I absolutely love being my own boss, Ben says! My ideas, creativity and imagination can now be explored in greater detail, their is no holding back. From designing and installing curved steel shade structures to a unique Ute Pet Shade cover that protects your fury friends in the back tray of your own Ute. “My days are so varied”, from making or repairing a shade sail, to being called out with my machine to do onsite repairs on camper trailer covers. Nothing is off limits, I can make a cover any size and shape, to protect the life of your goods from the elements, being so important in our harsh tropical climate.
Ben says, “with precise measurements, fabric type, sewing technique and the use of top quality materials, one of my Shade covers will last for years and years in our sun”. “My customers are amazed with the results in heat and glare reduction and cooler temperatures when custom fitted and made by me”. “When sewn correctly, installed and the sail tensioned, a Shade Sail should look architecturally pleasing to the eye when created the right way from the very beginning to the end of the project, he says. There is an art to getting your shade to look, sit and fit right, my experience using industrial sewing machines, has proven that.
Now with Multiple Australian Industry Awards, Ben Cheyne was awarded in May 2017, a ‘Special Commendation’ for Product Innovation for his creative design, superior products used in the making of this product and the installation of our “Ute Pet Shade Cover”. A career highlight awarded by Australia’s Specialised Textile Association. In May 2018, Ben was awarded the ‘WINNER’ 2018 Awards for Excellence in Shade Sails/Structures – Domestic for his Riverside Shade Sail Project located in Douglas, Qld. In June 2019, Ben was Awarded the ‘WINNER’ 2019 Award for Shade Sails/Structures – Domestic for his Alice River Shade Sail Project. Again in October 2020, Ben was awarded the ‘WINNER’ 2020 Award for Shade Sails/Structures – Domestic for his Toomulla Beach Shade Sail Project. We are extremely proud of his achievements and dedication to providing outstanding products to each and every customer.
Ben’s wife Amanda forms a vital part of the daily operation of the business whilst maintaining a smooth transition of new jobs coming into the workshop and managing onsite projects. Amanda’s career background as a Personal Assistant in Real Estate Sales/Marketing and Support Roles, also gives her great attention to detail in the promoting and production of our Shade Products. She will greet you with a smile and a giggle when you come into our workshop office and certainly keeps Ben well organised.
Ben and Amanda also work closely with expert local tradesman when preparing and installing projects onsite such with excavation services, concrete suppliers and crane operators, just to name a few.
