MEET OUR TEAM
Brian O'Sullivan - Director
Born and raised in the local area, growing up on a broad acre and irrigation farm to the north of Griffith. In 1988 he became one of the youngest people in the state to complete an apprenticeship in Auto Electrics and finished at the top of his class. He worked for the leading Auto Electrical business in the MIA for several years, mentoring other new entrants to the industry, before heading to WA in the mid 90’s to work on a large array of heavy vehicles and mine-based equipment. Upon his return to the region in 1998 he started Agcity Electrical, his own auto electrical business working on private, commercial and agricultural machinery. His reputation for reliability and great workmanship saw the business flourish. Brian saw an opportunity in the rapidly growing solar sector and sold his business to concentrate his efforts on solar. In 2008 he received his ‘Design and Supervise Solar’ Accreditation becoming the first accredited installer in the MIA. After meeting Darren around that time, he discovered they shared similar views on providing great customer service and collaboration in the workplace and established Solar Mad. Together they purchased an electronics retail business, Griffith Systems Plus in 2013 and started a third business, Bidgee Electrical in 2014. Brian, an avid fisherman and water skier, is married with two young children.
Darren Madden - Director
Started as an electrical apprenticeship with Bartter Enterprises in 1990 and, after completing his apprenticeship in 1993, spent the next three years as a maintenance electrician in the Processing Plant. In 1996 he commenced work with Flavourtech Pty Ltd as their first electrical tradesman. For the next 14 years he ran their electrical department which grew to a team of seven. During his employment with Flavourtech, Darren traveled overseas to install and carry out maintenance on specialised equipment. He’s undertaken work in the USA, Great Britain, Russia, Brazil and Japan. In 2009 he attended an intensive three-month course conducted by TAFE NSW to be trained in solar design and installation and started Solar Mad with Brian in 2010. As part of an ever-changing solar industry Darren frequently attends training courses to keep up to date with industry requirements. Solar Mad is still here when many have come and gone and Darren’s commitment to quality workmanship have played a key role in the success of the business. Darren is married with three children and actively involved in several local sporting organisations.
Ben Dean - Retail Manager
Ben commenced in the role in March 2021 after working in our electronics and communications store since October 2020. He moved to Griffith from Leeton and was previously a manager at Betta Electrical (also an authorised Jaycar Electronics stockist) so he has great product knowledge. He’s always been interested in learning about new technology and the latest gadgets so working for Solar Mad ticks a lot of boxes. Ben has also been in customer service since he was a young boy as his parents have owned and managed a caravan park for over 20 years and he was frequently called upon to liaise with visitors and residents. When he’s not at work, Ben enjoys hitting the gym, playing guitar and spending time with friends and family.
Teagan Fletcher - Office Manager
Born and raised in the Griffith region attending Griffith East Primary and Wade High before undertaking a Certificate 3 in Beauty Services at Griffith TAFE. In 2017 she completed a Certificate 3 in Business and is currently completing her Certificate 3 in Accounts Administration. She has a white card and first aid qualifications. While studying she worked in the hospitality sector for three years before joining Solar Mad in early 2018. Teagan helps keep things moving in our office and workshop. She manages much of the day-to-day communications and helps with customer inquiries. She has quickly learnt the ‘ins and outs’ of the solar sector and has become an invaluable member of the team.