab can do her best to find a supplier that can accommodate your budget. With continuous parts delivery be assured your part can be delivered if she can find it she can get it.
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Zane O’Brien – Marine Mechanic
Working closely with Chris, learning from the best – Zane is Marine Mechanic. Zane has been with the Reef Side Marine team 22nd March 2021 and continues to learn the tricks of the trade with Head Marine Mechanic.
Zane has training within the workshop and the retail sales with the front shop. Learning to work on inboard and outboard boat engines and equipment. Diagnosis of problems, repair and servicing engines and engine components, cooling and petrol fuel systems and clutch assemblies. Also learning to repair and service of inboard and outboard marine transmissions, propeller drive and jet drive propulsion systems and inboard marine hull equipment and instruments.
Zane also has a forklift license.
Mason Gatto – School-based Marine Mechanic Apprentice
From a young age Mason has been watching and learning from the Head Mechanic here at Reef Side Marine.
Mason joined the ranks in January 2019 working as a Trade Assistant and his role has transitioned into School Based Apprenticeship in July 2021. Australian School-based Apprenticeships (ASbA) part-time of your secondary schooling. Where you earn a wage, train with Head Mechanic, and working towards an accredited qualification while undertaking your high school certificate.
Mason works in the workshop with Chris and Zane assisting and being involved with diagnosis of problems, repair and servicing engines and engine components, cooling and petrol fuel systems and clutch assemblies.
Also involves repair and service of inboard and outboard marine transmissions, propeller drive and jet drive propulsion systems and trailers, installation, and repair of marine electrical, electronic and ignition systems and inboard marine hull equipment/instruments.
Mason also has a forklift license.
Josh Cullen
From a young age Josh has been watching and learning from the Head Mechanic and Sales and Marketing Manager here at Reef Side Marine, and why wouldn’t he being mum and dad . Yes you heard correctly this family business has the whole family involved and the kids help the store with mechanical and trades assistant jobs inclusive of customer service and of course our social media outlets.
Josh is our product testing stunt man especially the water skiing products if he isn’t at school or in the shop you will see him in the water on a boat having the time of his life.
Louis De Guzman – Marine Mechanic/Technician
Louis has joined our team on 4th January 2023 from Extreme Marine in Dubai. He has over 10 years’ experience in the marine industry and has excellent knowledge with Inboards and Outboards. We are all very excited to have him here working with Reef Side Marine.
Shannon Connelly- Administration
Shannon joined the team at the start of 2024 with experience in administration and customer service . Having experience in the finance industry call center and customer service gives Reef Side Marine and opportunity to utilize Shannon’s experience in giving all our customers the best experience.
Grace Cullen
Grace has been watching and learning from Sales and Marketing Manager here at Reef Side Marine, and why wouldn’t she as the Marketing manager is known to her as “mum. Yes, you heard correctly this family business has the whole family involved and the kids help the store with cleaning and assistant jobs inclusive of customer service and of course our social media outlets.
Grace is attending conferences and represents Reef Side Marine as the face and does the meet and greet for the business. Her customer skills are amazing, and she does her best for the business to represent us all.
